Incoming West Virginia University School of Dentistry students have always embraced the boldness it takes for Mountaineers to Go First. The Class of 2024 is not different, and in light of the current crisis, this spirit takes on new meaning. The doctor of dental surgery (DDS) class began its four-year academic program with orientation and the start of classes on August 17, 2020. The diverse group of men and women holds undergraduate degrees ranging in areas from biochemistry and physical therapy to allied health and international studies. Most of them recently graduated amid the challenges of a COVID-19 pandemic that led to some online degree completions and quashed graduation celebrations.
“Some dental school applicants adjusted their immediate goal and timeline to become dentists due to the global pandemic. But that was not the case for our 48 enrollees. They demonstrated relentless determination to embark on their dental education as planned,” said Dr. Shelia S. Price, the dental school’s dean for admissions, recruitment and access.
Price and members of the DDS admissions committee also pressed on, shifting the welcoming process to multiple online platforms. The Class of 2024 is the first to receive a DDS summer e-newsletter specifically for them. The content was designed to introduce classmates, share keys to dental school success and inspire the future oral health professionals.
Virtual zoom sessions took the place of any on-campus visits prior to the fall semester. Embracing versatility and a new position, Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, hosted new students for a discussion in July.
“Life is a series of transitions, moving from one phase to the next, with a few being pivotal. Starting dental school is one of them. It is exciting to welcome the new class to the WVU School of Dentistry, and a bit more special for me as this is my first class while serving as interim dean,” Panagakos said.
This class of enrollees represents nine states, including West Virginia, and Kuwait. Each year, Dr. Robert Wanker, assistant dean of student and alumni affairs, organizes a picnic for students to socialize off campus with faculty and alumni. This year it had to be cancelled.
“COVID 19 has changed all of our lives, and things that we all looked forward to, just are not able to occur at this time. I’m always eager to meet each student during the first few weeks of school. We will continue to connect whether it’s by phone or email or one-on-one socially distanced and wearing masks. My goal is to give them advice to get them on their way and there are a number of methods to deliver the message,” Wanker said.
While different, Pangakos said the semester ahead will be productive.
"Starting this new phase in light of COVID has created challenges, anxiety, but also opportunities. Success is guaranteed if we all work together, starting with taking care of ourselves and each other,” the interim dean said.
Academically, the first-year students boast a 3.62 average overall GPA and a 3.51 average science GPA. Their spirit, according to Price, is similarly impressive.
“Unabated by outward challenges, each student’s inward resolve to enter dental school endured. Their sight remains focused on the letters D.D.S. Despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic, they are persevering in true Mountaineer form, equipped with resiliency and optimism,” she said.