August 6, 2001

Dear Class of D'05:

Welcome! If you are reading this letter, you have already found your way to the Dental Gross Anatomy Home Page. Throughout the semester, you will be able to refer to this website for information about the course. For now, the schedule, the list of books and supplies, and the faculty addresses will be most helpful.

As you know, Gross Anatomy is your first Dental School class. Hopefully, you will have an opportunity to talk with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students before you begin; in addition, the other anatomy staff members and I encourage you to email or call us if you have any questions about different aspects of the course: texts and supplies, effective study habits, or concerns about going to lab.

Our first class will take place at 9am on Monday, August 27, in Posner lecture hall. At this time, you will receive your course syllabus, and listen to an introductory lecture. This tends to be long, since there are many "housekeeping" details that need attention; however, we will be going to lab at its conclusion (around 10:30 AM), so you will need to dress appropriately. Scrubs or a lab coat over loose cotton clothing are best.

You may wish to print out instructions from the Online Dissection Guide for the Pectoral Region before coming to lab. Recycled instruments will be available so that you can begin your work; you will also be needing a supply of disposable gloves. Remember, contact lenses are not allowed in the gross lab.

If you are at all anxious about going to lab for the first time, please be reassured that it is perfectly normal to have these feelings. Most students report that the level of discomfort is markedly reduced by the end of the first day. Do let us know if you have any concerns: we want to help.

Enjoy the rest of your summer! The anatomy teaching staff and I look forward to greeting you in person very soon.

Myra B. Rufo, Ph.D.

Course Director,

Dental Gross Anatomy

myra.rufo@tufts.edu