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Cal Pre-Dental Society is an organization on the UC Berkeley campus that seeks to bring students who are interested in the oral health profession together as well as contribute to the community through service and educational outreach. With over 40 members, PDS is able to participate in numerous dental and non-dental related service projects throughout the semester. Additionally, the Dental Education Outreach Program (DEOP) is a sub-section of the club aimed towards instilling healthy oral habits in young students through presentations at local elementary schools.
Although the service and outreach programs are impressive and important, what really makes PDS stand out is the connections that can be made both professionally and personally. The external branch of the club is geared towards organizing tours in local practices, mentorships with dentists and specialists, conferences in local schools, and help sharpen the members’ interviewing skills. The newsletters that are sent nationwide to other schools and dentists are also a great opportunity to share our successes outside of the Bay Area. The main reason I stuck with PDS for the majority of my time in Berkeley was not only because of the numerous resources it provides, but also because of the everlasting friendships that I have made. Since day one, I was welcomed with open arms and felt right at home. Although I knew I wanted to become a dentist from an early age, I felt lost about how to get there. There is a great mix of students who are unsure about the dental field, just mildly interested, or fixated on the profession. Anyone is welcome! No matter what the mindset is however, the friendships that are made through the process of figuring out our future is a bond that goes beyond dentistry and will leave you smiling. |