Admission Sync

The Biomedical Engineering Student

As a senior biomedical engineering student at RPI, I am receiving a particularly well-rounded education in engineering, complemented by studies in the sciences and humanities. During my sophomore year, I became interested in dentistry and began to select courses that would prepare me for dental school. While this meant additional work, I improved my study skills, and I have earned a grade point average of 3.4 over the last three years. Because of this rigorous course load, I will be graduating this August instead of last May. I had planned on applying to dental school this fall for the 1988-89 entering class, but after receiving your letter earlier this month and subsequently speaking with the admissions office, I found that it was still possible to apply for the September 1987 entering class.

My interest in the health care field began while I was in high school. I was first introduced to many different aspects of the medical field as a member of the Medical Explorers. My further research experience in college has inspired me to enter the dental profession.

My background in biomedical engineering has introduced me to some of the practical applications of biomaterials in dentistry. Dentistry is a challenging field that would enable me to provide health care to many people. Oral health is a crucial part of well-being, and I believe that I can make a significant contribution to dental medicine. Though I anticipate that much of my time as a professional will be spent providing clinical care, I am determined to continue with researching new techniques for improved treatment.

My career goal is to specialize in the area of oral surgery. I am encouraged in this aspiration when I consider the achievements of the 1986 SDOS graduating class, where both the number and percentage of students admitted to post-graduate residency programs were higher than those for any other dental school in the country. Another thing that appeals to me about SDOS is the favorable ratio of staff to students, which undoubtedly enhances both individual instruction and the development of close relationships between students and instructors.

This summer, at RPI, I will be assisting Dr. Joan Smith, DDS, and Dr. Robert Adams, PhD, in determining the effect of magnesium on the crystal development of dental enamel in newborn rats. The rationale for this research is that magnesium is closely associated with acid solubility and, thus, potentially with the tooth-decay process. As a result of this research, I am already co-author of a poster presentation entitled “The Detection of Magnesium According to Developmental Age,” which was shown at the March 1987 meeting of the International Association of Dental Research. By the end of the summer, I should be co-author of at least two journal publications.

I would be pleased to join the distinguished class enrolling at SDOS in September 1987. Overall, I feel that SDOS can help me achieve my goals by preparing me to fulfill my obligation to myself, to society, and to the dental profession.

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