PRE-DENTAL SOCIETY
University of California, Irvine
Executive board 2023-2024
Shannon Au
Co-President
Hi PDSers! I'm Shannon, an incoming third-year honors student majoring in Biological Sciences. I'm excited to see our returning members and meet new individuals in our club!
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Why Dentistry?
If I had been asked this question one year ago, I would have probably answered along the lines of liking the bridge between the arts and sciences in dentistry, having hobbies that required good manual dexterity, and being passionate about patient care and interactions. While those reasons still hold very true for me, being in Pre-Dental Society at UCI for the past 2 years, assisting in various free dental clinics, and gaining hands-on experience at dental schools have further solidified why I'm pursuing a career in dentistry. I found all the little things in my learning journey exciting--putting on a PPE gown, getting an X-ray perfect on the first try, or being able to set up procedure trays from pure memorization. While these moments are not largely significant, they are crucial stepping stones that catapult me into better understanding the field of dentistry. When I held a high-speed handpiece for the first time, set up the entire rubber dam contraption, and drilled preps on typodont teeth inside a mannequin head, I underestimated how much practice and effort is put into making these perfect miniature adjustments to teeth. From then on, I had a newfound admiration for the immediate tangibility of this art from a first-hand experience. Dentistry is an ever-evolving field with much to learn, whether with my hands or with novel technology, and I'm excited to embrace the journey of enhancing oral health—one smile at a time.​
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Favorite PDS Memory
My favorite PDS memory is our 8th Annual Pre-Dental Day because it was one of the most stressful, albeit amazing and fulfilling, experiences I've had as Outreach Coordinator last year. Despite multiple obstacles that required us to work on short notice, we pulled off a very successful networking event with a high attendee turnout. Dr. Huang's presentation on oral surgery was one of the most interesting things I saw and listened to that day.
Something about me :)
Since I lived in Hong Kong for one-third of my life, I can speak 4 languages including beginner Spanish that I learned in high school! Besides languages, I like to explore different forms of nail art and designs because it helps with my manual dexterity and who doesn't love a pretty set of nails? I like collecting figurines and trinkets, taking digital and film photographs, playing board/video games with my friends, and playing slime because it's still a great hands-on stress reliever :) Between long studying hours, I enjoy a little K-drama break or a game of TFT. You can also never make me pick between a matcha or hojicha latte...
Valerie La
Co-President
Hi PDSers! My name is Valerie, and I am a third-year biological sciences major! I am so excited to be serving as one of your co-presidents this year, and I can't wait to meet you all!
Why Dentistry?
I've always known that I wanted to go into the healthcare field, but it was hard for me to determine what I wanted to do specifically. I was initially drawn to dentistry due to the fact that oral health was constantly overlooked by my family due to the field's high costs despite oral health being incredibly important, as the mouth is used for everyday activities such as talking and eating and plays such a large role in self-confidence. It was, however, through my shadowing and work experience that I realized that oral health goes far beyond intrapersonal experiences. Working in an office where only my second language is spoken (which I am far from fluent in), I learned that smiling is a universal language that brings people together. I have been able to create connections with patients despite not being able to fully communicate with them through the reassuring nods and smiles that they would give me throughout their visits, which made me realize that smiling plays a significant role in creating new, meaningful connections in people's lives. Pursuing dentistry would allow me to not only bridge the common economic gaps within the field, but to also make each smile I encounter brighter in hopes of bringing communities together.
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Favorite PDS Memory
I loved going on both spring break trips with PDS! Getting to tour and learn more about UOP's and UCSF's dental schools while exploring the city/visiting all of the tourist spots alongside my friends are memories that I will hold close to my heart. I especially loved playing on the playground at Golden Gate Park with everyone when I went on the trip this past year. Seeing everyone's inner child come out while swinging on the swing sets, climbing up ropes, and sliding down the slides with pieces of cardboard as seats was so heartwarming and are such fond memories that I will never forget.
About me:
I like studying at cafés (shoutout to Play Coffee in Old Towne Orange for fulfilling my matcha fixation this past summer), and I love making people laugh! I also enjoy karaoke nights and playing volleyball with friends at the ARC :)
Irene Kang
Co-Publicity Chair
Hi! My name is Irene and I am a second year Biological Sciences major and I am so excited to be co-publicity chair for this year. I’ll be managing our social media and information outlets this year so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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Why Dentistry?
Balance is something that I value in all aspects of life. From balancing work and social life, maintaining a balanced diet, or finding balance within my own philosophy and personality, I am always looking towards things that incorporate a sense of well-roundedness. As a career path, dentistry is a balanced of science and art, as well as healthcare and business. As all of these aspects are also things I have always been interested in, once I set my mind on going into the medical field I knew that dentistry was a top contender. Being able to make an immediate difference in patients’ overall health and self confidence by working on their teeth is something I am so passionate in and I am so glad that I get to share this passion with everyone in PDS.
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Favorite PDS Memory
Senior Goodbye Party 2024
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About me:
I love to solve puzzles (escape rooms, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, word games, etc.) and I love spending time with my friends and family. Some fun facts about me are that I love dark chocolate and I am trilingual :)
Darren Nguyen
Vice President
Hi i'm Darren Nguyen, a 3rd year bio major and will be the Vice President for this year, I can't wait to meet you all!
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Why Dentistry? ​
I've basically grown up in the dental office, and with that I've been in a lot of conversations around the office. I may have been a nuisance at times but I also had a lot of fun getting the little toys and making random conversation. As I grew up I also saw a lot of people walk out of the office in a better mood than when they arrived. Seeing your work brighten peoples day right after you help them is something that I have experienced firsthand more recently. Volunteering at free health clinics especially provided me with a sense of fulfillment that I haven't felt doing anything else. I am excited to go through the rest of my dental journey and explore what it has in store for me.
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Favorite PDS Memory:
PDS 2023-2024 Banquet
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About me:
I like the color green a lot and listen to music when I'm doing almost anything.
Taerin Kim
Co-Publicity Chair
Hello! My name is Taerin Kim and I am a third year biological sciences major. I will be this years’s co-publicity chair! We will be there to help you through our social media and email. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!​
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Why Dentistry?
Dentistry is how I can apply my love for the arts and interest in the sciences in a way that can help people both physically and mentally. I’ve always loved drawing and doing pottery, and being able to see how my efforts have tangible outcomes. The hands-on aspect of dentistry allows me to apply manual dexterity skills in respect to oral health where the outcome is a smile. Not only that, through shadowing, I was able to interact with many patients and get to learn about their lives. They’ll talk about small events that happened to them recently or chuckle at a joke made by the dentist, sharing bits of their personality. I value this interpersonal connection that makes dentistry not only a health care, but a way of personally connecting to the community. It breaks down the fear and stigma of going to the dentist and creates a welcoming atmosphere. I hope to spread that feeling!
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Favorite PDS Memory
I enjoyed the San Fransisco trip as well as the picnic social with CSULB! It was so fun getting to know so many people!
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About me:
I’m a big fan of entertainment media and any creative expression of art, written or visual!! Oh, I also like matcha a normal amount.
Tyler Tran
Co-Publicity Chair
Hi my name is Tyler. I am a second year biological science major. I am going to working as one of PDS’s co-publicity chairs. I will help manage the social media. I’m really excited about to see all the new and returning faces at our events.
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Why Dentistry?
I chose dentistry because I like how complex and interesting it is. I was drawn to dentistry because of how it incorporates aspects of engineering and art with problem solving. Being able to help people is also something that I find fulfilling and exciting and definitely things I want to incorporate into my career and future.
Favorite PDS Memory
Spring Break Trip
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About me:
I like to boulder and weightlift and maybe some tennis every so often.
Kayli Hasegawa
Co-Treasurer
Hi my name is Kayli and I am a second year biological sciences major! This year I'll be co-treasurer and will be handling all financial aspects of PDS. I am super excited to meet other pre-dental students and don't hesitate to reach out to me if you ever have any questions!
Why Dentistry?
I decided to pursue dentistry after being inspired by my own dentist. I'm eager to spread the importance of oral hygiene and hope to inspire others, just as my mentors have inspired me. My love for teeth and helping patients has created a passion for the field. As I continue my pre-dental journey, I look forward to discovering even more reasons to love dentistry!
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Favorite PDS Memory
San Francisco guitar man trying to open our car door and Bryan not driving away...
About me:
A little about me, I am from Chino Hills, CA and I love golfing and clothes!​
Ian Ho
Co-Treasurer
Hi! I'm Ian a second year bio major and this year's co-treasurer. Besides managing the finances of PDS, I am excited for the fundraisers in store for this year and my chance to meet everyone. Feel free to ask me questions, if need be!
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Why Dentistry?
I have been interested in biology/medicine since a young age. However, in high school, I was not sure what field of medicine I wanted to commit to. Luckily, some of my family friends are dentists, so they recommended that I shadow under them at their clinic. With my previous experiences with ortho-care, I was intrigued to do so. At their clinics, I began to understand the unique patient interactions compared to other medical fields. Each case was tackled differently to fit the aesthetic needs of the patient at hand. Through the creative execution of the procedure, patients were visibly satisfied, showing off their smiles, thereby growing the trust and interpersonal relationship between dentist and patient. I am interested in dentistry as it gives me the artistic freedom to create unique smiles. It also supports a generative lifestyle, promoting oral hygiene and restoring aesthetic confidence for the community.
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Favorite PDS Memory
Spring Break Trip in SF; Was very fun getting to know other people in PDS while exploring various parts of San Francisco.
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About Me
In my freetime I like to play the drum kit to different types of music, go out with my friends from time to time, and cook. Currently, I am learning how to sew, and boulder. And a not so fun fact is that I'm severely allergic to peanuts >:(.
Roy Shyu
Outreach Coordinator
Hello! My name is Roy Shyu and I am a 3rd year majoring in biological sciences. I will be serving as this year's Outreach Coordinator. I'll be managing workshops along with anything DAT related. I'm excited for this year and I look forward to meeting everyone!
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Why Dentistry?
My interest in dentistry was shaped by personal experiences during my childhood. I faced several dental challenges, including numerous cavities and the need to have four premolars removed in 6th grade as part of my orthodontic treatment. These early visits to the dentist were often filled with fear and anxiety because I did not understand what was happening. As I grew older, I realized that my fear stemmed from a lack of understanding. This realization led me to start asking more questions during my dental visits, which sparked a newfound appreciation for the profession. I began to recognize how crucial it is for a dentist to educate patients, explaining each step of the process to alleviate anxiety and build trust. A pivotal moment in my journey was visiting my grandmother one summer. The joy and ability to eat properly that she gained from the dentures made by a dentist I once feared had a profound impact on me. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a dentist, to help others experience that same joy and comfort.​
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Favorite PDS Memory
Spring Break Trip visiting UOP and UCSF​
About me:
In my free time I like playing piano, basketball, and building gundam. I also love to explore new music and go on food runs with friends.
Nataly Campos
Philanthropy Chair
Hello everyone!! My name is Nataly Campos and I am a third year majoring in the Biological Sciences. I am very excited to be this year's Philanthropy Chair and to give back to the community with you all. I am looking forward to seeing what this year brings for PDS and all the new memories that will be created!​
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Why Dentistry?
As a Latina, one thing I can't help but notice is the drastic difference in the percentage of the Latino population in the United States compared to the Latino representation among dentists. Despite living in America, access to dental care in underserved communities is a constant challenge that my family experienced and several communities to this day. Through my volunteer experience of using my Spanish-speaking ability to translate amongst patients and dentists at non-profit clinics, I have learned about the importance of representation in the healthcare field. Through my ability to interact with Latino patients who may have felt discouraged in seeking dental care due to language, financial, and cultural barriers, I have been encouraged to take the initiative and use my interest in dentistry to advocate for accessible dental care that represents and inspires the underserved communities at hand.​
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Favorite PDS Memory
2023 San Francisco PDS Trip
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About me:
In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows (especially reality TV), working out, and diamond painting which is a new hobby of mine. I also love building Legos, mainly the sets from the botanical collection! I like being active, whether that means going on a hike, paddle boarding, or playing frisbee in Aldrich Park.
David Jadin Comandante
Dental Education Coordinator
Hello everyone! My name is David Jadin Comandante, but most people just call me Jadin. I am a third-year Bio Sci major and am the 2024-2025 Dental Education Coordinator. I am so excited to make presentations for you and help spread dental knowledge to everyone. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about predental-related things like the DAT and the application process.​
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Why Dentistry?
I have had a fascination with teeth ever since I was little. Learning that my dad’s front teeth were fake yet looked so real and seeing my sister regain her ability to smile after a rough five years of braces showed me the difference a good dentist can make in people’s lives. I want to go to dental school, so I can improve people’s lives the same way I have seen throughout my life.​
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Favorite PDS Memory
My team winning tug of war during the social at Mile Square Park.
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About me:
In my free time, I like to play video games, watch anime, and practice calisthenics.
Alex Trinh
Co-Social Chair
Hi! My name is Alex, a 4th year Biological Sciences major. I will serve as a Co-social chair, and cannot wait to create new memories and friends this year!
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Why Dentistry?
Growing up, my pediatric dentist was a source of excitement and comfort. My sister and I, among his first patients, enjoyed choosing our favorite themed rooms—Pixar movies, ocean scenes, or Mario Kart. As our bond grew, I learned valuable oral hygiene practices. Shadowing him before college, I admired how his team engaged with kids, easing their fears and making dental care enjoyable. This experience inspired my pursuit of dentistry, highlighting the importance of early dental relationships. Through PDS, I've gained hands-on experience as a dental assistant at free clinics in underserved areas. Interacting with patients and addressing their concerns deepened my passion for dentistry and commitment to service. I aim to give back with the same care I received, making a positive impact by teaching essential oral health practices and ensuring patients leave with brighter, more beautiful smiles.
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Favorite PDS Memory
My favorite memory was the Spring Break trip to SF, one of the best college experiences yet. We had such a fun time on the way there, growing close with people in our car and singing carpool karaoke for 8 hours. We got to tour UCSF and UOP, explore touristy areas, enjoy great food, and stay up all night playing games. I am lucky to have found a group of supportive friends through PDS and am so excited to grow our predental family this year!
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About me:
My two loves are makeup and coffee, both a part of my morning routine that I consider self-care and therapeutic. During my free time, I enjoy exploring new cafes, going on walks listening to podcasts, baking, and painting! Fun fact: I have never had a cavity :D
Tiffany Vo
Co-Social Chair
Hii everyone! My name is Tiffany and I’m a second year Biological Sciences major. I’m so excited to meet you all as this year’s Co-Social Chair :) I’m a very big talker, so I will always be looking around to make new friends. Feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions!
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Why Dentistry?
It was definitely a gradual process in learning to love dentistry. I’ve always enjoyed the subject of biology, so I knew I wanted a career in healthcare, but I wasn’t sure exactly what. The summer before college, I started exploring different pathways and I stumbled across dentistry. Although a common story, I found that art played a big role in dentistry, which is something I’ve been passionate for most of my life. I also love the clinical atmosphere of this field, where I get to form interpersonal connections with my patients and watch them grow (both physically and orally)! I tried gaining more experience with dentistry during my first year, and I had a pivotal moment that confirmed this was what I wanted to do in life. Believe it or not, it was actually a tooth waxing workshop with PDS! Following that, every event or experience I had with dentistry convinced me to pursue it even further. No other career choices I delved into hooked me in as much as dentistry continues to. Even now, I’m learning so many new things to love about dentistry. I cannot wait to see where this path takes me!
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Favorite PDS Memory
Definitely the volleyball nights! It was a chance for me to not only get active but also to form stronger connections with the other PDSers. We were able to just let go and have fun :b
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About me:
I love trying new recipes, going to concerts, eating cheese (and rating it), thrifting, hiking, and the color brown. I’m a born and raised OC girl, but I still have so many things to explore. Let me know if you ever wanna try a new place with me!
Nicolas Vu
Co-Social Chair
Hi, my name is Nicolas Vu. I am a second year majoring in Biological Sciences. This year I will be serving as your co-social chair. I look forward to meeting all of you and plan amazing socials for you guys!​
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Why Dentistry?
Growing up, I enjoyed helping others and being a provider. I also enjoyed working with my hands and played a variety sports requiring hand eye coordination. My aunt told me that we come from a family with many skills and we should use them to help others in need. I instantly knew dentistry was my future path as it allowed me to utilize my skills and fulfill my need to help others. I became more interested in dentistry as I volunteered and learn more about the importance of oral hygiene. The ability to help change a person's lifestyle, confidence, and health is what I strive to accomplish through dentistry.
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Favorite PDS Memory
My favorite PDS memory was the spring break trip. It was really fun touring dental schools and SF with all my friends in PDS. We deepened our bond and had so much fun everyday.
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About me:
I really enjoy playing sports such as tennis and volleyball. I also like to watch sports, especially football and my favorite team is the Denver Broncos. A fun fact I was born in France.
