A Mold for Excellence: Dental School Pioneers

Learning from a legend

Dr. David Murchison, clinical professor of biological sciences, is a retired colonel and former director of dental policy and operations for the U.S. Air Force. Since Murchison came to UT Dallas in 2010, his reputation as a mentor and exceptional professor has only grown stronger.

Adding vibrancy to his lessons, Murchison is known for telling stories about his experience in the Air Force. He draws on the clinical applications from his broad career that includes positions as a commander, a Civilian National Consultant to the U.S. Surgeon General and dean of the Air Force Postgraduate Dental School.

Murchison is also a clinical professor at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. He enjoys bringing dental specialty residents into the classroom, where they can share personal stories and give advice for success after graduation.

“UT Dallas fosters a community of learners that works together not only to succeed in dental school, but to genuinely help patients. That passion is vital, ” he said.

Academically, a competitive advantage offered at UT Dallas is Murchison’s Oral Histology and Embryology class. The upper level course is designed specifically for aspiring dentists, targeting seniors and post-baccalaureate students who come to NSM for the Certificate in Biomedical Sciences. Along with histology, the class covers topics like gross anatomy, pediatric dentistry and basic dental anatomy.

“I set the Oral Histology class up to give students a real advantage,” Murchison said. “They get a little head start on what they will learn in dental school, so we want them to take this as close to graduation as possible so it is fresh in their mind.”

For many pre-dental undergraduates, this class is their first opportunity to gain exposure to the field.

That was the case for Sophia Hegazin BS‘19. She graduated from dental school at Texas A&M and is in her first year of an orthodontic residency, where she will study under Murchison again.

“During my undergrad, Dr. M’s class was the only UT Dallas course specific to dentistry,” Hegazin said. “His class gave me a sense of confirmation that this was the field I wanted to go into. I found it so interesting. The material gave me a sneak peak into my future and motivated me to learn.”

Beyond the Classroom

A May 2023 graduate was accepted into Harvard School of Dental Medicine — one of the most exclusive and prestigious dental schools in the nation. And four years ago, Harvard accepted two UT Dallas pre-dental students in one class.

“Harvard accepts only 35 students each class, so you can imagine how rigorous the vetting process is,” Rainey said. “They assess students holistically; as leaders of their local communities. It just goes to show how well-rounded and qualified our students are upon graduation.”

In the competitive world of dental school, GPA and DAT scores are not the only factors considered for admission. The skills students gain outside of the classroom are equally important.

Rainey and his team of advisors help pre-health students navigate the application cycle, including the collection of recommendation letters, workshops on personal statement writing, practice interviews and committee evaluation letters. Additionally, HPAC refers students to research and employment experiences that offer real-life exposure to the field.

While pre-dental students come from a diversity of majors, Rainey says more than half of them at UT Dallas choose biology, since the degree plan covers all prerequisites for dental school and leaves more open electives.

“You can finish a bachelor’s degree in biology without developing any of the interpersonal skills that will help you be a dentist in the future, but it’s really difficult to get admitted to health professions without showing things like an interest in helping and working with people from different backgrounds,” Rainey said.

Murchison invites Rainey to speak to his classes to raise awareness for HPAC’s free resources and encourage students to take advantage of them. Recent graduates are quick to point to HPAC as an important part of their pre-dental preparation.

Vivian Tran BS ‘23 visited HPAC regularly, especially during her junior and senior years. “Utilizing HPAC allowed me to be early in the application cycle, and that’s a beneficial factor for all students,” she said.

It appears the HPAC visits did help. Tran is the recent graduate who was accepted into Harvard’s dental school, though she declined admission and chose to attend the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.

In addition to HPAC and guidance from Murchison, who she said was “the greatest mentor throughout my entire UT Dallas experience,” Tran also credits her success to the Pre-Dental Association chapter on campus.

The Pre-Dental Association helps current UT Dallas students connect with dentists and dental students for networking. Members also volunteer to provide low-cost or free dental services in community clinics. Tran served as president of the student organization her senior year.

“I learned everything through the Pre-Dental Association,” she said. “It’s the people in this organization who told me what classes to take every semester, helped me during application season, and experienced every challenge and celebration of being a college student alongside me.”