Six Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry students spent a portion of their summer break participating in a student exchange pilot program with two Chinese dental schools. This is the first group of students to participate in the program, which was established by the Dugoni School of Dentistry, Peking University School of Stomatology and Wenzhou Medical College School of Stomatology earlier in 2012.
The exchange program is designed to give our students and their counterparts in China an opportunity to learn about dental education abroad. The program aims to expand students’ understanding of the dental profession and oral health through interaction with and observation of dental students and faculty members in other countries.
The participating students spent approximately one week at each Chinese school and enjoyed opportunities to interact with Chinese students and faculty; attend lectures; and observe a variety of dental procedures and case presentations. The students were also able to participate in tourist and social activities, including a visit to the Great Wall of China and celebratory meals with school leaders and students.
[pullquote]This is the first group of students to participate in the program.[/pullquote]
“The exchange program broadened my knowledge of the dental profession and helped me realize the significant impact of oral health worldwide,” said C.T. Do, a Class of 2014 student and the exchange trip leader. “Interacting and building rapport with dental students in China was a cultural and professional experience in one.”
In late 2012 or early 2013, a group of Chinese dental students will visit the Dugoni School of Dentistry and participate in similar activities at the school and around the San Francisco Bay Area. After the pilot exchange, the program will be reevaluated and modified to further improve the experience for dental students from both countries.
