July 1, 2010
Dear Class of D'14
Welcome to the Tufts Dental Gross Anatomy Homepage!
This website is a resource where you can find information that will
help you prepare for the course, including the course schedule, a list of
books and supplies and faculty addresses. You will also find links to the
On-line Syllabus, Dissection Guide and Weekly Review that you will find
helpful later during the semester.
As you probably know, Dental Gross Anatomy, your first class at the
Dental School, is a unique and challenging course that will lay the
foundation for your future clinical experiences. It is also a class that
requires constant effort and cooperation on the part of students and
faculty. As you progress through the course, you will gain both knowledge
and confidence, and by the end of the semester, you will be amazed at what
you have learned!
Remember: If you need help, please don't hesitate to contact me or
other members of the anatomy teaching staff. We look forward to meeting
and getting to know each of you as you embark on this great journey of
discovery.
Our first class will take place on Wednesday, September 10. Please
check the up-to-date schedule on TUSK. At this time, we will issue the
course syllabus and go over many "housekeeping" details that need
attention. We will also have an introductory lecture on the Pectoral
Region and Axilla. We will then proceed to the Gross Anatomy lab where we
will begin the dissection of the Pectoral Region. You will therefore need
to dress appropriately; scrubs or a lab coat over loose cotton clothing
are appropriate.
It is highly recommended that you read the Online Dissection Guide for
the Pectoral Region before coming to lab. We also have a Video Dissection
Guide on TUSK that you should look at. We will have recycled instruments
for you to use, but we suggest that you purchase a supply of disposable
rubber gloves.
Please be aware that contact lenses are not allowed in the gross
lab.
Every year I receive inquiries from incoming students about what is the
best way to prepare for this course. One of the challenges of this course
is the vast amount of information that you will have to handle. There is
no lack of resources and buying all the books available will not help you.
I believe that the best strategy will be learning something about TIME
MANAGEMENT, either in a book or via a short course. STarting a new
professional track, juggling a heavy course load and striving for a
balance with your personal life will require a lot of skill and effort.
Being able to allot your time efficiently will be an indispensible skill.
Success in this course is less dependent on how much you study but more
how effective you are in studying.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. The anatomy staff and I look forward to
meeting you in person very soon.
Paul W.L. Kwan, Ph.D.
Course Director,
Dental Gross Anatomy
paul.kwan@tufts.edu
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust
