From economics to dentistry
Thomas Corridon didn’t come to Wheaton planning to become a dentist. But after discovering that economics didn’t excite him, he refocused on biology—and this summer, he’s getting a firsthand look at the profession while interning in a private dental practice in Connecticut.
“Dentistry will provide me with an opportunity to work with my hands, rather than sitting at a desk; I can help people and every day will bring something different,” said Corridon, noting that his uncle is a pediatric dentist and he has cousins enrolled in dental school. “I thought, why not me?”
Biology has the most overlap with the prerequisite courses that Corridon will need when he applies to dental school after graduating next spring.
“Taking courses like anatomy and physiology has really helped to prepare me,” said Corridon. “Learning terminology in the class has helped me understand things we have talked about in the practice and I’m accumulating shadowing hours that you need to be prepared for dental school.”
A Westport, Conn., resident, Corridon is shadowing in Darien, Conn., at the office of Maryann Lehmann, DDS. “Last summer, I interned with an oral surgeon and a prosthodontist, but those were more observational,” he said. During this more interactive experience, Corridon is learning how to use dental equipment, take teeth impressions and pour stone models of teeth. “I’ve also learned how to use different types of burs for tooth preparation, as well as how to make composite fillings.
“I’ve seen what it’s like to own a practice and to deal with issues that come up each day,” he said. “Dr. Lehmann has been an incredible mentor. She said that dental school teaches you the rudimentary foundations of a general dentist, but it doesn’t prepare you to become a general dentist. There’s so much more to learn.”
On campus, Corridon is a member of both the May Fellows Program and the Lyons men’s soccer team, which reached the NCAA Division III national quarterfinals last year. He also works part-time in the Athletics Department, volunteers at a local food pantry and aims to volunteer at Sturdy Memorial Hospital during the academic year to build his knowledge and experience.
Contemplating his future, Corridon said, “Specializing in an area of dentistry—such as oral surgery— would be cool, but right now, I’m focused on getting into dental school.”