Work Experience: For the past six years, Brent has worked part-time at the Pediatric Dental Specialists as a laboratory technician working on the fabrication and finishing of orthodontic models to be used in pre-treatment consultations.

College: He graduated from University of Miami with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.  While studying at Miami, Brent was a member of Eta Beta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, Pre-Dental Club and a Dean’s Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences.

“More than anything else, the McMullen Program taught me the value in taking initiative in one’s own education and being comfortable thinking outside of the box to find a solution. Going into college, I felt comfortable with the study habits I developed during my time in the McMullen Program.  However, when I felt that I needed to reassess my own study habits and make a necessary change, even if unorthodox, I was able to do so. This skill has been especially crucial in my time in dental school so far.”

McMullen Capstone Project: “My McMullen Capstone Project was titled ‘Class III Malocclusion: What is the Optimal Time of Treatment?’. The project was a review of orthodontic literature, examining Class III malocclusion, commonly known as underbite, and its etiology, prevalence by race and overall effect on growth, with the goal of determining the optimal timing of orthodontic treatment. The project concluded that Class III malocclusions are best treated prior to an individual reaching full growth, as the condition will self-perpetuate and worsen as growth occurs.”

My project helped in setting myself apart while applying not only to college, but to dental school as well.  While a student in the McMullen Program, I made the decision that dentistry was the career that I would pursue.  With that in mind, when applying to college, I feel that it was very beneficial to be able to show admissions committees that I was serious, not only regarding my academics and getting into college, but also in my career ambitions beyond.”

 

“The best thing about the McMullen Program to me was how the program fostered a more mentor-like relationship with instructors. Every time that I’ve returned to Calvert Hall since graduating, I’ve felt a deep connection to the program and to the faculty involved in it.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. As simple of an idea as it may seem, this was a big personal challenge for myself and is something that I wish I embraced at a younger age.”