“It’s a place where you’re getting more than an education - you’re really being built up as a person.”
DDS Class of 2009
Hometown: Redding, California
Reason for Choosing Pacific: "After taking the predental clinical simulation course and meeting with admissions, I knew it was the right place for me."
Career Plans: Joining his father's private practice
One experience using a hand piece at the predental clinical simulation course for prospective students at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and Chris Nelson was hooked on a career. He grew up with a family of dentists and physicians, but it wasn't until his sophomore year at University of California, Davis, that Chris realized he wanted to pursue dentistry.
"If I knew I wanted to be a dentist, I would have attended University of the Pacific in Stockton because they have a great program for predental students," said Chris. "However, deciding to take the predental clinical simulation course at the dental school in San Francisco was the deciding factor for me."
After realizing that a dental career would combine his love of arts and crafts with science, Chris joined the pre-dental club at UC Davis. Bringing his leadership skills to the organization, he soon became president, spearheading major improvements for the club. He continued his involvement with school organizations after his acceptance to the dental school, becoming involved with student government.
"I am associated student body secretary and I'm really enjoying it," says Chris, a proud member of the Class of 2009. "I have the opportunity to be active in making changes in our dental school."
Chris enjoys interacting with his instructors and classmates. He takes it upon himself to keep his class informed about things by taking notes during lectures and sending them out. He cites the Pacific environment as his favorite aspect of the school.
"It's a place where you're getting more than an education - you're really being built up as a person," says Chris.
Chris' love of cycling inspired him to start the bike club at the dental school, even creating jerseys with the school logo. Additionally, he is active with the admissions office, serving as housing representative (overseeing his floor in student housing), student interviewer, tour guide for prospective students and coordinator for the predental clinical simulation course. As coordinator, he oversees the whole course, ranging from recruiting volunteers to organizing the lectures.
"I feel like I've come full circle," says Chris. "As a prospective student, I was a participant in the simulation course; now I'm the point person for it and put the whole thing together."
