The DMD Class of 2030 shares their first impressions
For the DMD Class of 2030, dental school became real.
The newest students at the UAB School of Dentistry arrived on campus last week for orientation, meeting classmates, faculty, and staff while becoming familiar with the learning environments they will call home over the next four years. Orientation activities included sessions on academic and clinical affairs, ethics, student support resources, clinical skills, and professional expectations.
During the week, students heard advice from fourth-year dental students, completed Basic Life Support training, toured the clinic, picked up scrubs, and took their first class photograph together. They also received an introduction to the people, resources, and expectations that will shape their time at UAB.
For many students, the week was a series of introductions. They met classmates, faculty, and staff, toured clinics and classrooms, and got their first look at the people and places that will become part of daily life over the next four years. By the end of the week, students had been introduced to much of what awaits them in the years ahead. More importantly, they had taken their first steps as a class.
Here’s what they had to say:
On getting started
“Orientation has been super fun. I love getting to meet new people. I feel like you know the class a lot more than Welcome Day, so that was exciting.” — Deeya Patel
“My favorite part of this week so far has been learning about the different dental courses and ethics classes, and working together while learning so much about teeth. It's been awesome. Go Class of 2030!” — Tyra Avery
On their classmates
“I've had lot of fun getting to know all of my classmates.” — Ansley Scales
“My favorite part of this first week of dental school has been meeting all of my new classmates, and all of us coming together for the first time. It's definitely been a surreal moment, but we've had the best week ever. Go Class of 2030!” — Sarah Brockway
On learning from upperclassmen
“My favorite part of this week has been all the Q&As we've been able to attend and learning from the upperclassmen about study habits and what worked for them. It's been really eye-opening and I'm ready to start school.” — Reese Burkhardt
“My favorite thing about this week has been getting to meet some of the older students and having them take us under their wing and tell us some of the things that they've learned during their time here. And having them host events outside of class has helped us get to know each other better. I'm really excited for the next four years.” — Kase Chirico
About the faculty and staff
“It's been really fun to get started with some of our courses, to start learning and just get to know all the faculty and meet everyone.” — Lacey Wesson
“I really liked starting new classes and being able to talk to new people. It's been fun, and the staff members have been really nice.” — Heta Patel
On the next four years
“I’m so excited. I just picked up my scrubs here at UAB School of Dentistry and still a lot to figure out for sure, but I'm so excited for everything that's coming up.” — Charles Kennedy
“I've really enjoyed this week getting know to my classmates and the faculty as well. I'm really excited for what's to come in the next four years.” — Nick Ragland