Dentistry Across Continents: GSDM DMD Students Expand Cultural and Clinical Knowledge during 2023 International Externship Exchange Program Trips

How are riding tuk-tuks in Thailand, enjoying afternoon teatime in England, and visiting various temples in India related to dentistry? While it may not be a clear connection for most, it makes perfect sense for the 12 GSDM students who participated in a variety of cultural experiences during their 2023 International Externship Exchange Program Trips.

The GSDM International Externship Exchange Program offers fourth year DMD students an opportunity to travel and learn directly from partnering dental schools. While each exchange program trip is different, all participating students gain global perspectives on healthcare systems and patient needs from clinical seminars and observing/assisting in clinical procedures.

Students also engage in one-of-a-kind immersive cultural activities, allowing them to develop empathy and respect for diverse cultural practices, as well as establish lasting connections and friendships, said Casey Stillson, GSDM Global & Population Health assistant director of international programs.

As the manager of the exchange program, Stillson said she has seen firsthand the invaluable insights GSDM students gain through immersive international observational experiences.

“These meaningful interactions not only enrich their academic journey but also contribute significantly to their personal and professional growth,” Stillson said. “Ultimately, our Exchange Program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and cultural competence necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, making it a truly valuable and enriching experience for all participants.”

In 2023, participating schools were Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, England’s University of Manchester, and India’s Manipal College of Dental Sciences. Students and faculty from each of these schools also visited Boston, which gave them insights into the United States’ dental healthcare system.

The GSDM students who participated in the IEE program in 2023 shared pictures and candid stories from their trips with the GSDM community and were presented certificates by Dean Cataldo Leone on January 16.

Annie (Jiyoung) Jang DMD 24, Jiajia He DMD 24, Thomas Guiney DMD 24, and Rayna Smilowitz DMD 24 traveled to Manipal College of Dental Sciences. Some highlights of their trip included a demonstration of suturing techniques, a presentation of oral hygiene techniques to local school students, and an observation of pediatric general anesthesia procedure.

Ruchi Mathur DMD 24, Elizabeth Eom DMD 24, Hannah Bordogna DMD 24, and Yasmine Weiss 24 visited the University of Manchester. During their visit, they attended a National Health Service seminar and observed and/or assisted in multiple clinics, including the pre-doctoral restorative clinic, oral surgery clinic, and the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Torera Aina DMD 24, Stephen Carpinito DMD 24, Grace Christianson DMD 24, and Shaina Jaeger DMD 24 went to Chulalongkorn University. During their 10-day stay, the four students attended clinical seminars on complete arch implant prosthesis and wire bending, as well as as doing hands-on lab work in various departments.

We spoke to some of the participating students after their presentation about what made their exchange program trip special. Here’s what they had to say:

Annie (Jiyoung) Jang DMD 24: India

“My favorite thing about this trip was the people we met and spent time with. They made it a truly unique experience, and we were able to see and do so many things with a fresh perspective that we may never have seen without them. Every meal, excursion, shopping trip, [and] temple visit was accompanied by the students and/or the faculty, and we were able to grow invaluable lifelong friendships from this. Aside from all the dentistry-related things, which were fantastic to learn about, I also learned so much about the culture, the mindset, and the daily practices of the people in India. It was so fun to take part in: to eat the food, visit the temples, wear the clothes, and even observe dentistry in the context of their culture. All in all, this was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I was thrilled to have taken part in it.”

Hannah Bordogna DMD 24: England

“My trip to Manchester was the highlight of my dental school experience. It allowed me to experience dentistry from another perspective, meet amazing people, and form lifelong relationships. The students and faculty were extremely welcoming and excited to immerse us in their school, show us their city, and teach us about their healthcare system. My favorite part of the trip was talking with the students about the similarities and differences of our dental school experiences. I will carry this experience with me throughout my career. I am so thankful that BU offers this opportunity, and I am so lucky to have gotten to be a part of it!”

Elizabeth Eom DMD 24: England

“Participating in the International Externship Exchange Program was a transformative journey that allowed me and three classmates to fully immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and dentistry of Manchester. We were exposed to the University of Manchester’s state-of-the-art facilities, learned from outstanding clinicians and researchers, and strengthened our knowledge of dental medicine, enabling us to better serve our patients in the clinic. I will continue to utilize the invaluable lessons learned from my experience throughout my career, but most importantly, I will forever cherish the memories and mentorships that were created with the Manchester dental students and faculty!”

Torera Aina DMD 24: Thailand

“I loved learning how they incorporate digital dentistry into their curriculum. It was an amazing experience speaking with the students and residents in Thailand and discussing their passions for the field. And the food! The food was incredible!

Stephen Carpinito DMD 24: Thailand
“I found this trip to be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. Not only was I exposed to another school’s way of teaching dentistry and treating patients, but I had the opportunity to share what we have learned at GSDM, as well. My favorite part of the trip was meeting the students at Chulalongkorn University, and I made friendships with them that will last a lifetime. The externship exchange was an unforgettable experience, and I am so fortunate to have been selected to participate in it and to represent our school. This experience will shine brightly as one of the highlights of my time at GSDM.”

Ruchi Mathur DMD 24: England

“I truly enjoyed every minute of my experience in Manchester. The city holds a great deal of history in the United Kingdom, and we were very fortunate to have been able to spend time with the world-class faculty and students at U of M. It was also fascinating to learn that despite having some major differences in the healthcare delivery systems in the UK, at the end of the day, the fundamentals of dentistry are consistent, and even though we grew up in a different country than our U of M student counterparts, we are still able to talk about dentistry in the same way!”

Yasmine Weiss DMD 24: England

“Going on this trip was one of the most unique and enriching experiences I’ve had in dental school. It’s so rare to be able to be immersed in the healthcare system in another country and learn about it from the inside out. The faculty and exchange students were so welcoming and made us feel at home, teaching us how their school and pre-doc center work. I feel as though I gained a great deal of knowledge, perspective, and friendships along the way!”