Students

“If you would’ve asked me in March 2020 if I’d ever be supporting my way through residency with a TikTok account, I’d call you crazy,” said Tim Bitner, DDS. But the resident in orthodontics is doing just that: and the same fine hand skills that propelled his dental career are fueling his success as the viral Mr. Rice Guy on TikTok.

The School of Dentistry’s second-year learners experienced a rite of passage into the profession last week, after a pandemic-induced delay.

Jose Gigato Gonzalez, DDS ’22, has always had a passion for artistic skills. He spent his spare time in undergraduate studies pursuing photography, as well as volunteering. He also knew he loved, and had great skill for, science. His bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in Miami in Biological Sciences and Multidisciplinary Studies furthered that expertise.

The School of Dentistry celebrated 105 DDS learners, 21 Dental Hygiene learners and 7 Dental Therapy learners at their White Coat Ceremony last week, marking their official entrance into the dental profession.

Beginning their orientation work over the summer and starting their classes by September, 133 new students entered the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene programs as first year learners. 

Last week, 133 new students made their debut on the University of Minnesota’s campus to attend orientation for their respective programs. The incoming class of 2021 consists of 105 DDS, 21 Dental Hygiene, and seven Dental Therapy students who participated in a hybrid orientation program.

It’s hard to imagine anyone further removed from his childhood than Michael A. Brooks, Jr., DDS ‘13.

A winter tradition at the School of Dentistry, Give Kids a Smile brings student and faculty volunteers together to provide free oral health care to children in need throughout the community.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rampaged the United States and shut down Minnesota, students at the School of Dentistry were left with impossible choices.

Colton Cannon, DDS/MPH ’23, has always had a passion for oral health advocacy.