For D.M.D. student Sergi Cebrian-Claramunt (Class of 2028), UAB School of Dentistry has been more than a place to learn clinical skills. It’s where he found mentors, discovered a passion for service, and confirmed his dream of becoming a dentist who helps others both physically and spiritually.
Originally from Daphne, Alabama, Sergi studied Biomedical Sciences at UAB before pursuing his dental education. Now, as a Student Ambassador and member of the Hispanic Student Dental Association, he shares what drew him to dentistry, his most rewarding experiences so far, and advice for those who may follow in his footsteps.
Why dentistry?
I felt like it was a profession that gave me access to a wide group of individuals and diverse backgrounds. I believe it’s a profession where I could help both physically and spiritually.
Why UAB for dental school?
I heard a lot of great things about the early clinical exposure opportunities and how prepared you’d be after you’ve graduated. When I graduate, I want to be a good dentist, both personally and clinically, and UAB offers a good all-around mix where you get to be involved in real patient interactions as well as great clinical experience.
What’s your favorite thing so far about going to dental school at UAB?
Even from the first semester, we're allowed to get into clinic and basically see everything we've been taught in the classrooms. The professors and bay leaders in the clinic are very hands-on and allow you to learn by example. Seeing it all really helps conceptualize everything and I really enjoy it.
Has any staff or faculty made an impact on your dental education so far?
Yeah, Dr. Brent McClenny. He is one of our module leaders in the preclinical dentistry lab and has also been a lecturer for our first couple of semesters. He really helped me both outside of classroom and inside the classroom. He helped me with my HSPS Scholarship for the Air Force and administered the oath of enlistment at my U.S. Military Officer Commissioning. Anytime we learn something he'd always relate it back to real life circumstances and scenarios, which really helped me get a feel for how important the information is.
Do you have a favorite SOD memory or experience?
Besides Mandiball, which is really fun, the school did a great event last spring called Give Kids A Smile®. It was awesome especially because I’m someone who wants to specialize in pediatric dentistry. The event was a really great opportunity to see how children receive treatment as well as the ins and outs of everything that goes on in that clinic. Interacting with the children and seeing what it would potentially be like as a future career made it a rewarding event.
During spring break, six classmates and I also went on a mission trip. It was kind of like a leap of faith because it was something we'd never done before. It was a big accomplishment to use what we’ve learned in clinic and class on actual patients in real life who were not blessed with all the blessings we may have.
What advice do you have for future or prospective students?
Ask a lot of questions and use every opportunity as a teaching point. Do that and continue to better yourself every day.
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