students chat on zoom

Virtual spaces spur creativity, connection for DSS

While in an ordinary year, the Faculty of Dentistry’s students are extremely busy with clubs and events, 2020 has proven to be no ordinary year. As one example, the 99th annual Dentantics show, one of the school’s largest student-led events, was postponed just hours before opening curtain on March 12 as the university announced measures that same afternoon in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Now, the Faculty of Dentistry’s students are sitting final exams, and even graduating, from the comforts (or discomforts) of home.

“Obviously it’s not the easiest situation,” says David Dunbar, DDS I class president. “The uncertainty is stressful, and we have no idea how this is going to affect the field in general,” he adds.

But, as the saying goes, the show must go on. And so, while keeping their physical distance, intrepid DDS students have been finding ingenious ways to connect with one another virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together, apart

As soon as the shutdown was underway, the highly motivated 400-plus undergraduate student body began using Zoom to initiate class-wide calls. They organized: while one class set up their own website, most relied on Facebook pages, where information and resources were pooled to help each other to navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic shutdowns collectively. Prior to exams, dozens of students would jump on a weekly zoom call with each other to catch up. Many students continued to keep up chats with director of student life, Dr. Rick Rayman.

Online, class members found ways to help those experiencing greater hurdles to learning at home – whether due to minding children, caring for family members, or self-isolating in less-than-ideal circumstances – stay afloat, showing unparalleled community spirit.  

“I’m fortunate to be in a place with a quiet room. Other aren’t" 

“I’m fortunate to be in a place with a quiet room. Other aren’t,” explains DDS II class president, Fady Barsoum. After canvassing their needs internally, students researched what other Faculties and dental schools were doing to accommodate students.

The student leaders met with the Faculty’s senior leaders, converting their Staff-Student Relations committee meetings into Zoom calls through which concerns could be discussed directly. “It was very clear that they really cared about us,” says DDS III class president, Laura Sliwkanich. “It was great that the Faculty was able to respond as quickly as they did, especially so close to exams,” she says.

“It really lowered stress levels,” adds Susie Son, DSS president-elect for 2020-21.

Then, they got creative.

Before Gaga, there was Dentistry

On April 7, social representative Denise Roque organized an online talent show for the DDS I class. Not unlike Lady Gaga’s global virtual fundraiser, the 96-member class shared guitar, piano and singing skills. Others showed off hobbies, performed dances or cracked jokes.

“Everyone did incredible things. I hope it’s something we can do again,” says Dunbar.

Others have opted for afternoon or evening Zoom socials. They’ve play board games online together through popular app Houseparty. Some continued to host clubs online. Son says a club she meets with, a dental Christian fellowship group, continues to connect on Zoom each week.

DSS awards night goes virtual

And while some of the school’s events were unfortunately sidelined this year, the Dental Students’ Society has rebounded with resourceful ways to honour a few of its annual traditions – such as hosting the annual feel-good DSS Awards Night. Typically a night where each of the four undergraduate classes present awards and thanks to instructors and faculty members, this year the students posted videos of their picks on YouTube. The students also presented congeniality and MVP awards to members of their classes.

In her closing remarks, outgoing DSS president Elizabeth Worndl urged her fellow classmates to “cherish every moment remaining” of dental school as the students collectively tackle the close of a school year without the Faculty, patients, or even each other.

For some, though, the extraordinary efforts made by students and faculty during the early weeks of the pandemic are just more reminders of a continuous spirit of generosity.

“I think the class helped each other a lot over the last four years,” says DDS 4 class president, Tracy Tang. “And I hope that we continue to do so after we leave the Faculty, that we keep in touch.” 

Read a conversation with Elizabeth Worndl, outgoing DSS president, on graduating during the pandemic.

Photo: Classmates in DDS1 meet online (David Dunbar)