FLOSS (Future-dentist Learning Opportunities & Student Shadowing)

FLOSS (Future-dentist Learning Opportunities & Student Shadowing) is a UCLA student-run dentist shadowing organization. We aim to provide a holistic overview of the dental field by exposing members to the many facets of dentistry, including orthodontics, pediatrics, periodontics, among other areas, through shadowing at UCLA clinics and local private practices. Members also engage in group learning through quarterly case presentations and periodic visits from current dentists who offer professional guidance. Our undergraduate organization strives to motivate our members to delve deeper into the diverse array of specialties within dentistry in order to expand their perspectives and help future dentists grow stronger, together. Within LA County, current COVID-19 restrictions make it difficult for extra people to be within healthcare settings for shadowing purposes. Due to this, the fall quarter will be targeted towards the “Academic Enrichment” portion of the dental school application. Thus, during the fall, we will have learning opportunities and career events in which dental professionals and students will give our members lectures and presentations on their experiences. Every specialty that our members learn about will be a preview for the next quarters in which shadowing becomes available. Lastly, in lieu of case presentations in the fall, we will be conducting research presentations where our members present on a research paper or ongoing research that they are interested in that pertains to oral health. Once shadowing becomes available as COVID-19 restrictions lighten, our organization will resume our original planned structure of shadowing clinics and completing case presentations.

https://floss-at-ucla.weebly.com/
ucla.floss@gmail.com

Signatories: Jordan O'Brien, Parinaz Khosravi, and Mehreen Uranious

Advisor: Aaron Joshua Alba Tacub