Smiling Across the Globe: 2024 International Externship Exchange Program Students Share Their International Dental Tales
Twelve fourth-year DMD students took the journeys of a lifetime last year to gain global perspectives on dental healthcare systems during the 2024 GSDM International Externship Exchange Program. The participating students shared what they learned in a presentation to the GSDM community on January 8.
GSDM partnered with Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, England’s University of Manchester, and India’s Manipal College of Dental Sciences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences related to the educational and cultural differences and similarities between each country.
Rachyl Adams DMD 25, Michael Badaoui DMD 25, Daryl Konstandt DMD 25, Ashley Zhang DMD 25 went to Chulalongkorn University with faculty advisor Dr. Breno Reboucas, clinical associate professor of general dentistry, clinical associate professor of pediatric dentistry, and director of predoctoral pediatric dentistry. The students toured state-of-the-art facilities, observing advanced procedures and receiving personalized demonstrations in specialty clinics that included occlusion and orofacial pain, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. They also participated in various cultural experiences, such as Wai Kru Day (Teacher’s Appreciation Ceremony), one of the biggest celebrations in the Thai education system.
Halle O’Brien DMD 25, Liam Shields DMD 25, Kate Winebrake DMD 25, and Iman Zarrinkoub DMD 25 visited University of Manchester with faculty advisor Dr. Joseph Calabrese, associate dean of students, and Michele Calabrese SSW 93. The four students had packed schedules with observational clinical experiences/lecture during the day and social events at night. Some of the group’s key takeaways were learning about the National Healthcare Service, different preventative care mindsets, conservative approaches to X-rays, and lots of football watching.
Aaron Lubell DMD 25, Max Prince DMD 25, Ammaar Tajani DMD 25, and Kathy Xavier DMD 25 traveled to Manipal College of Dental Sciences and Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) with faculty advisor Dr. Mina Paul, clinical associate professor of general dentistry. The students received multiple hands-on learning opportunities including suturing and laser workshops. They were also able to immersive themselves in the local culture, such as joining a Janmashtami celebration (an annual Hindu festival).
We spoke to some of the participating students after their presentation about what made their exchange program trip special. Here’s what they had to say:
Rachyl Adams DMD 2025 – Thailand
“I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to complete an International Externship Exchange Program in Thailand. This experience enriched my dental education by allowing me to see first-hand what dental school in another country would be like. I am thankful to have had intellectually stimulating conversations with our colleagues in Thailand, and I was impressed by their hospitality, technology, and culture. From seeing their History of Dentistry Museum to exploring an array of temples, I will never forget this life-changing experience.”
Iman Zarrinkoub DMD 25 – Manchester
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the exchange with the University of Manchester and their dental school. It was truly special to be in a select group and the recipient of personalized lectures and observation experiences in Manchester, our group was truly treated like celebrities by the faculty and students. My favorite parts include discussing the differences between our respective schools and dental delivery systems, as well as forging friendships across the pond that continue today and hopefully well beyond!”
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Kate Winebrake DMD 25 – Manchester
“The Manchester International Externship Exchange Program added the final, vibrant pieces to the beautiful mosaic of my dental school education through unique clinical, professional, and personal experiences. Immersing myself in the NHS provided me with invaluable insights into a different healthcare system and firsthand experiences with patient care in the UK. I found my time in the postgraduate pediatric dentistry clinic and theatre to be especially rewarding. I feel beyond grateful and honored to have been selected to represent GSDM on the 2024 exchange, and I am so thankful for the colleagues and friends that I have made for life from it!”
Daryl Konstandt DMD 25 – Thailand
“The International Externship Exchange Program in Thailand is truly a highlight of my time in dental school at Boston University. Not only did this experience allow me to broaden my worldview and indulge in a unique cultural experience, but it also enriched my clinical skill set and critical thinking skills. From the extraordinary food to the technologically savvy clinic, every moment exceeded my expectations. I am incredibly grateful to those who made this experience possible for me, and I genuinely encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to grow as a person and provider.”
Liam Shields DMD 25 – Manchester
“The trip to the University of Manchester was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see what it’s like being a dental student in another country. We learned so much about the healthcare system (NHS), how the school operates, and the everyday life of a student there. The students and faculty at the University of Manchester made us feel like we were part of the family, both on campus and around the city. We got to explore the school’s different departments and specialties, observe live procedures on the clinic floor, and learn from some of the best faculty members. When we weren’t in clinic, we were diving into the country’s football culture during the Euros, enjoying amazing food, and making memories in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything!”
Ashley Zhang DMD 25 – Thailand
“Taking part in the International Externship Exchange Program is something I will always treasure as one of my most memorable dental school experiences! It expanded my perspective, introducing me to Thailand’s vibrant culture, incredible food, and the warmth of its people. Above all, the friendships I formed with the exchange students and the adventures we shared made this journey truly unforgettable – it was a once in a lifetime opportunity I’ll always cherish!”
Halle O’Brien DMD 25 – Manchester
“The exchange program that BU offers is an amazing way to connect with others and gain worldly perspective on dentistry in and outside of the classroom. It was absolutely the highlight of my dental school experience getting to go to Manchester with Kate, Iman, Liam, Dr. C and Michele. A once in a lifetime opportunity!”