University of Minnesota dental school students return to CSB+SJU

CSB+SJU pre-dental students got a chance to preview graduate dental school and ask questions to their grad school counterparts at an alumni panel at Upper Gorecki this Tuesday.

The panel was led by University of Minnesota dental school students Morgan Gerhardt (CSB ’22) and Johnny Krawczyk (SJU ’21).

They were joined virtually by three other CSB graduates who are also in the dental program.

CSB Senior and pre-dental club co-President Becca Ringstad said the panel was created as a way to foster a relationship between aspiring dental undergrads and CSB+SJU alumni who are currently en route to becoming a dentist.

“Drawing on the graduate students’ experience allows [pre-dental students] to ask questions about the application process, the transition between undergrad and dental school, and the realities of being a dental student,” Ringstad said.

According to pre-dental club advisor and biology professor David Mitchell, conversations like this panel expose students to others that are practicing dentists, dental school admissions officers and CSB+SJU alums currently in dental school.

“[These panels provide students with] advice on coursework, experiences outside the classroom, preparation for an admission exam and exposure to what the day in the life of a dentist actually looks like,” Mitchell said.

The discussion began with a presentation about the dental school application process.

Gerhardt emphasized the importance of volunteering and shadowing in dental offices to gain field experience prior to graduation.

Because the application process is extensive, the alumni urged students to stay organized, gather letters of recommendation and other materials early and highlight individual strengths rather than just technical experience.

They also shared study tips for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a five-hour standardized exam required for admission to dental schools in the U.S.

After the presentation, students asked questions about how to stand out on applications, what the workload in dental school is like and whether a specific major better prepares students for dental school.

Gerhardt recommended that students involve themselves in extracurricular activities at CSB+SJU in order to build a competitive resume.

The academic transition is not an overwhelming jump from CSB+SJU, Krawczyk said, and the rigorous coursework that CSB+SJU provides sets students up for future success.

While most students pursue an undergrad major in Biology or Biochemistry, Gerhardt emphasized that as long as the pre-dental requirements are fulfilled, specific majors are not as important in determining admission.

Krawczyk also spoke about the importance of balancing work life with social life.

With dental school’s demanding curriculum, several alumni noted that it is vital to make time for friends and fun.

Yet even with the heavy workload, both Krawczyk and Gerhardt said they don’t regret choosing dentistry as their profession.

Krawczyk said one of the most important ways that CSB+SJU prepared him for a career in dentistry was through its Benedictine Values and a focus on service.

A year of service after graduation in Newark, New Jersey, as part of the Benedictine Volunteer Corps, also helped shape his outlook.

“Working in the BVC especially gave me time to reflect on helping others,” Krawczyk said.

The focus on helping the underprivileged is invaluable when applied to his real-life interactions with patients.

SJU junior and pre-dental student Andrew Withuski attended the event.

“It was good to hear from CSB+SJU alums. It’s really applicable to me and other pre-dental students so we can apply what they experienced to help us get into dental school,” Withuski said.

The pre-dental club at CSB+SJU seeks to provide undergraduates with resources and support as they work through the process of applying to dental school.

Ringstad affirmed how impactful the club was to her as a pre-dental student.

“I remember the past presidents of the club acting like mentors to me and I want to extend that mentorship to younger pre-dental students,” Ringstad said.

As students work through the demanding pre-requisites and lengthy requirements of applying to dental school, knowing they can rely on the support and shared experiences of the club to ensure their future success is crucial.