Kyla Smith

What were the best and worst parts of the Senior Project/Senior Seminar?

- The best part was learning new things about what orthodontists do that I did not know already. The
best part of senior seminar was it being self-paced and you could work ahead if you got ahead.
- The worst part was finding time during the summer to do my project when I was not busy.
Presenting in the senior seminar was the worst part of the class because it's hard for me to get in
front of a class.

List three things you now know after completing your Senior Project.

- You have to complete 10-11 years of school to be an orthodontist.

- You have to understand how to straighten the teeth and how it can be different steps from person to
person.
- Bending brace wire is more complicated than expected.

Which aspect of the Senior Project/Senior Seminar stretched you the most? How did you feel about and
react to this challenge?

- I was stretched the most when I had to talk to new people I’d never really interacted with before at
the orthodontic office for my senior project. The only time I had been there was for an appointment.
- I reacted to the challenge by talking to new people throughout the day, and I eventually got used to
the setting and could talk to everyone without getting uncomfortable.

How has the Senior Project/Senior Seminar changed you (skills, attitudes, work habits, capabilities,
confidence, poise, presentation, etc.)?

- It has given me the opportunity to present more (which I am not the greatest at), but it has given
me the opportunity to get more presentations in for practice. The class has also taught me banking
tips, what to look for when buying a house, and all things about taxes.

Has this experience influenced your future plans?

- This did kind of affect my future plans because I don't really want to go to school for 10-11 years but
I do still know that I want to go into the dental field. I am just not sure which path I want to take.

What would you do differently if you had to do the whole Senior Project/Senior Seminar process again?
 - I would go and figure out what every career in the dental field does differently and what each of the
different positions do. I would dig deeper into what a dentist, dental assistant, dental hygienist, and
orthodontist do so I know the difference between all the occupations.

What advice do you have for next year’s seniors?

- I would say get your senior project done during the summer before senior year because once senior
year comes time flies and you may not have as much time as you thought you did

What grade would you give yourself for your Senior Project and what justification do you have for that grade?

- I would give myself an “A” because I worked really hard to learn what orthodontists do on a daily
basis and how busy they are throughout the day. I also used my time wisely while with the staff at
the orthodontist. I also finished my project in the summer in my spare time and communicated well
with the orthodontist.