by Grace A. Curcuru, D.D.S.
The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents Jason Dulac as a recipient of the 2007-2008 Michigan Dental Foundation John G. Nolen Scholarship Award.
Dulac, from Grand Rapids, is a third-year dental student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I had the opportunity to chat with the recipient and would like to shares some of his thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:
1. Where do you go to school, which schools have you attended on your journey to becoming a dental professional?
I’m currently a D3 student at the University of Michigan. I received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Illinois Wesleyan University in May 2005 and graduated from St Louis University High School in 2001.
2. Why did you want to become a dental professional?
I’ve always know I wanted to practice in one of the medical professions. After shadowing some physicians, I realized pursuing a M.D. was not right for me. Around that same time I received an invitation from my hometown dentist Dr Tom Lambert to shadow him in his office. That day I realized dentistry was what I had been looking for. I especially liked that dentistry allowed me to focus health care delivery on one area of the body. In subsequent shadowing other dentists and dental specialists, I observed dentists to have a higher level of pride and satisfaction in their work than many of the M.D.s I had shadowed. Their enthusiasm with their profession allowed me to apply to dental school with confidence in my decision.
3. Who inspired/mentored you along the way?
My dentist in Grand Rapids, Dr Tom Lambert, was the first to ignite my passion in the profession. Three of my college professors in the Biology Department at Illinois Wesleyan -- Dr. Bruce Criley, Dr David Bollivar, and Dr Given Harper -- mentored me throughout my college career and while I was applying to dental school.
4. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?
For any career, my mom always encouraged us to pursue what we loved and not worry about the money. In applying to dental school the best advice I received was from Dr Criley: apply early!
5. What advice can you give to students thinking about pursuing a career in dentistry?
Gain as much information as you can about the profession from dentists, dental students, college advisors, and other resources to ensure dentistry is the right career for you. Then ensure that you’re prepared for dental school and the application process.
6. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?
When a patient leaves my chair satisfied with the work they’ve received.
7. Can you share a story about dental school, which made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?
In one of my first interactions with a patient in the fall of my D2 year, I was assisting a D4 student with a treatment plan and providing the prophylaxis. During the procedure I noticed that the patient had considerable drug-induced Xerostomia. Later that afternoon I called the patient to discuss some of the possible therapies and saliva substitutes for her dry mouth. She was so pleased and thrilled that I had called to do so; she went on to tell me I’d be a great dentist and asked that I be her student dentist when the D4 graduated. Not only did that make my day, it made me realize I had picked the right profession.
8. Is there one procedure you enjoy the most?
I can’t say there’s any one procedure I prefer more than the others. There are still many procedures I haven’t had the opportunity to complete. I think I most enjoy patient education, notably when the patient is really "into it."
10. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?
When you’re a student, everything helps. Thank you for selecting me, and thank you to those people that made this scholarship possible, notably the friends and family of Dr John Nolen and those at the Michigan Dental Foundation.
11. Where do you see yourself in six months after graduation?
I plan to be in an AEGD program with the U.S. Navy.
12. Where do you see yourself in three to 10 years after graduation?
As a dentist in the Navy, contemplating whether I’d like to continue with the Navy or open a private practice.
13. Have you attended any local, state or national dental meetings?
I’m a student representative for the MDA Special Committee on the New Dentist, which convenes in Lansing, and I attend ASDA meetings which I consider the student equivalent of a local chapter.
14. If so, what did you enjoy about attending the meeting?
I’m a proponent of organized dentistry and always enjoy discussing the issues at hand.
15. Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee on either a national, state or local level? If so which one interests you?
Yes, I do plan to serve in organized dentistry. At this point I’m uncertain as to the level and capacity I’d be most interested in.
16. What do you like to do beyond dentistry, hobbies, talents, etc?
I love to travel and do things outdoors, and I’m also interested in aviation. I was pursuing my private pilot’s license but found it too expensive and time-consuming to complete as a dental student.
Thank you for a glimpse into the life of a Michigan Dental Foundation John G. Nolen Scholarship recipient. Your hard work and efforts are clearly demonstrated. You will be an asset to the dental profession.
The Michigan Dental Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional oral health professionals. All scholarships are given to Michigan residents attending Michigan universities and colleges. The Michigan Dental Foundation is devoted to becoming the philanthropic leader of the oral health community in order to fund student scholarships, provide oral health initiatives and access to care.
Smiling futures start here!