Becoming Part of the PDS Family
Why Join PDS at UCSC?
Getting involved in PDS at UCSC will provide many opportunities for undergrads to become a stronger applicant when applying to dental schools. These opportunities will help you become a well-rounded student and very prepared on what's to come as a dentist. It's a great place to figure out if this is the type of career you want and what academic courses you need. While being in the club, you gain a family that will help you along your undergrad years. It's NEVER too late to join the club, so come join and become part of the PDS family! We've been staying flossy since '07.
The Benefits from PDS at UCSC
General Body Meetings- GBM's are weekly throughout each quarter. During meetings we have guest speakers from the dental community, including dental school students and faculty, UCSC alumni, dentists, and pre-health advisors. We also go over how to study for the DAT, dental school applications, and academic prerequisites for dental school. Some GBM’s include volunteer opportunities and manual dexterity workshops.
Workshops- PDS at UCSC hosts several workshops centered around four key focuses:
Shadowing Program - Active members have access to our shadowing program which connects club members to various dentists within the Santa Cruz area. This program is an amazing opportunity to create connections to dentistry and work on completing the observation hours required for dental school.
Volunteering - Volunteering is positively acknowledged when applying to dental schools, as it shows that you have a passion for helping others and engaging with your community. We present upcoming volunteer opportunities during GBM’s and host weekly volunteer events at the Homeless Garden Project.
Peer Advising - Need help with your 4- year plan? Have no fear, we have a board member called a Peer Adviser who can help you with academics and specific dental schools around the nation requirements. To get into contact with the Peer Adviser, go to the CONTACT US tab and select ADVISING APPOINTMENT.
Dental School Trips - At PDS, we prioritize getting the most updated and accurate information from dental schools to our members. As an active member, you will have the opportunity to learn invaluable insight to dental school admissions and the dental field directly from dental school faculty. Many of these opportunities are presented during our visits to nearby dental schools, such as UCSF and University of the Pacific.
Member of the Month/Year - Every month the PDS Board awards one active member as “Member of the Month.” This award is granted in recognition of the active member’s dedication to consistent club participation and is excellent to mention on your dental school application.
Leadership - Active members of the Pre-Dental Society have the opportunity to run for board member positions in the following school year.
Improve DAT Scores - We offer test prep advice, recommendations on studying and DAT sources, what to expect on test day, and discounts on materials.
PDS Annual Alumni Panel - This panel is a phenomenal experience to engage with UCSC Alumni and hear stories and advice from people who have accomplished the same things you are currently going through and preparing for as a pre-dental student. This conference is typically held during spring quarter and is a great way to reach out with questions or help in regarding schools the alumni currently attend or attended. A big bonus of this experience is visiting with the founders of PDS at UCSC, showing them how PDS continues to flourish while we listen to how they built this club into the community it is today!
Workshops- PDS at UCSC hosts several workshops centered around four key focuses:
- DAT prep
- Dental school applications
- Dental school interviews
- Manual dexterity activities
Shadowing Program - Active members have access to our shadowing program which connects club members to various dentists within the Santa Cruz area. This program is an amazing opportunity to create connections to dentistry and work on completing the observation hours required for dental school.
Volunteering - Volunteering is positively acknowledged when applying to dental schools, as it shows that you have a passion for helping others and engaging with your community. We present upcoming volunteer opportunities during GBM’s and host weekly volunteer events at the Homeless Garden Project.
Peer Advising - Need help with your 4- year plan? Have no fear, we have a board member called a Peer Adviser who can help you with academics and specific dental schools around the nation requirements. To get into contact with the Peer Adviser, go to the CONTACT US tab and select ADVISING APPOINTMENT.
Dental School Trips - At PDS, we prioritize getting the most updated and accurate information from dental schools to our members. As an active member, you will have the opportunity to learn invaluable insight to dental school admissions and the dental field directly from dental school faculty. Many of these opportunities are presented during our visits to nearby dental schools, such as UCSF and University of the Pacific.
Member of the Month/Year - Every month the PDS Board awards one active member as “Member of the Month.” This award is granted in recognition of the active member’s dedication to consistent club participation and is excellent to mention on your dental school application.
Leadership - Active members of the Pre-Dental Society have the opportunity to run for board member positions in the following school year.
Improve DAT Scores - We offer test prep advice, recommendations on studying and DAT sources, what to expect on test day, and discounts on materials.
PDS Annual Alumni Panel - This panel is a phenomenal experience to engage with UCSC Alumni and hear stories and advice from people who have accomplished the same things you are currently going through and preparing for as a pre-dental student. This conference is typically held during spring quarter and is a great way to reach out with questions or help in regarding schools the alumni currently attend or attended. A big bonus of this experience is visiting with the founders of PDS at UCSC, showing them how PDS continues to flourish while we listen to how they built this club into the community it is today!
