Tutoring and Retention Programs
Academic Counseling and Other Resources
Academic counseling is offered to College of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students experiencing academic difficulty. Academic counseling is available to all students, regardless of their grades. Students who wish to discuss their study skills individually and confidentially may contact Dr. Rosemarie Zartman, Interim Director, Office of Student Development.
Email Dr. Zartman at rzartman@tamu.eduStudents may receive counseling for the following:
- Stress Management
- Organization and time management
- Test-taking skills
- Reading comprehension and memory
- Active study methods
Tutoring Programs
The academic progress of dental and dental hygiene students is closely monitored at the College of Dentistry. Students who earn less than 78% course average are contacted by the Office of Student Development, and encouraged to pursue options available to them to receive academic tutoring or advising.
Peer Tutors
The tutoring service is free to the students being tutored. Tutors are paid an hourly wage and enjoy working with their peers.
- Second-year dental students and senior dental hygiene students are nominated by their first year course directors to be tutors.
- Students nominated as tutors may choose the subjects they are willing to tutor.
- Tutors are trained in teaching methods and learning styles in early September and attend short meetings throughout the year.
- Tutoring can help the dental hygiene tutors prepare for professional board exams.
- Methods the tutors may use while working with the students include: sharing study suggestions they found to work for them, asking questions about course material, and using or developing diagrams and drawing for memory aids.
D1 Courses available for tutoring
- 601 Biological Foundations of Dentistry
- 602 & 603 Human Structure, Function and Disease I & II
- 604 Human Defenses and Responses to Infectious Disease
- 605 Pathologic Basis of Diseases
- 614 & 615 Introduction to Restorative Dentistry I & II
D1 Courses available for tutoring
- Oral Radiology
- Dental Anatomy
- Preclinical Dental Hygiene
- Biomedical Sciences I & II
- Microbiology
How do I arrange for a tutor?
To request a peer tutor, please contact Dr. Rosemarie Zartman. Dr. Zartman will meet with you briefly to discuss your academic needs, and study habits prior to matching you with a peer tutor. Once matched, the tutor will contact you for the first meeting. You will schedule the remainder of your meetings as needed.
Email Dr. Zartman at rzartman@tamu.eduTutoring Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can a tutor help me?
A tutor gives individual, online or small group tutorials. D2 tutors are also assigned to the Gross Anatomy lab to answer questions during the weekend before exams. Our tutors are trained to guide you through and explain concepts so that you can come to an understanding and obtain the skills to study and complete assignments on your own.
What is the purpose of tutoring?
The purpose of tutoring is to help you help yourself, to guide you to a point where you become an independent learner and no longer need tutoring.
What is a small group tutorial?
Small group tutoring sessions consist of 2-5 students who have similar questions or problem areas in the same course.
How can I prepare for my tutoring sessions?
When you make the appointment, inform your tutor about the areas on which to focus. Please bring any relevant materials such as text books, PowerPoint pages, worksheets, notes, handouts or other supplies you may need. It is also helpful if you have specific questions so the tutor can prevent spending time on issues that are not a concern for you.
Is there a charge for tutoring?
No, this is a free service for College of Dentistry students who qualify for the service. All tutors are paid and the dental peer tutors also earn credit for a selective course.