Giving Back to Help Others Succeed
Dr. Uzoukwu and Dr. Miller, class of 2021, returned after graduation to share their time and knowledge as instructors in the annual Learning Enhancement for Achievement in Dentistry (LEAD) program which prepares incoming first-year and rising dental students for the year ahead by conducting an intensive three-week summer boot camp. They tell us why LEAD is important to them and talk about plans for their futures.
What was your previous experiences with the LEAD program?
Dr. Miller: I participated in the program as an undergraduate student attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. From practicing in the sim lab to learning the layout of the school, this program gave me an extra boost of confidence going into dental school. Dr. Uzoukwu: I was invited to LEAD the summer before I started dental school and it was such a great experience. I believe my fellow LEAD participants and I had a much smoother transition into dental school because of the program. We were given an opportunity to have a first-hand look at what to expect as first year dental students. The most impactful part of the program was learning from upperclassmen who taught the courses. They were able to give us insight on how to be successful as first year dental students since they had just gone through it themselves. We were even able to share some of the information we received to the rest of our class once the semester started. Although I sacrificed some of my summer to participate in the program, it was well worth it. Why did you decide to come back after graduation to help with the program? How does it feel to be ‘on the teaching’ side after being on the learning side for four years?
Dr. Uzoukwu: I discovered a passion for teaching when I taught ESL to adults during my gap year before dental school. Our school has a teaching honors program I was very excited about participating in after hearing about it during my interview. So naturally, during my first summer as a LEAD student, when I discovered that teaching honors candidates taught LEAD, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to do. I have been teaching LEAD every summer since my first year of dental school. Dental school is tough, and I was very motivated to share what I had learned to get through it, but I wanted to do it in a fun and engaging way. It is always so rewarding when my old LEAD students tell me how much what I taught had helped them the following year. The positive feedback and a genuine love for teaching are what keep me coming back each year. Dr. Miller: As a dental student, I often looked up to upperclassmen for advice and tutoring. Throughout and following dental school, I felt it was my duty to do the same for underclassmen. I hope that my actions inspire current students to do the same in the future. What have you been teaching this summer?
Dr. Miller: I have been helping students transition from operative in the simulation lab to operative in the clinic. Dr. Uzoukwu: I teach operative in simulation lab with LEAD 5 (rising 2nd years); Critical Thinking in Oral Medicine for LEAD 4 (rising 1st years) and LEAD 5; Clinic Expectation, Radiology and Components of a Comprehensive exam for LEAD 6 (rising 3rd years). I will also be giving a breakdown of the different course tracks for the LEAD 4 students. What are your plans after teaching with the LEAD program this summer? Have you considered going into academic dentistry in your future?
Dr. Uzoukwu: After this summer, I am moving to Dallas and will be practicing as a general dentist in the DFW area. Absolutely! My dream is to one day work as faculty at a dental school - at least part-time initially and maybe full-time once I am done working in private practice (and finished paying off my loans). Dr. Miller: I will be starting a 35-month orthodontic residency at UT Health San Antonio after this summer. I plan to return to the Rio Grande Valley after my orthodontic residency to work in private practice, but perhaps I’ll return to UT Health in the future to teach! What single piece of advice would you give to anyone considering dental school or for anyone struggling with school/life balance?
Dr. Miller: Time management is everything in dental school! I would schedule in my breaks, workouts, and meals and give them the same importance as study time. As a legacy student, it has been a privilege to be able to call my dad after a hard day in sim lab or clinic and have someone who not only understands the struggles but is able to offer advice and solutions. My father had a very untraditional route and graduated from dental school when he was 34 years old. However, because of my parents, I had the support to attend university, apply for the 3+4 Early Acceptance Program, participate in summer programs, and graduated dental school at 24 years old. I couldn’t have done it without them, and I’m sure they are extremely proud. Dr. Uzoukwu: Find your support group and speak up when you are struggling. Let them be your sounding board of people who will bring life and positivity into your situation. Don’t allow the negative voices in your head to be the only ones you are listening to. Dental school is too hard to do by yourself!
Dr. Miller: I participated in the program as an undergraduate student attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. From practicing in the sim lab to learning the layout of the school, this program gave me an extra boost of confidence going into dental school. Dr. Uzoukwu: I was invited to LEAD the summer before I started dental school and it was such a great experience. I believe my fellow LEAD participants and I had a much smoother transition into dental school because of the program. We were given an opportunity to have a first-hand look at what to expect as first year dental students. The most impactful part of the program was learning from upperclassmen who taught the courses. They were able to give us insight on how to be successful as first year dental students since they had just gone through it themselves. We were even able to share some of the information we received to the rest of our class once the semester started. Although I sacrificed some of my summer to participate in the program, it was well worth it. Why did you decide to come back after graduation to help with the program? How does it feel to be ‘on the teaching’ side after being on the learning side for four years?
Dr. Uzoukwu: I discovered a passion for teaching when I taught ESL to adults during my gap year before dental school. Our school has a teaching honors program I was very excited about participating in after hearing about it during my interview. So naturally, during my first summer as a LEAD student, when I discovered that teaching honors candidates taught LEAD, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to do. I have been teaching LEAD every summer since my first year of dental school. Dental school is tough, and I was very motivated to share what I had learned to get through it, but I wanted to do it in a fun and engaging way. It is always so rewarding when my old LEAD students tell me how much what I taught had helped them the following year. The positive feedback and a genuine love for teaching are what keep me coming back each year. Dr. Miller: As a dental student, I often looked up to upperclassmen for advice and tutoring. Throughout and following dental school, I felt it was my duty to do the same for underclassmen. I hope that my actions inspire current students to do the same in the future. What have you been teaching this summer?
Dr. Miller: I have been helping students transition from operative in the simulation lab to operative in the clinic. Dr. Uzoukwu: I teach operative in simulation lab with LEAD 5 (rising 2nd years); Critical Thinking in Oral Medicine for LEAD 4 (rising 1st years) and LEAD 5; Clinic Expectation, Radiology and Components of a Comprehensive exam for LEAD 6 (rising 3rd years). I will also be giving a breakdown of the different course tracks for the LEAD 4 students. What are your plans after teaching with the LEAD program this summer? Have you considered going into academic dentistry in your future?
Dr. Uzoukwu: After this summer, I am moving to Dallas and will be practicing as a general dentist in the DFW area. Absolutely! My dream is to one day work as faculty at a dental school - at least part-time initially and maybe full-time once I am done working in private practice (and finished paying off my loans). Dr. Miller: I will be starting a 35-month orthodontic residency at UT Health San Antonio after this summer. I plan to return to the Rio Grande Valley after my orthodontic residency to work in private practice, but perhaps I’ll return to UT Health in the future to teach! What single piece of advice would you give to anyone considering dental school or for anyone struggling with school/life balance?
Dr. Miller: Time management is everything in dental school! I would schedule in my breaks, workouts, and meals and give them the same importance as study time. As a legacy student, it has been a privilege to be able to call my dad after a hard day in sim lab or clinic and have someone who not only understands the struggles but is able to offer advice and solutions. My father had a very untraditional route and graduated from dental school when he was 34 years old. However, because of my parents, I had the support to attend university, apply for the 3+4 Early Acceptance Program, participate in summer programs, and graduated dental school at 24 years old. I couldn’t have done it without them, and I’m sure they are extremely proud. Dr. Uzoukwu: Find your support group and speak up when you are struggling. Let them be your sounding board of people who will bring life and positivity into your situation. Don’t allow the negative voices in your head to be the only ones you are listening to. Dental school is too hard to do by yourself!
