GSDM 2025 Pre-Matriculation Enrichment Program Welcomed 17 Incoming DMD Students
For the third consecutive year, the GSDM Pre-Matriculation Enrichment Program (PEP) connected incoming DMD students with GSDM faculty, staff, and students to ease their transition into dental school. This year, 17 students in the Class of 2029 participated in the program.
The three-and-a-half-day program, which takes place a week prior to the GSDM Predoctoral Matriculation Week, is designed to help students with their academic preparedness, professional development, and community growth. New this year, PEP fellows will meet several times throughout the academic year and be mentored by previous students from previous PEP cohorts.
Dr. Larry Dunham, assistant dean for diversity, inclusion, equity & belonging, and Joseph Johnson, assistant director of diversity, inclusion, equity & belonging, said it’s exciting to see the program evolve over the years and to allow the cohorts to support each other throughout their academic journeys.
“Reciprocal learning takes place between all the participants,” Dunham said. “Each cohort brings a unique character from which we all can learn. I have grown personally and professionally from listening to each group.”
In these check-ins, Dunham, Johnson, and previous PEP fellows will have academic check-ins and conversations about wellbeing and community engagement.
“The best part is seeing their level of confidence,” Johnson said of these check-ins. “The sense of accomplishment they have in themselves, knowing that PEP is giving them a stepping stone.”
Here is what PEP Fellows had to say about their experience:
(Please note: Some quotes were edited/shorten for clarity)
Linda Lam DMD 29: First Year PEP Fellow
“My experience as a PEP fellow has been wonderful and has truly made my transition into dental school smoother. The program gave me early exposure to academic and professional resources, but just as importantly, it created a sense of belonging. I quickly built friendships with other fellows and having that support system from day one has made a big difference in how I approach both the challenges and excitement of dental school. I feel more confident, prepared, and encouraged knowing that I’m not navigating this journey alone.”
Tamaya Dash DMD 28: Second Year PEP Fellow/Mentor
“Transitioning into a rigorous program like GSDM can feel overwhelming, and PEP offered me the chance to prepare academically while also creating an early sense of community. I wanted to return as a mentor because I know firsthand how impactful PEP can be. Having someone to guide you, reassure you, and share tips about navigating dental school can make a huge difference. I wanted to be that support system for incoming students and help them feel as welcomed and encouraged as I did.”
Christopher Gil DMD 27: Third Year PEP Fellow/Mentor
“I came from Miami (Barry University). I didn’t know anybody, and I figured I might as well [be a part of PEP]. It was a good opportunity to connect and get to know people before school started. If you are putting yourself in the same position where I was in my first year, being a mentor seemed like a worthwhile thing to continue to pursue.”
Purnima Sainani DMD 28: Second Year PEP Fellow/Mentor
“PEP gave me a community and support system at a time when I really needed one. Moving to a new country was overwhelming, but having people I could reach out to made such a difference. I wanted to return as a mentor so I could help new students feel the same sense of belonging and reassurance. Dental school moves quickly, and I wanted to be someone they could rely on during that transition.”
Jennifer Rodriguez DMD 28: Second Year PEP Fellow/Mentor
“I wanted to stay involved so I could give incoming students the same supportive and welcoming experience that I had. Helping new students adjust and feel at ease is very rewarding. One thing people should know about PEP: PEP is much more than an orientation, it’s a community that builds lasting friendships, mentorship, and a strong foundation for success at GSDM.”
Jennifer Méndez Alba DMD 27: Third Year PEP Fellow/Mentor
“All my friends that I speak to on a daily basis were people that were in the PEP program my first year. I think it’s just really amazing that that happened. I think [PEP] was the reason I became really good friends with these people who I’m now asking clinical questions. It is now going beyond just who we are and why we came here, but now how are we going to help the patients that we’re seeing and bouncing ideas off each other like true professional colleagues. I’m really excited to see, even five years from now, where these PEP fellows that I started with are going to end up. I know these are people I’m going to follow through the years.”
Note: Registration for the 2025 PEP was open to all incoming pre-doctoral students. Selections were made on a first-come, first-served basis.