Much like oral health is a part of overall health, overall wellness plays a large part in student success.
The goal of West Virginia University Health Sciences Chancellor, Clay Marsh, M.D. is for the university’s five health schools, including the School of Dentistry, to emphasize wellness, mindfulness, mental health and community and preventive health.
The development of a wellness committee at the dental school, with faculty, student and staff representation, has prompted a renewed focus on resources, activities, workshops and providers available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students in the Health Sciences majors.
Over three days of orientation, wellness was the focus of several hours of the programming.
Dr. Valerie Perrine is the school of dentistry’s associate dean for student affairs, community health and outreach. She leads the wellness committee.
“It is important to make sure our students are introduced to the resources early. But, it’s as important, or more important for us to provide preventive measures and strategies to build resilience,” Perrine said.
On the first day of orientation for incoming first-year dental students, wellness was on the agenda as a priority just after receiving instruments and laptops they will be attached to the next four years.
The HSC wellness team reviewed many of the resources, including mindfulness sessions, students can seek if they are struggling. A six-week series of meetings teaches participants about meditation techniques, mindful eating and even the science on pain and resiliency.
The Health Sciences wellness program, BeWell, offers:
Individualized care and ongoing assessment to guide treatment
Short-term individual counseling
Group counseling
Workshops
Outreach and consultation for students, faculty, and staff
Community referrals for specialized care and/or extended care
Referrals for psychiatric services and medication management
Eric Meadows, assistant director of student financial services in the office of financial aid, introduces students to his office and its resources including a guide through the financial aid process. Specifically, for enrolled students, a number of resources are online to navigate things like:
How financial aid is disbursed
Refund process after financial aid disburses
Maintaining financial aid
Renewal requirements
“Wellness has many facets, it’s dynamic, and so were our wellness activities. As a former student, I can tell you first-hand, dental school will include the stress of finances, academics, and social and community responsibilities. I can also remind the students they have the ingenuity, determination and resources to succeed. These resources are things I’m sure my class of 2009 would have appreciated,” Perrine said.
A favorite among the wellness sessions for new students is an activity Perrine calls “Paint your State….of Mind.”
“Last year, we had our students “Paint your State” to highlight the diverse backgrounds and cultures represented within the class. This year, the “Paint your State… of Mind” activity challenged the incoming class to paint something inspirational or motivational to remind them they can and will succeed,” Perrine said.
See the finished products in our online album.
