Dean Feldman Welcomes Class of 2019
Dean Cecile A. Feldman, left, and Serah Udderaju, Class of 2015 president.
Dean Cecile A. Feldman greeted the Class of 2019 this month by describing some of her favorite things about dentistry.
“You have the opportunity to help people and use really cool technology while doing it,’’ she said at her annual welcome luncheon. “Dentistry is an amazing career choice.’’
She also pointed out that the class will be joining Rutgers during its 250th anniversary, which begins in 2016. “Rutgers has a great history,’’ she said. “We were founded in 1766, ten years before the revolution.''
This year’s class members, comprised of 90 first-year students, came from as far as Canada and California, although the majority – 69 members– are from New Jersey. According to Dean Feldman, they are also the most “academically competitive” in the history of RSDM.
But at RSDM, perhaps their defining characteristic is their “Smurf blue” scrubs, handed down to them by the Class of 2015. Class members named the royal blue color after the cartoon characters.
Class of 2015 President Serah Uddaraju, who returned to speak a the luncheon, warned students that dental school wouldn’t be easy. “The first two years are harder than medical school because you’re not only learning the academic lessons, but you’re developing your hand skills,’’ he said. “There are times you’ll second guess yourself.’’
But he promised them that all the hard work would be worth it. “It’s one of the most rewarding professions,'' he said. “And after the education I received here, I feel more prepared to treat patients than many of my colleagues.’’
He urged them to turn to classmates for support. “Get to know each other,’’ he said.
Dean Feldman also reminded them to always feel comfortable asking for help. “You’re now part of the dental school family,’’ she said. “That’s what we are here.’’
