Our Commitment to Our Members

UofL PDS pledges to aid pre-Dental, pre-Oral Hygiene, and Oral Hygiene students in their professional endeavors through meaningful initiatives in education, service, and activism. All funds given to the society will be used to directly benefit active members and the community.

Whether members seek guidance or opportunities to better their professional development, this society guarantees to offer devoted service to help them achieve their goals.

U of L Pre-Dental Society Volunteers

FOR DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS

As a dental hygiene student, the PDS allows you to network with dental hygienists and dentists in the community, as well as work first hand with them through our partnership with the Louisville Dental Society. Dental hygiene students also participate in Smile KY, an oral hygiene education program. We visit the dental school each semester where you will be able to take a tour, meet staff, and do hands-on labs. There is always a dental hygiene segment during PDS meetings and additional hygiene events throughout the semester, so come join other dental hygiene students in the PDS!

UofL Dental Hygiene Program

OBJECTIVES

  • To introduce students to not only successful dentists, but also prominent professionals working to benefit dentistry in their career through guest lectures and networking. From dental politics to specialty procedures, we aim to help students become educated in the depth of the dental field before they start professional school.

  • To give students opportunities to strengthen their competitiveness through community service, educational experiences, and involvement within the society.

  • To provide a structure to aid students in their undergraduate career and successful preparation for dental school.

HOW TO JOIN

Becoming involved in the UofL PDS is the next best step for you to become an exceeding candidate for dental school. To become a member, attend one of our meetings and pay the $20 membership dues. On top of the names of our active members being sent directly to the University of Louisville Dental School, members benefit from the following:

  • Meetings and Networking – We work hard to bring some of the best guest speakers to touch on interesting and innovative concepts within the dental field. On top of this, we frequently host admission employees and scholarship representatives to share insider tips on the application process and opportunities.

  • Website Features – These allow members to log service and shadow hours, sign up for events, access helpful course materials, view detailed application guides, and see PDS updates!

  • Leadership – This society is student run, giving members the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills and build their resume by becoming an officer.

  • Volunteering – We encourage community service through events such as free dental clinics, fundraising, oral hygiene education, and more!

  • Shadowing – Through our extensive dental referral list, we love to help connect students with dentists in every specialty to expose them to genuine dentistry.

  • Dental School Visits – These allow members to meet the dental school’s personnel and become familiar with their requirements and structure.

  • Social Events – These occasions allow students to connect and form relationships with people who have the same goals as them.

  • Personal Improvement – Whether getting a head start on dental skills like drilling and waxing, or learning how to best prepare for the DAT and application, we touch on many areas for our members to grow.

  • Mock Interviews – Conducted by actual admissions staff or dental students, UofL PDS members can sign up to train for their dental school interview.

  • X-Ray Certification Training – Once per semester, we allow students to apply to be selected for a free x-ray training course that certifies you to take radiographs at any Dental Van clinic.
  • Kaplan Partnership – This partnership allows active members to have exclusive discounts to Kaplan courses and products, as well as access to helpful Kaplan resources and sample DAT tests.