The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry’s international ties were strengthened this fall as the school hosted several groups of dental students as part of its cross-cultural exchange programs. The Global Initiative in Dental Education (GIDE), part of the school’s strategic plan, was designed to help elevate global dental education and health care standards to the mutual benefit of patients, students, staff and faculty.
Most recently, 10 dental students from Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, visited the school during the first two weeks of September. The exchange was coordinated by Dr. Eugene LaBarre, a faculty member who has been coordinating student exchange visits with Pharos University for the last several years.
Students from the Peking University School of Stomatology in Beijing, China, visited the school for two weeks in August. The students were part of an exchange program that was established in 2012 by the Dugoni School of Dentistry, Peking University School of Stomatology and Wenzhou Medical College School of Stomatology. The students from China were also able to attend the California Dental Association Fall Scientific Session held in San Francisco.
In July, students from Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry in Ankara, Turkey, visited the school. The group was invited by Dr. Nader Nadershahi ’94, executive associate dean and associate dean for academic affairs, following a trip he made to Turkey last year to meet with faculty, students and staff at Hacettepe University.
During their visits, the students interacted with students and faculty, attended lectures and classes and observed a variety of dental procedures in the clinics. In addition to learning about dental education in the U.S., the foreign students had time to explore many Bay Area highlights.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for all of us who have had the pleasure of interacting with the visiting students,” said Eve Cuny, director of Environmental Health and Safety. “Their excitement to learn about U.S. dental education and the American culture was evident every day.”
Pharos University students with Dr. Eugene LaBarre and Dean Ferrillo; Museum Curator Dorothy Dechant (right) with students from Peking University. 
Pharos University students with Dr. Eugene LaBarre and Dean Ferrillo. 
Hacettepe University students tour the Main Clinic.