PRE-DENTAL SOCIETY
University of California, Irvine
Executive board 2023-2024
Irene Kang
President
Hi! My name's Irene, and I am a fourth year Biological Sciences major. I’m super excited to what’s to come this year in PDS! Being president this year is a huge honor for me, and I can’t wait to share the knowledge I’ve gained about the pre-dental journey to all of you!
Why Dentistry?
I’ve always known that I wanted to go into a profession in healthcare, but I didn’t know exactly what that was until I discovered the beauty of dentistry through my personal dentist, Dr. Lim. I learned through shadowing her that dentistry is at the intersection of service, art, science, and business. The unique ability to be apart of all of these fields, while also caring for someone’s oral health and impacting their overall health is the reason why I am so passionate about becoming a dentist. Now embarking on my fourth year as a PDSer, I am as confident as ever that this is the path that I’m meant to be on. PDS has done nothing but grow my passion for dentistry and I feel so lucky to have gained so much knowledge about the field throughout the years through this club.
Favorite PDS Memory
Going through the internship program!
About me:
I love playing board games with my friends and I am a puzzle enthusiast (all types of puzzles ranging from escape rooms, jigsaw puzzles, and word games). I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan, and I’m also a server at an All You Can Eat KBBQ restaurant!
Dominic Pham
Vice President
Hi! My name is Dom and I am a third-year Biological Sciences major. I'm so excited to serve as the Vice President of PDS this year, and I can't wait to meet everyone!
Why Dentistry?
Growing up, I've always been interested in biology and knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare so that I could make a meaningful impact in the world and care for others. It wasn't until I shadowed an orthodontist, Dr. Tran, in high school that I became interested in dentistry. What inspired me the most was how she cared for her patients beyond just treating their teeth. She emphasized prevention and patient education, using handouts to teach each patient individually and taking the time to help them understand how to care for their oral health. I also saw the genuine relationships she built with each of her patients, whether it was staying up to date with their lives or helping a nervous patient grow more comfortable and confident over multiple visits. Seeing the impact she had on her patients made me realize that this is the type of dentist I want to become and the type of person I strive to be. Since then, other shadowing experiences and being involved in pre-dental clubs such as PDS have made me even more confident that dentistry is the right career for me.
Favorite PDS Memory
Our Spring break trip to SF was super fun! We got to visit a ton of popular locations, eat a lot of good food, and tour UCSF and UOP. It was so memorable and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to travel with friends!
About me:
During my free time, I enjoy playing sports, gyming, and watching kdramas.
Emily Bayarnyam
Co-Publicity Chair
Hi! I'm Emily Bayarnyam, and I am a fourth year Biological Sciences major. I'm really excited to be serving as one of the publicity chairs this year as I love taking photos and creating visually pleasing and informative posts. Feel free to ask any questions!
Why Dentistry?
Honestly, I wasn't interested in Dentistry until my freshman year of uni. I was debating on what kind of career I'd want to do in the future, and I realized that I loved going to the dentist ever since I was little. Each tool the dentist used felt like an intricate dance which made me more and more curious about the dental field. One of my favorite moments was when I volunteered at a clinic in my hometown and I really got to experience both front desk and the dental work aspect. Each patient had a unique story and all three of the dentists I worked with saw to it that everyone had access to them no matter what. They also focused tremendously on conservative dentistry which fueled my passion for dentistry furthermore. I also saw many people being nervous going to the dentist as they get older due to a bad experience with one. I want to become a dentist to ensure all my patients have a comfortable experience and feel heard about their concerns. With this, I not only loved the community aspect but also dentistry is where I'm able to combine my artist skills with helping people have beautiful smiles.
Favorite PDS Memory:
Our 2026 spring break trip! I felt like I got to know everyone so much better and I just had so much fun experiencing SF with my pds friends. Everyday was filled with laughs and I can't wait for our next one!
About me:
I'm from the Bay Area, specifically Walnut Creek. I chose UC Irvine since I really wanted to experience what it would be like to live in Southern California and to see the differences between the two. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends trying out new smoothie/sweet treat places and going to the beach too. I also enjoy decorating my room and often rearranging things around to liven up my room which is a trait I definitely got from my mom.
Phoebe Lin
Co-Publicity Chair
Hi! My name is Phoebe and I am a third year double majoring in Biological Sciences and Dance. I hope to bring exciting and fun designs to PDS as part of Publicity!
Why Dentistry?
I've always been a quieter kid but loved to dance and perform on stage. One of the reasons I lacked confidence was because of my crooked teeth. I remember the first performance I had after removing my braces, one of the parents came up and told me how beautiful my smile was and that I was truly evolving as a dancer. Ever since then, I have wanted to help other people experience the feeling I did in that moment. Dentistry is a career full of hands-on work and I truly enjoy focusing on every detail. Whether it be perfecting my arabesque line or shaping a filling, I strive to view everything from an artistic standpoint. As I have began to experience dental practice in-person through working and volunteering, I see how much care goes into every treatment plan. I hope to one day provide patients with comfort in their smile and be a part of their ability to express themselves with confidence.
Favorite PDS Memory
San Francisco Spring Break Trip!
About me:
I've trained in classical ballet for 17 years! Other than that, I enjoy playing fingerstyle guitar, crocheting, puzzles, hiking, and rating places on Beli (top 1% in Irvine btw :)). Also, feel free to ask me about double majoring!
Lam Tran
Co-Publicity Chair
Hello! My name is Lam Tran. I am a second biological sciences major and also Co-Publicity Chair for 2026-2027 PDS Board. My goal as Co-Publicity Chair is to capture the highlights of PDS throughout the year, as well as to keep our members in touch with all our general meetings, socials, fundraisers, volunteer events, and much more! I'm looking forward to making the most out of this year by connecting with more members and capturing all our memories together this year.
Why Dentistry?
My interest in dentistry stemmed from my personal struggles and experiences in dentistry. Dentistry significantly improved my quality of life, so I want to foster optimism in taking care of one's oral hygiene to promote a higher quality of life for those around me. Furthermore, the technical and professional components of dentistry align with my passion for hands-on work and effective communication, allowing me to simultaneously help and connect with not only those who share my experiences but also with the wider community.
Favorite PDS Memory
Being able to spend a few days touring dental schools in San Francisco, learning more about the dental application process, and exploring the bay area alongside fellow PDS members was by far my favorite memory in PDS.
About me:
A fun fact about me is that I am left-handed, but I play sports with my right hand. I enjoy exploring new places around me, whether that be a restaurant, hiking trail, or a new way to try something familiar. Outside of PDS, you'll most likely see me cooking, watching something, or playing volleyball with my friends.
Tyler Tran
Co-Treasurer
Hi! My name is Tyler and I am a fourth year Biological Sciences major. I’m looking forward to meeting all the returning faces and new faces at the general meetings!
Why Dentistry?
I respected my dentist growing up and always considered dentistry as I enjoyed studying science and wanted to work in some form of healthcare. I’ve always been drawn to the hands-on-nature of dentistry and working with my hands. I can also get to work as a doctor and someone who can help people every day. I also look forward to being able to build trust and long term with patients that I get to treat and help.
Favorite PDS Memory
PDS SPRING BREAK TRIP!
About me:
I like lifting weights and hiking. I enjoy volleyball with my friends and trying new food.
Ethan Tran
Co-Treasurer
Hi! My name is Ethan and I am a third year Biological Sciences major. I’m really looking forward to making the most out of this school year by meeting new people and creating lasting memories in PDS.
Why Dentistry?
Growing up, I never imagined myself pursuing a career in healthcare. I’ve always wanted to become a pilot, and ironically, one of my biggest fears was going to the dentist. That started to change in high school when I took biology and realized how much I enjoyed learning about science and the human body. At first, I thought that meant I wanted to become a doctor, but as I explored different healthcare careers, dentistry stood out to me the most. I was drawn to how it combines science with hands-on skills, creativity, and attention to detail. I also like that dentistry allows you to see the direct impact of your work, whether it is relieving someone's pain, restoring their smile, or helping them feel more confident. Beyond the clinical side, I value the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and create an environment where they feel comfortable and cared for. Considering that I used to be afraid of going to the dentist myself, I think it would be especially meaningful to help patients overcome that same fear. Dentistry gives me the chance to help others while doing work that is both challenging and creative, which is what makes it appealing for me.
Favorite PDS Memory
Spring Break trip to the Bay!
About Me
I really like cars and hiking. My favorite hike I’ve ever done is Mt. Baldy because I loved the challenge and the views. Recently, I’ve also started cooking more and trying new food places, which has opened me up to a whole new world of experiences.
Nicolas Vu
Outreach Coordinator
Hey, my name is Nicolas Vu and I'm a fourth year biological science major. I'm looking forward to another great year at PDS and meeting new members.
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.
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.
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.
Justin Nguyen
Philanthropy Chair
Hello, my name is Justin. I am a bio sci major and I'm looking forward to make lasting memories in my senior year.
Why Dentistry?
Beyond the scope of wanting to help out others, I like dentistry as it's a health profession that heavily focuses on art and creativity. Growing up, I really liked working with my hands to build things like Lego and Gundams. When I had the opportunity to shadow and assist at my uncle’s dental practice, I watched him sculpt a temporary crown at an impressive pace. Seeing that level of craftsmanship firsthand resonated with me, and I realized I could connect my passion for the arts with a career; hence, I chose dentistry.
Favorite PDS Memory
BBQ Social
About me:
Recently, I've been getting into F1 and my favorite driver would have to be Leclerc. One of my main hobbies is building Gundam model kits, which I've been doing since I was a kid. My music taste is primarily videogame soundtracks.
Ninaad Kiran
Dental Education Coordinator
Hi everyone, my name is Ninaad and I’m a 2nd year Biomedical Engineering major. I’m looking forward to starting a fam and picking up a little this year!
Why Dentistry?
My baby teeth were really bad and I’ve had 5 root canals. I want to give other kids like me the best experience at the dentist!
Favorite PDS Memory
PDS hiking social (where I broke my finger)
About me:
I travel a lot and have been to 65 countries, I love to surf, play basketball, and produce music.
Ian Ho
Co-Social Chair
Hi guys, I'm a fourth year biological sciences major. This year I am looking to try a bunch of new activites, challenges and get to know more people.
Why Dentistry?
I was always interested in the health care field from a young age. However, during my time dental volunteering in Panama, I saw how dentistry was uniquely able to combine both hand-skills and problem solving to transform the confidence of patients with a single visit. Many of the patients I observed in rural Panama were initially scared of the procedures being done to them. Most procedures were met with a barrage of questions coming from anxious patients who did not understand what was going to happen. But every time a question was thrown at the dentist, they were able to carefully respond and thoroughly explain the procedure to clear up any anxieties and questions. Once the appointment was able to proceed a transformative process began. As the plaque and debris was removed from their teeth so was their anxieties as many patients started to relax in the chair. At the end of their restorations, I witnessed many grateful and confident smiles, as they thanked the dentist with huge grins. Through assisting anxious patients and volunteering in underserved communities, I learned that dentistry transforms people even from the first visit. a dentist can relieve pain, restore function, improve someone’s confidence, and reshape how they view future care. I am drawn to dentistry because of its mixture of technical skill and communicative reassurance to allow patients to feel understood and comfortable returning.
Favorite PDS Memory
2024 Spring Break Trip to SF
About me:
On my free time I like to cook. My roommate wants me to do a half marathon so I've been running :/
Matthew Na
Co-Social Chair
Hello, my name is Matthew Na, I am a third year Biological Sciences major. As Co-Social Chair, I’ll be helping plan all the fun events for our members. I can’t wait to see everyone come out and get closer with one another. Don't hesitate to reach out to connect!
Why Dentistry?
Growing up, dentistry, let alone the healthcare field, was never on my radar. Up until sophomore year of high school, I was convinced I was going to be an engineer. In middle school, I took a woodworking class and fell in love with it; turning raw material into whatever I could picture in my head gave me complete creative freedom. But as I got older, I realized that while I loved designing and hands-on problem solving, engineering felt a bit too removed from people. I wanted my work to make a deep impactful difference in someone's life. Although it sounds funny, a high school career survey first pointed me toward dentistry. What sounded slightly random at first quickly made complete sense. Dentistry combines art, creative thinking, manual dexterity, and spatial problem solving with direct human connection. Getting involved in community clinics and standing chairside showed me what dentistry really looks like. Taking someone who walks in anxious or in pain, working with your hands to fix the problem, and seeing them leave with an immediate sense of relief and a restored smile is deeply fulfilling. Dentistry lets me keep that craftsman mindset I’ve always had, but pairs it with the privilege of building long-term trust and directly transforming someone’s quality of life.
Favorite PDS Memory
Getting to meet everyone through socials, trips, and getting food after meetings!
About me:
I'm originally from Washington State so coming to OC was a big but exciting change for me. I have really enjoyed my time here, getting to meet people, exploring the city, and finding new things to do. During my free time I like to go bowling, getting food with my friends, and going on hikes!
