Jacob Buchinger

Even as a child, Jacob Buchinger found himself considering a career in dentistry. As his fascination with science and anatomy grew, he began to seriously research the profession and decided dentistry was a rewarding field. “I had an interest in healthcare and biology and found dentistry combined my passion with the opportunity to help people improve their oral health,” he said of his ambitions.

Jacob’s undergraduate experience at Touro’s New York School of Career and Applied Sciences (NYSCAS) gave him a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and the basic science courses he would need to succeed in dental school and beyond. “NYSCAS provided an excellent academic background and the professors helped ensure we were prepared for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) exam,” he said.

When it came time to apply to dental school, Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) was on the top of Jacob’s list. “The school has a brand-new campus and an excellent reputation known for teaching with innovative technology. I was also impressed by the clinic, which is a state-of-the-art training facility,” he shared. “It’s a professional environment but what really stands out is the faculty. They are always there to provide guidance and talk through cases. They have an open-door policy, whether you want to discuss dentistry or a specific class. Someone is always available to lend an ear.

Now, as a third-year student, Jacob is learning what it’s like to practice dentistry in the real world. “I see patients all day. I am practicing procedures, interacting with patients, and working under top faculty,” he said. “It’s a thrill to work directly with patients after spending my first two years in classes and practicing in the simulation lab.”

Looking ahead to the future, Jacob is excited to go on rotations to get a feel for specialties and discover what kind of dentistry he may eventually want to practice. No matter which direction he chooses, he is excited to help others and ease their pain.