PRE-DENTAL SOCIETY
University of California, Irvine
Executive board 2023-2024
Darren Nguyen
President
Hi! My name is Darren Nguyen, I am a fourth year biological sciences major, and am excited to be serving as the President of the Pre-Dental Society at UC Irvine this year!
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Why Dentistry?
Dentistry like any other healthcare field serves to help people, but I find it unique in how patient relationships are formed as well as the effect your work can have on others. In the private practice world it is not uncommon to see patients over the course of many years, seeing the changes in their lives, and conversing with them about the simple interests you both share. However dentistry also is a field where complete strangers can have extreme restorations and transformations at the end of a procedure. In many cases during my volunteer experiences with Wealth by Health, there are patients who do not regularly see the dentist reporting pain and sometimes hiding their smile when we are introduced to each other. Over the course of the appointment however, you can see their smile changing with every tooth being cleaned and every cavity being filled. Even the most timid of patients express gratitude with their words and a smile when they leave the chair. Dentistry's uniqueness stems from the fact that it rewards these long term connections you can have with patients while simultaneously allowing you to perform procedures with immediate visual and practical results. Whether it be a close friend that has been in your chair for years, or a stranger who may not even share the same language with you, dentistry allows you to provide treatments with real-time pain relief or cosmetic improvement.
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Favorite PDS Memory
All of the PDS Banquets
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Something about me :)
I have always enjoyed hiking or taking walks in general, and have learned a bit about music production over the summer. In my free time I also like playing volleyball or basketball.
Irene Kang
Vice President
Hello! My name is Irene Kang and I am so excited to be Vice President for PDS this year. I can't wait to meet everyone!
Why Dentistry?
Dentistry is such a unique field that I'm incredibly passionate about. Though I've always known that I want to pursue a career in healthcare, I didn't know what specifically I felt the most drawn to until I found dentistry. It offers a perfect balance between science, art, business, and patient care--allowing me to explore all of my interests in those aspects without compromise. The balance reassures me that I'll find long term satisfaction and purpose in the career which is one of my biggest goals in life. My own dentist is one of my biggest inspirations, and has been one of my biggest supporters in my pre-dental journey so far. Seeing how content she is with her life because of how fulfilling her job is gives me an insight to my future and I could not be more excited for what's to come.
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Favorite PDS Memory
Going to In-n-Out at UTC with everyone after weekly meeting
About me:
I am a puzzle enthusiast (all different types: escape rooms, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, word games, rubik's cube, etc.) and I love pickles.
Ian Ho
Co-Publicity Chair
Hi my name is Ian Ho, a third year biological science major. As a co-publicity chair, my team and I will primarily focus on giving updates on upcoming events so you aren't missing out on anything related to PDS. Throughout meetings and external events, our team will also be taking pictures of you guys as a memento for you to look back upon! If you have any questions feel free to reach out!
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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:
2024 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 love to cook, play the drums and run on occasion. I've recently been getting into cameras (bought a canon rebel ti1 just recently), and hopefully I can make a hobby out of it.
Dominic Pham
Co-Publicity Chair
Hi! My name is Dom, an incoming second-year Biological Sciences major, and I am very excited to be one of your Co-Publicity Chairs this year!! I will be managing our club's social media pages and showcasing our many events, so feel free to reach out anytime
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Why Dentistry?
I love everything that dentistry stands for and offers as a career path. Coming from someone who did not have a lot of confidence as a child, dentistry changed my life. It encouraged me to be more confident in how I carry myself and smile at others. I want to show others how braces and other kinds of dental work can change their lives and improve their health. On top of that, I love working with my hands, so being able to help patients with just my hands is an extra bonus that I hope to see through :))
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Favorite PDS Memory
I really enjoyed our PDS Intercollegiate Social, where we played a ton of games and had a bonfire at the beach with other PDS clubs
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About me:
During my free time, I like watching kdramas and playing various sports!
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.
Daniel Hwang
Co-Treasurer
Hi! My name is Daniel Hwang. I'm entering my fourth and final year at UCI as a Microbiology and Immunology major. I'm looking forward to help fundraise for PDS and meet new people!
Why Dentistry?
I've always known I wanted to do something with biology, so I ended up choosing healthcare because of the direct and positive impact on other people. When I looked into healthcare fields, dentistry spoke to me the most because it's so personalized and hands-on. Every dentist I shadowed or worked with has their own style of working and having the opportunity to build up your skills and learn for the rest of your life sounds incredibly cool. When you get to see dentists create smiles on people's faces from all those years of experience, it is one of the most rewarding things
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Favorite PDS Memory
CDA! I think innovation in dentistry is one of the best things about it and CDA is the place to see it. From mouthwash to handpieces to scanners to whatever you can think of, CDA has it all. Browsing all of this with PDS and picking up all the free stuff is one of my best memories with PDS.
About me:
I'm from Fresno, California so I have been a Californian my entire life. You will probably find me trying new restaurants, at the arcade, or at the beach in my free time.
Nicolas Vu
Co-Treasurer
Hi, my name is Nicolas Vu and I'm one of the Co-Treasurer this year! I am a third year majoring in Biological Sciences. I'll be handling the finances of PDS and organizing fundraisers for all of you to enjoy. I'm an easy going guy so feel free to come up to ask any questions or start a conversation.
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Why Dentistry?
I have always been surrounded by family in the medical field who also pushed me to be in it as well. My sister is a pediatrician, brother is a pharmacist, and other family members work in various medical specialties. I wasn't always sure whether I wanted to become a doctor, pharmacist, or dentist, but I did love being a provider and helping others whenever I get the opportunity. What initially interested me in becoming a dentist was my monthly visits to my orthodontist. An environment that many kids feared, I was actually drawn too and admired because of the kind staff and hands on procedures. I was always greeted with a warm smile and loved the clinical atmosphere. In addition, I love working with my hands and played variety of sports requiring hand eye coordination. I thought my skills were suited for dentistry and wanted to learn more about it. That's where I entered college and my journey started with PDS. I went to my first open clinic and assisted dentists cleaning patients teeth and became immediately hooked to dentistry. As I gained more experience, I became more in love and fulfilled while helping others. Not only did I love working in the clinic and volunteering, I met some of my closest friends through this journey and people who push me to become better. This path has allowed me to meet so many inspiring people and be a provider to individuals in need
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Favorite PDS Memory
Co-ed intramural volleyball. It was super fun competing against other clubs and seeing members come to our games and cheer. I was able to create stronger bonds with the members on the team and also participate in an activity I love.
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About Me
I love going out, spending times with others, and doing any sort of physical activity. I enjoy playing sports, going hiking, listening music, and trying new things.
Nataly Campos
Outreach Coordinator
Hello everyone!! My name is Nataly Campos and I am a fourth year majoring in the Biological Sciences. I am very excited to be this year's Outreach Coordinator and help you find the proper resources to support you with your DAT studies and professional development. 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, I have become increasingly aware of the significant gap between the growing Latino population in the United States and its limited representation within the dental profession. Access to dental care remains a persistent challenge in many underserved communities, something my family and others continue to experience firsthand. Volunteering at non-profit clinics and participating in a medical brigade to Guatemala, where I used my Spanish-speaking skills to bridge communication between patients and dentists, has shown me how meaningful representation can be in healthcare. Seeing Latino patients feel more comfortable and understood reinforced the importance of providing care that reflects the communities it serves. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advocating for accessible, inclusive dental care that reaches and empowers underserved populations
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Favorite PDS Memory
All of the Boys and Girls Club Oral Hygiene presentations I got to volunteer for!​
About me:
In my free time, I enjoy binge-watching all kinds of TV shows, staying active through the gym or sports, and volunteering in my community. I also love building and collecting LEGO sets, especially from the Botanical Collection! Music is another big part of my life. My current favorite genres are R&B, reggae, and instrumental jazz. Lately, I’ve been enjoying day trips and exploring new places as well, with Joshua Tree being one of my favorites so far!
Tiffany Vo
Philanthropy Chair
Hii! My name is Tiffany and I’m a third year Biological Sciences major. I’m so excited to make new friends, reach new goals, and hopefully run a marathon this year. I’m always down to try new things or hang out, so don't be a stranger if you see me :) And of course feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions!​
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Why Dentistry?
Although a common story, my passion in dentistry originally stemmed from my passion in arts and crafts. The summer before college, I began exploring different healthcare pathways, as I've always loved biology. I stumbled across dentistry, with my decision solidifying after I found PDS!
But from two years ago to now, I've realized it's the little things that truly shape my love for dentistry. Learning how to develop X-rays in a red room (something I've never heard about!), finally setting up the procedure room correctly after my 20th time, listening to my patient's hair history, and hearing my first "thank you" were all moments in my journey that compelled me to keep pushing. There is always something new for me to learn. Whether it's how to solve a mechanical or an emotional issue, I know that somebody is relying on me and I will always be there to help.
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Favorite PDS Memory
Playing on our intramural volleyball team! There was always so much club spirit, and I loved seeing everyone forget about their worries and just have fun.
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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
Roy Shyu
Dental Education Coordinator
Hello! My name is Roy Shyu, and I am a fourth-year Biological Sciences major. I will be serving as this year's Dental Education Coordinator. In this role, I will be educating our members on a variety of dental topics and providing different shadowing and work opportunities.
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
Beach Bonfire Social​
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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.
Kayli Hasegawa
Co-Social Chair
Hi! My name is Kayli and I’m a third-year Biological Sciences major. I’m super excited to be a part of PDS again this year. As Co-Social Chair, I’ll be helping plan all the fun events for our members, and I can’t wait to see everyone come out and get involved. If you ever have any questions or just want to connect feel free to reach out
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Why Dentistry? ​
I didn’t always want to be a dentist. Growing up, I actually had a bad experience with my dentist, which made me pretty hesitant about the field. Things changed when I switched providers, my new dentist gave me such a positive experience that it completely shifted how I saw dental care. They encouraged me to explore the field, and even though the years of schooling felt intimidating, I thought, “why not at least try?” So during my SPOP, I impulsively switched my major, and looking back, I have no regrets.
Joining the Pre-Dental Society gave me the chance to assist at multiple free health clinics, where I discovered how much I enjoy working directly with patients and supporting underserved communities. Those experiences made me fall in love with the impact dentists can have beyond the chair.
Now, I feel confident and excited to continue pursuing dentistry. I’m grateful I took a chance on something I never imagined myself doing, and I look forward to growing further in my pre-dental journey!
Favorite PDS Memory
Definitely our spring break trips, too many funny memories to count. From “guitar man” trying to open our car in San Francisco, to somehow ending up with second-row seats at the Suns vs. Bucks game, to all the laughs shared with the amazing friends I’ve met through PDS.
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About me:
I’m originally from Chino Hills, but I love living in Orange County and all the opportunities it has brought me. Outside of school, I work as a barista, latte art has definitely become my version of a manual dexterity hobby! Music has always been a big part of my life too; I grew up playing marimba and guitar, and I’ve been meaning to finally use my DJ board to learn how to mix songs. I’m also really into fashion, especially finding new jewelry pieces that I can add to my stack.
Most of all, I love spending time with friends and making the most of my college experience here. After graduation, I plan to move to Japan, so I’m excited to enjoy every moment before that next chapter!
Tyler Tran
Co-Social Chair
My name is Tyler and I am an incoming third year Biological Sciences Major. I am from Huntington Beach and I like trying new food and being active
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Why Dentistry?
I like how dentistry combines manual dexterity with problem solving. Its interesting how slightly different situations can prepare you to handle different patients’ issues. I really enjoy helping people and looking forward to seeing the immediate difference my future work can have on peoples’ everyday lives.​
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Favorite PDS Memory
Spring Break Trip to Arizona Dental Schools
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About me:
I like going to the gym and playing basketball and volleyball for fun.
Alana Sugue
Co-Social Chair
Hi! My name is Alana and I'm a third year biological sciences major. I'm super excited to be one of this year's Co-Social Chairs and look forward to meeting all of you!
Why Dentistry?
Ever since I was little, I was absolutely fascinated with the human body and how everything works together. At first, I was just amazed how each part had its own role, but as I got older, I learned just how big of a role oral health plays in overall health and wellness, and that connection is what really drew me to dentistry. After shadowing and learning more about the field, I fell in love with how it blends creativity with science in such a unique way. It's hands-on, detail-orientated, and also gives me the chance to help people feel good about themselves. Smiles are such a big part of confidence, and I believe everyone deserves to love theirs!
Another big reason I chose dentistry is the experience I had growing up. My childhood dentist was always so kind and welcoming that I actually looked forward to my visits. When other kids would tell me they were scared of the dentist, I couldn't understand it because my own experience was so positive. That contrast inspired me to become the kind of dentist that people feel comfortable with, and even excited to see. I want to carry the same lasting, positive impact my dentist had on me into the care I give others.
Favorite PDS Memory​
Irvine Spectrum Scavenger Hunt
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About me:
I love sports and stay busy as a student-athlete on UCI’s Track & Field team! Outside of school, I love anything and everything outdoors, like rock climbing, bouldering, swimming, and going on hikes. I also like to crochet outfits for my cat and bake sweet treats!
