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Wofford partnership nurtures potential dentists by Cindy Abole Public Relations For more than a decade, Wofford College students have visited MUSC’s campus as part of the College of Dental Medicine’s week-long orientation to introduce undergraduate students to dentistry.  The Wofford students visiting College of Dental Medicine are Sheriese Ferguson, Yolanda Ferguson, Erin Mitchell, Lori Thrailkill, Hitesh Tolani, Eve Van Harpen and Katherine Wilkinson. This year’s group of seven Wofford students attended classes and labs, observed faculty and practitioners, and asked dentistry questions with students and staff. The partnership was organized in 1995 working with Wofford’s Department of Biology and Organic Chemistry and professor Charlie Bass, Ph.D. It identifies interested students and coordinates visits with dental practitioners within area communities. “Our collaborative program with Wofford has helped us with the identification of students who are interested in pursuing dentistry and are seriously considering the MUSC College of Dental Medicine,” said Tariq Javed, DMD, professor of periodontics and associate dean for academic and student affairs. “Similarly, Wofford students get an opportunity to look at our college more closely and to understand the challenges and rewards of being a dental student.” “It was a great experience,” said Eve Van Harpen, originally from Rhinelander, Wis., and a junior at Wofford. “I found it a great opportunity to meet students and other important people at the college. The experience reshaped my perception of what dental school was all about.” “Our visit to campus made dentistry more human and realistic. It helped me affirm ‘Hey, I can do this,’” said Hitesh Tolani from Irmo. “It helped to reinforce that my goals are tangible.” Wofford student and Georgetown native Ellen Thrailkill is seeking a challenge. The former dental assistant who grew up outside of Georgetown spent more than five years working within a small rural practice.  “Looking back, that experience helped me to know what I was getting into,” said Thrailkill. “Now, I know that dentistry is a challenge that I want to pursue.” “We continue to appreciate the efforts of Dr. Bass at Wofford College for the success of this program for the past 15 years or so,” Javed said.   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.