“I’m continually impressed with how dedicated my classmates are. At Pacific, everybody wants to excel and be the best dentists they can be.”
DDS Class of 2012
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Future Career Plans: Private practice
Mike Rice had considered being a dentist since he was 14 years old. Inspired by a school presentation by an oral surgeon, he had oral surgery in mind as a possible career for many years. While completing his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University, where he majored in general management, his interest in the dental profession continued to grow. A tour of dental schools around the country eventually led him to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
"Before dental school I shadowed all the different dental specialties to make sure dentistry was something I wanted to pursue," Mike says. "Once I visited Pacific, and became acquainted with the students and faculty here, I knew this was for me."
He adds, "I felt confident that this school was heading in a good direction and would provide me with a strong educational and clinical experience." Since he started the school year as a member of the DDS Class of 2012, he says it's exceeded his expectations. Mike is quick to comment on the dedication of his classmates and the positive influence the faculty and administrators have on the students.
While the students and faculty piqued his interest in coming to the Dugoni School of Dentistry, what ultimately enticed Mike is the promise of a future career in private practice. He is excited by the prospect of one day owning his own business and becoming a contributor to the local economy.
"With dentistry, I'll have a chance to make my community better," he says. "Providing a service to patients, while at the same time providing work to employees of the practice, is something I've always wanted to do."
For now though, Mike is busy with his studies and extracurricular activities, among them embracing his role as chapter president of the school's American Student Dental Association (ASDA). On weekends he's begun surfing recreationally, and enjoys exploring San Francisco, especially the Presidio area.
When we asked Mike if oral surgery remains in the running for a specialty field he might pursue, he smiled and said he's still considering it.
"It's a little too early to tell. Check back with me on that!"
