Navigating Dental School: A Guide to Thriving in the 2023 Academic Year
As we begin the new academic year 2023, get acquainted with the dedicated people who are here to support you throughout your dental school journey. From the Dental Students’ Society (DSS), to the Office of Student Life, and Student Services, it’s important to get informed on the resources available to students, and the opportunities that exist to get involved beyond the classroom within the vibrant Faculty of Dentistry community.
Uniting through the Dental Students' Society
The Dental Students’ Society (DSS) is the official undergraduate organization at the Faculty of Dentistry. Every full-time undergraduate student is automatically a member of DSS, which organizes and controls the athletic, dramatic, literary, social and other group activities of the student body.
Zoha Anjum is the current DSS President. As a first-generation immigrant student, she faced many challenges when navigating the Canadian education system and planning her career. “My mentors and my community played a substantial role in helping me achieve my goals, and that inspired me to continue giving back through extracurricular and volunteer activities.”
“You will never be alone on this journey, so please feel free to reach out to any one of us when you need support.” Having represented her cohort as the class president for three years, she is looking forward to serving the entire student body this year. The DSS team has been working diligently over the summer to plan events for the 2023-24 school year. Some of the upcoming events include the DSS Welcome Back BBQ, Halloween Costume Contest, Holiday Dinner and Annual Ski Trip to name a few.
The dedicated team of DSS executive members is a great resource to new students, as they understand any hurdles you may encounter throughout the dental school journey. Their advice comes from shared experiences as well as from the strategies they mastered to overcome challenges.
If you are interested in starting your own student club, the DSS is accepting applications until September 15, 2023.
Embracing the student life
When pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, students often spend over 40 hours per week in class or in clinics. The program pushes their boundaries, and they are required to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and dedication.
Supporting health and wellness continues to be a priority at the Faculty of Dentistry. The Office of Student Life is available to all Dentistry students. Dr. Joel Rosenbloom is the newly appointed Director of Student Life at the Faculty.
“I am looking forward to working closely with students on issues, projects and initiatives that improve the quality of student life at the Faculty." Dr. Rosenbloom will be working closely with the DSS Wellness Committee. He is in the process of developing a 'quiet space' in the Wellness Suite for students to come and take a 'pause on the path' destress after a hectic, difficult clinic or lab, breathe, meditate, call a family member or do yoga with one or two students. The student life office also organizes weekly Friday lunchtime yoga sessions.
There is so much to do alongside your studies. Whether you are coming to the U of T campus for the first time or have been on site and are returning, the UTogether resource is your guide to the University of Toronto community, with information on where to eat, study and gather.
Student Services: Guiding you to success
The Student Services Office team assists students in meeting academic and personal challenges, while keeping you informed on important program information. Fostering a positive student experience is integral to providing a rewarding education to students. The SSO team strives to cultivate a culture where students feel safe and seek support if they need it.
“On behalf of the Student Services team, we wish you a momentous academic year ahead.” “The coming months will offer endless opportunities for you to become engaged and discover new strengths, new ideas and new knowledge. I invite you to participate in as much activity as possible, from research and pedagogic innovations to social, DSS and community-focused gatherings, so that by the time this year comes to an end, you know each other differently, authentically, and are prepared to care for one another and work together to support each other professionally and beyond.” says Samantha Freeman-Attwood, Registrar at the Faculty of Dentistry.
The office maintains open communication with Dentistry's students. Students can always email studentsevices@dentistry.utoronto.ca or drop by room 104B on the main floor.
Written by Nina Ambros Beckles
Photo credit: Jeff Comber IITS