Perspectives: Convocation with Tracy Tang, Class of 2020, DSS 4 President
The Class of 2T0 graduates in unprecedented times – here’s how they did it, and what comes next
Tracy Tang completed two prior degrees at U of T – a Bachelor’s degree in Sciences (2013) and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology (2015) – before undertaking her DDS degree. During her four at U of T Dentistry, she has been deeply involved with her community, serving on the DSS council and as class president each year, and serving as co-President of the Women in Dentistry at U of T group. For her exceptional volunteerism and community spirit, this spring Tang was awarded the Cressy Student Leadership award.
How would you describe your time at U of T Dentistry?
I think we learned a lot. We definitely have a very good education. What we really need now is more hands-on experience.
I also think we’re a really tight-knit community. The upper years would always help the lower years. Between the years, students always share knowledge, such as their experiences in clinical placements and residencies. There is always someone to reach out to. It was a really different experience than my master’s and undergrad degrees. That sense of community was really unique at Dentistry.
Who are some of the people who helped you through your degree?
There are so many special people it’s hard to pinpoint just a few. My friends and fellow classmates helped me a lot, as did our academic rep, Samantha Stahn, who helped us organize ourselves and sent us (countless) reminders.
So many instructors were helpful. One highlight for me will be Dr. Biner, who took forty four students on our Grenada [outreach] trip in 2019. It was very special. Dr. Biner was also my restorative instructor in DDS 3. He walked me through my first procedure and was so helpful.
Dentistry is an important part of health care. We need to remind ourselves to be a bit more patient
Who were some of the teachers or supporters who helped you or your class the most through this challenging end to your dental degree?
When the Faculty first closed we didn’t know how long it would be or what was going to happen. A lot of staff and faculty reached out. They checked in on us to see how we’re doing and were supportive. We have a very kind community overall who try to help each other out when possible. It’s really nice when that happens.
Then there was the question of whether or not we’d go back after three weeks. And there a huge unknown — we weren’t sure we’d be able to graduate on time, when exams were going to be and in what format. Everything had to be rescheduled. Do we have enough credits? Are we going to pass boards? We faced different waves of questions.
Dean Haas and the Faculty’s senior leadership team met with us often, answering all of our questions as best they could and dealing with them one at a time. That really reduced students’ anxiety. The Dean also sent out emails regularly, keeping us well informed.
Dr. Posluns has also been really helpful. When the clinics first closed, we had so many questions, such as what to tell our patients. He replied really quickly — often within the hour. Then, when we had to clear out our lockers and sign out, Dr. Posluns was really flexible and worked with everyone. That definitely made a huge impact. Dr. Rayman [Director of Student Life] has also been in touch with us a lot. He’s actually been speaking to a lot of the students daily on the phone and reaching out over email to make sure everyone is fine. He is always there for students.
What are some of the challenges — or opportunities — facing you and your fellow classmates as you graduate and enter the current job market?
The job market is a huge unknown right now, even for dentists with more experience than us. It’s a huge challenge, and those of us who are doing residencies or specialty programs are not sure whether their program starts will be delayed, or if they will still be able to partake in their programs.
Everyone is a bit worried, but I think it’s probably normal at this time. In the short term, things will be hard. I don’t know how long it will take, but I’m optimistic it will get better. Dentistry is an important part of health care. We need to remind ourselves to be a bit more patient.
Right now, we’re taking every opportunity to learn and doing continuing education via Zoom. The nice thing is that we’re still keeping in touch with our peers and staying optimistic. It’s nice to have a community who reminds each other why we’re here, encouraging each other through this time.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to work in private practice. I’m looking for jobs around the GTA and the city. I’m hoping to stay in the city or nearby.
Do you take away with your degree any lessons or lifelong learnings?
Always put your patients first. Do what’s best for your patient, and the rest will come. As health care providers, we need to remember that.
Second: we need to be lifelong learners. Especially now, during COVID, there are so many learning opportunities. They provide a good reminder of how much we have to learn. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that other dentists —experienced dentists — are still learning every day.
Photo: Tracy Tang (Sharice Molko)