“Recommend with reservations”, or “Not recommend”. Two applicants with the same point total may get different global evalu- ations. The committee members present their candidates to the entire committee in a summary form at the Thursday meetings. Other members of the committee pose questions if they do not hear evidence in the summary to support the points or global evaluation given. A vote of the entire committee is then taken if there is lack of unanimity.
I must confess that I was unaware of the lengths to which this process has gone in an attempt to make it fair. It attempts to balance academic grades, DAT scores, abil- ity to think, as well as compassion. It also attempts to balance objective data such as DAT scores against subjective opinions of the interviewers and the reviewers that read the essays, recommendation letters and the back ground of the candidates.
This process described yielded the follow- ing admissions to UMKC SOD class of 2015.
• Class of 2015 size: 109
• State of residence: AR 3, CO 1, FL 1, HI 3, KS 21, MO 74, NM 4, OK 2,
• Male: 62; Female: 47 • Dental Legacy: 34
• Average Science GPA: 3.57 (Science GPA Range: 3.03-4.00)
• Average DAT Score: 18.75 (DAT Range: 17-23)
• UMKC SOD Applications Received: 637 (Re-applicants: 21)
• Number interviewed: 181
I am impressed by the hard work of the committee members and the framework that is in place. While components of the system may be changed, adjusted or refined in the future, the framework is fair and solid, in the opinion of this rookie Admissions Committee member. I am con- fident that the candidates admitted into the Class of 2015 are highly qualified and are destined to join this great profession of dentistry well prepared as proud alumni of the UMKC School of Dentistry.
DR. RAMAN serves as an MDA and ADA delegate and as a clinical instructor at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). His Kansas City practice is devoted to temporo
mandibular dysfunction and aesthetic den- tistry. Contact him at
praman@sbcgloblal.net.
WELL BEING
It’s the most wonderful stressful time of the year
by REBECCCA MOWEN
What was once the season to be jolly can turn into the most stressful time of the year. Holidays traditionally were a time for families to gather and to socialize. Today, they’ve become an event—an event that comes at a high price to those who try, with perfection, to meet the expectations of others.
Instead of planning just a family gathering, the event planners must possess the ability to multitask, be good at logistics and have a great understanding of the psychological and physical needs of those in attendance—especially if you have to strategically plan the seating arrange- ment!
In addition to the event planning, the holiday traditions have been eroding throughout the years, causing even more anxiety. When I was growing up, the biggest challenges were making sure you had everything you needed before 6 p.m. the night before (including presents and dinner ingredients) because all the stores were closed so everyone had a chance to spend meaningful time with their families and friends—that, and deciding who had the chore of peeling the potatoes as well as figuring out how much football you could watch on TV!
Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
PLAN EARLY · BUDGET · MAKE TIME FOR RELAXATION · HAVE FUN · ASK FOR HELP SIMPLIFY · ASK OTHERS FOR GIFT SUGGESTIONS · DO NOT OVERSPEND DO NOT OVER EAT · SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS · DO NOT TRY TO SETTLE UNRESOLVED CONFLICTS
Now with rampant commercialization, Christ- mas decorations are out before Halloween and Thanksgiving is a prelude to Black Friday. Even more convenient, stores now are open on Christmas, so you can quickly exchange the gift that you did not like or want.
DRINK RESPONSIBILITY · DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE · DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE CONSIDER HOMEMADE GIFTS
To make the holiday season a success, thanksgiving is the key. The focus needs to remain on gratitude for what we already have and not on what we want (and many times, really don’t need). Take time to talk to a family member, call an old friend, play a game with a child, play fetch with your dog or pet your cat. You could volunteer at a shelter, or do a random act of kindness. Just remember that our time on earth is limited and you cannot buy more. Don’t spend it wrapped up in a hustle and bustle that can just leave you anxious and empty. Family gatherings are meant to be fun and relaxing. Set realistic expectations. Only do what you can and realize the event does not have to be perfect to be good—better yet, expect the unexpected, and if all goes well, it will be even better.
Holidays are so much more than event planning and gift giving. Sometimes just being present is the best present of all.
REBECCA MOWEN is the Missouri Dental Well Being Program Administrator. Contact her at 314-435-1101 or
wellbeing@modental.org for free, confidential help.
NOV/DEC 2011 | focus 49
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