Elyse Dynlacht

Dental Student

University of Louisville School of Dentistry

"I was most worried about expenses and student loans. I’d suggest looking for different programs that offer loan repayment or loan refinancing to ease the burden. For those entering professional schools in the health fields, the National Health Service Corps and the branches of the Military offer scholarships in return for service after graduation that can also be helpful to some students."

What was your major/minor at Purdue and when did you graduate?

Major: Biology

Minor: Psychology

Graduated May 2018

What was your most compelling class and why?

Anatomy and Physiology. As a dentist, we have to know about much more than just teeth. What seems like a simple toothache can really be indicative of something more serious. It is important to know how different body systems relate and understand how the body works. Anatomy and Physiology at Purdue was a difficult class but was very interesting.

What are you currently working on?

As a second year we are getting into preclinical classes and working with our hands to perform various procedures on dental models before we begin in the clinic next year and work with real patients. We are also beginning to prepare for the part one boards exam.

What drove you to pursue your current career path?

I always had an interest in the sciences, specifically biology. My experiences in dentistry (former fear of the dentist and experience with orthodontic treatment) drew me to the dental field early on. A major in biology helped me achieve my goals of getting into dental school.

Did you pursue internships/co-ops, research experiences, volunteer, or join student organizations while you attended Purdue?

I joined a couple organizations while I was at Purdue in which I was quite involved in. The Pre-dental Club, Women in Science Program, and Purdue Students Against Alzheimer’s were the organizations I was most involved in. I did research at a different university for one summer and I volunteered whenever I could to give back to the community. These experiences helped me in getting into dental school because I was involved in all these things that I was passionate about and could speak on in interviews and within my application. Within these opportunities, I was able to hold positions and do things that set myself apart from other applicants.

What advice would you give to prospective or current Purdue students about how to make the best use of what Purdue offers?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, attend office hours, and seek out the resources you need to succeed and reach your career goals. Faculty and staff are there to help! Utilize them as much as you can!