To start off, say a little about yourself, your interests, undergraduate degree and what you are doing now. “My name is Alisha Lapointe, I am from Florenceville-Bristol, and I graduated last spring (2020) with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours by Thesis in Biology from The University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. Some of my interests include grid drawing, painting, yoga, soccer, tennis, and golf. I am a strong advocate for inclusivity, and volunteer with programs that combat social isolation of community members with intellectual and/or physical disabilities and underrepresentation of female-identifying individuals in STEM fields. I am currently in my first year of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.”
What does research look like in your field? “Research in the field of dentistry is very diverse in its research areas; at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry alone, there are over ten areas of research including oral cancer, medico- dental ethics, and salivary proteins. Students are encouraged to seek out supervisors in the summer to assist with/take on research projects. If dental students want to continue their education to specialize (e.g. Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, etc.), it is essentially required that the student have dental research experience.”
What are your best survival tips for undergrad to succeed? “The best piece of advice that I received going into my undergrad was to get to know your professors and instructors as early as you can in your degree. I have had many opportunities stem from reaching out to my professors and instructors; they are fantastic resources.
If you are thinking of pursuing a professional program after your undergrad, I would recommend becoming familiar as early as possible with the respective prerequisites for the program and when they are offered at your university; this ensures that you have a rough plan of when you need to take each course, and how they fit into your degree.
My last survival tip is that school is not everything; prioritize academics but take breaks, find new passions, meet new people, take time to reflect on your journey, and enjoy your undergrad because four years flies by.”
Do you feel your undergraduate career prepared you for dentistry school? “Yes, I feel my undergraduate career immensely prepared me for dental school both academically and through opportunities that arose from reaching out to my professors and instructors.
Throughout my undergraduate degree I was encouraged to read deeply, to think critically, and to explore study techniques, all of which are essential skills for professional school.
By reaching out to my professors and instructors during my undergrad, I was introduced to some very rewarding opportunities that I might not have known about otherwise. I was a biochemistry lab Teaching Assistant for two years and completed an honours research project. Both opportunities strengthened my problem solving and critical thinking abilities; these skills have transcended to all aspects of my involvement and ultimately are assets to succeed in dental school.”
How did you gain experience in the field during undergrad in order to better your chances of being a successful applicant? “In regard to experience in the dental care field, I shadowed my local dentist and it was a phenomenal experience that I would recommend to anyone applying to dental school. Shadowing not only gives you an indication of your interest level in that career, but certain dental schools also have it as a requirement or it is a strongly suggested component in their application process.”
Alisha can be reached at alishalynn.lapointe@unb.ca for further questions.