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Curt Kuster, D.D.S., speaks with the fresman class. Photo by Peggy Cain. |
Forty-five freshmen dental students and 20 dental hygiene students recently participated in a white coat ceremony at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln. Each began their four- and two-year programs respectively.
Curt Kuster, D.D.S., UNMC College of Dentistry director of admissions, said the academic credentials of this year’s freshman dental class are outstanding. Furthermore, their personalities and interests give him every assurance that the Class of 2006, like the many classes before it, will perform to the highest standards.
“This is a very good class,” he said. “They fit the mold of a typical entering dental class at Nebraska. We have high hopes for success like we have had with past classes. We have the same expectations of them. Seemingly, they have the background and the desire to all be contributing members of the profession.”
Diverse backgrounds
Some, as the children of dentists, grew up with dentistry, while others came from diverse backgrounds. One new student, Emilie Smith, is a former Kansas State basketball player who worked in her family-owned restaurant. Tim Davis, studied exercise physiology and worked in a physical therapy practice.
Kristen Luther, a native of Grand Island, has a bachelor’s degree in social work and has been involved with adoption programs in Omaha. Andy Friesen has lived much of his life in Japan where his parents were missionaries.
One of the new dental hygiene students, Amy Anderson, is a former airline flight attendant.
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Corte McGuffey, a former quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado, is a member of this year’s dental class. |
Also in the Class of 2006 is Corte McGuffey, a former quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado who, in 2000, received the Harlan Hill Award, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Last year, McGuffey, a native of Cheyenne, Wyo., was on the practice squad of the St. Louis Rams. He also was a Rhodes Scholar candidate.
Geography, minorities
Of the 45 freshman dental students, 28 are from Nebraska, four are from North Dakota and one is from Wyoming, two states that contract with Nebraska for dental education. Other states represented in the class are Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas, Idaho, Utah and Missouri. All but one of the dental hygiene students is from Nebraska.
There are 19 women in the dental class, which is about average or just slightly higher than average for the college. The class includes one African-American student, one Hispanic student and one Native American student, all three from what are identified as underrepresented minorities. The dental hygiene class of all women includes one African-American student and one Hispanic student.
NU PATHS student
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Travis Haynes is the first dental student admitted through a new program, NU PATHS. |
RHOP students
Four students in the Class of 2006 are enrolled in the Rural Health Opportunities Program, an initiative to encourage young people from rural areas to enter health professionals and return to their rural communities to live and work. The four RHOP dental students are Michelle Bargen and Stephanie Irwin from Wayne State College and Sarah Vath and Chris Wenburg from Chadron State College.
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Michelle Bargen is one of four RHOP dental students. |
Incoming dental hygiene students in the RHOP program are Sarah DaMoude of Chadron State College and Kristin Taake of Wayne State College.
The admissions process
Kuster said the committee considers five factors in making its decisions about applicants: academic background; scores on dental admissions tests; state of residence; nonacademic background including work history and volunteer experiences; and a personal interview with members of the committee. Last year, 565 applications were received for this fall’s freshman dental class. Of that number, 120 were invited to the college for interviews and 45 were accepted into the program.