an interview with veronica toca sone

Meet Colorado ASDA’s newly elected representative for the ISP1 class, Veronica Toca Sone! We asked her a few questions to facilitate her introduction.

Looking down at Caracas from half-way up the Avila mountain after a fun hike!

1. Tell us about where you are from.

I am from Caracas, Venezuela, a beautiful valley south of the amazing Avila mountain where welcoming temperatures never go under 60 degrees. I believe my country is beautiful with awesome sights that will surprise you. Our traditional song “Venezuela” describes it best, stating “I am desert, jungle, snow and volcano”, even though there’s snow only at unreachable peaks and none of our awesome mountains are actually volcanos. Some say you will find the most beautiful beaches at our Caribbean islands and coasts, and we host the tallest waterfall in the world, the dazzling Angel Falls.

Performing surgery

2. What has your education been like so far?

I obtained my Dentistry degree in 2010 from Universidad Central de Venezuela. Throughout my career, I have worked in six hospitals of various healthcare sectors, gathering expertise and forging a personal identity along the way.

My experience in the past 5 years has been mostly focused in the area of oral surgery. I pursued and graduated from a postgraduate residency program in oral surgery at Universidad Central de Venezuela in 2016. I also Initiated and operated my own private practice specializing in dentoalveolar surgery, pathologic lesions, management of odontogenic infections, and dental implants.

In addition, I am very passionate about conducting research for advancements in healthcare. Throughout my career, I performed several research engagements including presentations, publications, and scientific posters. I am proud of my research thesis, which focused on analyzing the capillary blood glucose levels during oral surgery procedures in patients with type 2 diabetes who take Metformin.

Enjoying time with my amazing and admirable mother

3. How did you decide to pursue dentistry?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a healthcare related career because of my mother’s influence. She is a successful obstetrician-gynecologist. Due to my mother’s passion, I grew up in a very scientific and healthcare-oriented environment, always eager to learn from her example. Without any doubt, following my mother’s footsteps is one of the main reasons I am a dentist.

Since I was very little, I showed strong hand skills, displayed a detailed-oriented personality, and possessed a passion for providing care to those in need. My mother’s support helped me develop and strengthen these skills as I grew an interest in dentistry, which for me was the perfect fit where my hand skills, passion for healthcare, and interest in science met. When I graduated from high school, I was determined to fulfill my vocation of becoming a dentist, which at the time was a very organic and quite easy decision.

Enjoying the slopes at Keystone with my husband

4. What are some of your hobbies?

In my spare time, I like to go running, hiking and play tennis. I also love to spend time with my nephews Diego and Gustavo (ages 5 and 1). Playing with them is so fun and brings so much joy to my life. Although I’m not great at it yet, I also like skiing and I’m following my husband’s footsteps in growing a passion for the sport.

5. What are you most looking forward to about being involved with ASDA?

It was a great honor to have been elected by my peers to represent them as the ISP ASDA representative. My main goal is to represent international dentists and to expose my peers to the opportunities ASDA can offer them while bringing bright ideas to make Colorado ASDA better every day. Through ASDA, I look forward to networking with other leaders in the industry and learning professional practices in a very different working culture. I can’t wait to get started and working with our ASDA Colorado team for the next two years.

Veronica Toca Sone is a first-year ISP student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She is from Caracas, Venezuela, where she obtained degrees in dentistry and oral surgery. With over 9 years of practice experience, Veronica has worked in both the public and private sectors, including six different hospitals and her own private practice specialized in oral surgery.

by Cassidy Bummer

The full D9 crew

ASDA’s District 9 meeting was on in full force January 10-13 at the YMCA of the Rockies near Granby, CO. Students from Colorado and three Texas schools, along with a couple of visitors from Alabama, came together to network and attend a series of exceptional presentations from different professionals and sponsors. The weekend began with dinner, snow tubing, and ice skating sponsored by Pacific Dental. Many students that were not used to the cold, and disappointingly some that were, did not make it very long in the evening mountain temperatures. For those that toughed it out, relaxing rides down quickly turned into competitive races with Colorado’s own Jake Holtzmann coming out as the undeniable snow tubing champ.

The next morning, our presentation series was kicked off with a visit from the Aurora PD. Officer Nghiem shared her story of the challenges that came with being a five-foot tall woman making her way and proving herself in a male-dominated field. She joked about sharing a lot of the same clients with us by showing pictures of the “meth-mouth” that she deals with on a daily basis, causing a good laugh in the room. We even learned how to get out of a chokehold by popular demand as she wrapped up. After a day full of intriguing presentations, Heartland Dental sponsored a bowling night with appetizers, drinks, and pizza for all dental students. Obviously, not all dental students are bowling prodigies as finishing scores varied from a solid 32 to a 220.

The Colorado delegation

The majority of Sunday was a free day that students took full advantage of by going skiing at Winter Park, snowshoeing on the YMCA trails, and exploring the surrounding towns. Many people were full of excitement, as this would be their first time experiencing some of the winter activities. Unfortunately, we had one vehicle of these excited students that didn’t have quite as great of morning as the others—calling a tow truck to pull your car out of the ditch isn’t exactly the ideal morning. Luckily, everyone was okay and were good sports about the inevitable jokes they later received.

The session reconvened in the afternoon where students were made aware of generous fundraising options that Oral-B offers for ASDA chapters. Following Oral-B, the national ASDA vice president Khai Huang, presented on dental photography (Dr. DeLapp really missed out on that one). He gave pointers on what equipment to choose and used a student volunteer to show us how to take the beautiful pictures that we all admire from his Instagram page. The presentation series was wrapped up with an informational session on occurrence vs claims-made malpractice insurance policies by the session’s largest sponsor, MedPro. A pizza social followed as an opportunity to mingle with fellow students and sponsors.

Many Colorado students returned for classes on Monday, but a majority of the group stayed to get in an extra day of skiing and other mountain activities. Overall, the committee for putting on this year’s district meeting did an incredible job at putting on a fun and successful session.

About the Author

Cassidy Bummer is a second-year student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She grew up in rural Montana before attending college at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Cassidy’s passion as a future dentist is to provide quality and accessible dentistry to the underserved communities of Northeastern Montana. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, hunting, traveling, hiking, and discovering new breweries.

by Shannon Galegher

Chicago: the city that brought America such renowned delicacies as deep-dish pizza, the Ferris wheel, and even Hugh Hefner’s original Playboy mansion. But unknown to me until recently, Chicago is also the home of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), and its big brother, the American Dental Association. And so, in late October, over 800 bright-eyed dental students from all over the country descended upon the city for a weekend at the ASDA National Leadership Conference. Over 20 of those in attendance hailed from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. CO ASDA’s Madam President, Jillian Stacey, was proud of her robust herd, and we were honored to represent the school.

“Over 20 of those in attendance hailed from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine”

The conference began on a Friday morning in November with “The Buried Life” star Ben Nemtin, one of four friends on a quest to complete the ultimate bucket list, living life with “no ragrets.” After the keynote speaker, the rest of the weekend was filled with 45-minute break-out sessions and students had their pick of many topics. Each session fit into a category relevant to the development of young dentists and the field as a whole. They included career planning, cutting edge technology (think lasers and 3D printing!), leadership fundamentals, personal development and wellness, and advocacy (think dental insurance – oofda). [Definition: Oofda, also uffda. Midwestern exclamation meaning almost whatever you want it to, but most commonly ‘oh boy.’]

Some of the sessions expanded on subjects discussed in dental school, like fluoride. It’s used to fortify your water, decrease prevalence of cavities, and is supported by years of research. “Now that’s what I call high quality H2O.” Other sessions dove into ideas that are not predominantly discussed in dental school. We learn to be clinicians, not politicians or business owners, but a dentist can wear many hats. We may be versed in advocacy issues like insurance and licensure, as well as providing awareness and advising on additional products outside of the dental office. Discussing topics such as these are just the start of why myself and my peers trekked to Chicago to hear speakers share their “floss-ophies” on all things dentistry.

“Dental students have fun too”

Now, you might be thinking, ‘Surely you didn’t go all the way to Chicago just to sit in a conference hall for three days??’ And I would promise you that no, dental students have fun too. “And don’t call me Shirley”. My favorite evening adventure was the multilevel yacht that sailed many of the attendees, in their best Halloween costumes, around Chicago’s Navy Pier. With the number of attendees, I thought, “you’re going to need a bigger boat”. We wined, and dined, and danced until we docked having met even more students from all across the country.

The next day was filled with more sessions, my personal favorite being a student-led brainstorming session about fundraising ideas for our ASDA chapter. There may be a dental related spelling bee in our future with words such as xerostomia and sialodochoplasty. That evening we were costumed again, and one of our very own, second year Isabelle Rusden, won the costume contest as a very authentic looking Southwest flight attendant.

“Over the weekend we learned together, challenged one another, and continued to develop the skills it takes to be a dentist and a leader”

The weekend was both educational and entertaining. I was able to meet and collaborate with like-minded students from around the country and learn how their ASDA organizations and programs operate. I was inspired by the energy of the speakers, and the eagerness of my colleagues to absorb and implement our newfound knowledge. Over the weekend we learned together, challenged one another, and continued to develop the skills it takes to be a dentist and a leader. I would be pleased to “volunteer as tribute” to attend this conference again. Maybe I would even ride the Ferris “…Bueller…Bueller…” wheel.

For now, I would like to sincerely thank those who made it possible for our crew to attend the conference and provided me with the tools be the best dentist I can be. (And a special shout-out to our professor for allowing us to miss Friday class for the conference…thanks, Dr. “WIIIILLLSOOOON”!)

Did you recognize all of the movie quotes?

“No ragrets” – We’re the Millers (2013)

“Now that’s what I call high quality H2O” – Waterboy (1998)

“And don’t call me Shirley” – Airplane! (1980)

“You’re going to need a bigger boat” – Jaws (1975)

“Volunteer as tribute” – The Hunger Games (2012)

“…Bueller…Bueller…” – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

“WIIIILLLSOOOON” – Castaway (2000)

About the Author

Shannon Galegher is a second-year dental student at the University of Colorado and is the current Associate Fundraising Chair for Colorado ASDA. Originally from Thompson, North Dakota, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Medical Sciences from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies to memorize new quotes, playing basketball with her classmates, and spending time with family and friends.

an interview with Minh-Tom Van

Minh-Tom Van is one of Colorado ASDA’s two DS1 representatives for the 2019-2020 school year. We had Tom answer a few questions in order for our chapter to get to know him better. Read on to hear about what he is looking forward to as a member of the Colorado ASDA executive board.

1. Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado

Colorado ASDA president Jillian Stacey, fellow DS1 rep Jeff Gius, me, and president-elect Aaron Buban

2. Undergraduate institution: I attended the University of Colorado, Denver where I majored in Biology. In my family, I am the second oldest child of six, however I was the first in my family to not only graduate college but also the first to pursue a professional program.

3. Fun fact: I broke my arm in 3rd grade and now I am able to hyper laterally rotate my arm around 360 degrees!

4. Favorite movie/TV show: Breaking bad is my all-time favorite tv show. When life gets you down, you can always rely on what you love the most to get you through.

5. What has been your favorite part of dental school so far?

My favorite part of dental school so far is meeting the people in my class and those on the campus. Having a supportive group of friends who are motivated can truly impact your success in any field.

Enjoying the boat party with friends at ASDA’s National Leadership Conference!

6. What are you most looking forward to about being involved with ASDA?

Being elected as a DS1 Representative for Colorado ASDA, I am looking forward to meeting student leaders across the nation, learning more about the dental profession, as well as increasing my professional development.

I wanted to be involved in ASDA early because being on such a large and integrated campus, it is difficult to voice your concerns. However, being involved with ASDA allows you to effectively contribute ideas to not only your school, but to your profession. I also believe that being involved with ASDA is important because organized dentistry allows you to network and develop relationships that can aid you not only through your education but through your career as well.

About the Author

A first generation Vietnamese-American, Tom was born and raised in Colorado. Now he is overjoyed to be the part of the Anschutz Medical Campus as a first-year dental student! Tom’s desire to go into dentistry was driven by the ability and knowledge to provide a beautiful and healthy smile for individuals as well as preventing disease stemming from the mouth. Through the program at Anschutz, Tom hopes to gain the knowledge to become a competent, confident, and empathetic health care provider.

In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with friends, family, and being in the water. He also enjoys playing recreational basketball, volleyball and considers himself a menacing chess player! He is also an avid venturer to all-you-can-eat buffets and great bargains at the flea market! Tom is very excited to be part of such a beautiful campus and a great profession.

by Jourdan Kidd

Few people would readily admit that much of their life motto stems from the great cinematic masterpiece that is Forrest Gump. I am one of those brave (and ashamed) few people. But before you begin to judge me heavily and throw verbal insults or rotting vegetables, give this a read and see if some of these same lessons might be helpful in your own life as a dental student.

1) Keep right on going

Forrest: For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I’d gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I’d gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going.

Looking at the full course schedule for each semester takes years off of my life. If you’re anything similar to me, seeing all of the work ahead makes everything in the present ten times more difficult. Had Forrest focused on his task of running fully across the entire country, he would have quit two blocks in and the movie would be much shorter. Instead of approaching each semester as the giant block of lectures, labs, and exams that it is, take everything one step at a time and remain present. Before you know it, you’ll be at an ocean like Forrest (but as a licensed dentist on vacation in Italy or something).

2) Know when to take a break

Forrest: [running] I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours.

[he stops and turns around]

Young Man Running: Quiet, quiet! He’s gonna say something!

Forrest: I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.

Despite popular belief, you are allowed to relax as a dental student. Your friends may go straight to a study room after lecture and power through all of the material covered that day, but do not feel bad for taking a break. Take an hour to relax, recharge, exercise, or lie in bed contemplating why “read” and “read” can be pronounced differently. As long as you are strict with yourself and begin work again after an hour, this time for relaxation can improve your focus and motivation for the rest of the night.

3) Take advantage of free food

Forrest: The best thing about visiting the President is the food! Now, since it was all free, and I wasn’t hungry but thirsty, I must’ve drank me fifteen Dr. Peppers.

This is mainly self-explanatory; replace “President” with “Lunch and Learn.”

4) Have an open mindset

Forrest: What’s my destiny, Mama?

Mrs. Gump: You’re gonna have to figure that out for yourself.

Are you dead set on specializing in OMFS or Ortho and find yourself weeping over a 70% on an Introduction to Dentistry quiz? If so, you are overreacting. Also, don’t be afraid to consider other specialties or not specializing at all. We will have plenty of exposure to different procedures and specialties before that decision must come, so try to figure out your destiny as you go and experience new things.

In the great and inspiring words of Forrest Gump, “that's all I have to say about that.”

About the Author

Jourdan Kidd is a current DS1 who is originally from Littleton, CO. She received a B.A. in Molecular Biology from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY before running away from the Northeastern winters back to Colorado. Jourdan enjoys watching movies, reading, practicing yoga, and taking part in research in her spare time.

by Sierra Rose

My summer was spent a little unconventionally. I took my NBDE part one exam, packed, and flew out of Denver that night at 3am to a little island in the Pacific: Maui, Hawaii. What on earth was I doing there alone and why wasn’t I sleeping, hanging out with family, or enjoying the few blissful weeks of no assignments and studying we are given between DS1 and DS2 year? I was switching to a whole new set of textbooks and concepts; I was training to become an internationally certified yoga teacher.

I enjoy being a contradiction. I find balance in maintaining my responsibilities as a dental student and a commissioned officer in the US Air Force while also being a free-minded yogi. I create yin and yang in my life and choose to embrace both extremes instead of choosing one over the other. In my world of black and white, right and wrong, and rigid rules, yoga flows freely and obeys nobody and nothing. It is my ironic anchor in a society that tends to be quite the opposite of zen.

Yoga is one of my passions, and I am a firm believer that a hobby is not a passion unless you are able to share it with others. Naturally, I felt called to become a teacher. My motivation to take on this adventure in the middle of dental school stemmed not only from the desire to share something I love with others, but to reach an audience that doesn’t always take the time to address their own physical and mental health: rising medical professionals.

ASDA’s outing to Yoga on The Rocks that I coordinated in June!

Over the course of 16 days I spent tent-camping in the jungle, I danced in the rain and underneath rainbows, meditated on cliffsides, was blessed by a monk, swam in the ocean with sea turtles, watched the most incredible sunsets from craters in Haleakala National Park, spoke deeply with my newfound family members that came from all around the world, and learned a lot about myself, people, and of course, yoga.

Since my return to the ‘normal’ grind of dental school life on the US mainland, I’ve realized that my definition of yoga has expanded from what it used to be before I got on that 3am flight. Last month, I had the opportunity to teach a sunrise class to Colorado ASDA students and was amazed at the turnout despite many of us having exams and patients and stressors pulling us in every which direction. Yoga teaches us that amidst the bustle of whatever goes on in our days spent in clinic and the classroom, peace can be found within us. It gives us a non-judgmental community, a place of acceptance, a challenge when we ask for it, and a teacher of life when we don’t always ask for it but definitely need it. Asanas (poses) are only a small fraction of the equation.

As a yoga instructor and future dental professional, I aim to combine elements of both eastern and western medical approaches to encourage optimal health and wellness of my patients, fellow airmen, and my medical colleagues. I practice karma yoga; I do it for the good of others with the knowledge that when a wave is started, a ripple follows that is able to touch much more people than I am able to dream of reaching alone. I am fueled by my passions of dentistry and yoga to attack each day as a gentler, kinder, stronger person that is equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way and live to serve others, whether that be on the mat or in the clinic chair.

About The Author

Sierra Rose is currently a second year dental student at CU School of Dental Medicine from Marco Island, Florida. She is also 2LT in the United States Air Force and is excited to enter service as a military dentist after graduation. Driven by her passions for health, wellness, balance, and fun in dental school, she proudly serves as the Colorado ASDA Health and Wellness chairwoman. In her spare time, Sierra enjoys playing the guitar, yoga, and getting lost in the Rocky Mountains.

an interview with Ji An

Social media is an increasingly popular tool for current and aspiring dental students to connect and share experiences. One of our own DS2’s, Ji An, runs an Instagram account where she documents her time at the University of Colorado. We asked her a few questions about her experience using this platform.

Q: What inspired you to start documenting your time in dental school?

A: I thought that it’d be a fun and easy way to share what the life of a CU dental student is like. As a pre-dental student, I was always curious about how the dental student lifestyle varied from school to school. Social media is a relatively accessible way to find out more about different schools from a perspective that most dental school websites don’t offer. Through my dental Instagram account (@dental_chronicles) I try to show that through captioned pictures, stories, and simply by connecting and interacting with my pre-dental and dental student peers!

Q: Why did you choose to document through Instagram?

A: I wanted to document my journey in a digital photo album. I like that Instagram is just that without the clutter that some other social media platforms may come with.  I appreciate the simplicity of it. It’s easy to use and just looks the cleanest to me. I also found that Instagram has more dental dedicated accounts than other platforms. This makes it easier to connect with more people.

Q: What’s something you’ve learned from running the account?

A: I’ve learned and am still learning how to run a successful Instagram account. There is actually a lot of work and thought that goes into it. I’ve found that posts geared towards pre-dental students receive the most interaction. I plan on posting more content like this. I also hope to find content that appeals to dental students as well. Perhaps some late-night dentistry videos?

Q: Have you been able to connect with students from other schools through your account?

A: Yes, I’ve been able to connect with pre-dental and dental students both nationally and internationally! I’ve received a lot of messages from pre-dental students asking for advice. I personally received a lot of help as a pre-dental student, so it is very rewarding to be able to give back. I’ve also received a lot of support and advice from my dental peers from schools all over which has been unexpected and awesome!

I hope to continue to connect with more people all over the world and perhaps bring some future collaborations. So, what do you say, come join me on my dental journey? :)

About the Author

Ji An is a second year dental student. She currently serves on the Colorado ASDA Pre-Dental Committee and also on a committee for the Academy of Osseointegration. She was born in South Korea, but raised right here in Aurora, Colorado. Ji worked as an EDDA for a few years before graduating from the University of Colorado Denver with a major in Biology. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her dog, reading and traveling when she can.

by Sasha Hill

It blows my mind that during this exact time last year I was frantically filling out the AADSAS application, studying for the DAT, dissecting my personal statement, and obsessively watching YouTube videos on “how to get into dental school” -- all while simultaneously trying to silence the voices of doubt that flooded my head. Sometimes as pre-dental students I feel like we expect failure before we even try. I know I certainly did.

"Do I relax for the next two months filling my time with pool days and resting my brain for this marathon I am about to endure?”

But now I sit here on the other side of this rewarding experience and I can only reflect back and smile as I come to the realization that I will be starting my first year of dental school in just a few short months. Something I have been working towards for the majority of my life.

We can never fully expect what a situation will be like until we are living in it. I may have my idea of what the first year of dental school will be like, but no amount of mental preparation will be like the real thing. If you’re anything like me, you like to try to plan and prepare for any aspect of your life. How does someone even prepare for dental school? Do I relax for the next two months filling my time with pool days and resting my brain for this marathon I am about to endure? Or do I spend my time reading my Dad’s old dental books with the false idea that I will actually understand a single thing they’re saying? The answer is neither, yet both.

Sweet 8 month old Husky, Sloane :)

Being a former athlete I understand the importance of practice. Without practice there is no chance of success when it becomes game time. And yes I know dental school is not a sport, and if it were it would easily be considered a triathlon. So when you train for a triathlon you don’t just wing it on race day, yet at the same time you don’t push your body to the limits 2 months out. So, what exactly am I doing during these next 2 months of what people are calling “the last summer of my life?” Well for starters I am trying to spend more time reading—something I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with since I was a child with an undiagnosed reading disability. But don’t worry, my dad’s textbooks are no where in sight! Instead I am reading a variety of subjects in a variety of forms. I may spend a few hours reading a cheesy fiction novel and then end my day reading an article about the positive relationship between physical therapy and dentistry. And I am finding the more time I am spending reading the more I am enjoying it!

“Now don’t for a second think all I am doing this summer is reading…”

Now don’t for a second think all I am doing this summer is reading… I am a Colorado native after all, and if there’s anything we Coloradans love, it is spending as much time outside as humanly possible. If I am not at work or the gym, I am almost guaranteed to be found at the pool; I always say I’m a better person when I’m tan! Although I will still be in my home state for school I know my time with my parents and my sweet 8 month old Husky are few and far between. And with that realization I am trying to soak up as much time with those 3 as I can. Whether it’s playing scrabble or watching Friends together I am focused on being present and enjoying this last summer together.

I’m am so grateful that I will have a support system and family a few hours away that will make this transition into dental school all the easier. I cannot wait to start school at the end of July and know these next four years are going to be life changing! See you in a few months CUSDM!

About the Author

Sasha Hill was randomly born in Louisiana but has claimed Colorado as her true home. After attending Cheyenne Mountain High School, an apparent feeder school for CUSDM, she did what most good Colorado children do and went to CU Boulder (because the bad ones go to CSU). With a brief threat of attending an out of state dental school she ultimately decided on University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and could not be happier. In her free time she can be found working out, praying on Sundays, and taking up sports that will benefit her role as an “aspiring country club wife.” Go Buffs.