May 19, 2015
The first week of May, the CDA held two events as a way to introduce soon-to-be graduates of the CU School of Dental Medicine to the association.
On May 2, the CDA hosted the third annual New Dentists Meet the Students reception. At the event, all four classes of dental students had the opportunity to learn from CDA new dentists who recently were in their shoes. Dr. Justin Pearson, social co-chair of the New Dentist Committee (NDC), led the discussions, with additional input coming from 18 of his fellow new dentists and CDA President Dr. Brett Kessler. The students mingled with the new dentists over food and drinks, provided by an ADA Membership for Growth grant. During the reception, they discussed such topics as different avenues for following a career path, how to juggle a career with family and coping with the increasing demands on new dentists.
On May 5, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the CDA hosted burrito day and National Signing Day for the fourth year dental students. Dr. Dawn Wehking, NDC chair; Dr. Alex Barton, NDC media chair; and Dr. Jae Grymes touted the value of membership in the ADA, CDA and local component societies. The Metro Denver Dental Society provided Starbucks cards for all students who filled out membership applications, and the ADA offered its ADA Oral Pathologist app (a $60 value) to the students for free. In total, 71 dental students committed to joining the ADA. Of those, 33 plan to remain in Colorado to further their education or begin practicing.
Congratulations class of 2015! Welcome to organized dentistry!