Jordan Sanger, DDS, University of Utah, Boise State Alum
Dr. Jordan Sanger, D.D.S., graduated from Boise State University in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies with a Science Emphasis. He obtained Magna cum Laude honors with his degree. Jordan was accepted and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Utah School of Dentistry in 2019 and is currently practicing in Kuna, Idaho, at Kuna Smiles. Dr. Sanger is presently a member of the Idaho State Dental Association, the American Dental Association, Spear Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is working toward his Fellowship.
Before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Utah in 2019, Dr. Sanger called Meridian his home. He grew up hunting deer, fishing for bass and trout, and riding his dirt bike every chance he got. His parents showed him what hard work looks like and taught him how to be a gentleman. During high school, he knew two things; he loved to see people smile and create things with his own two hands.
Three adjectives that describe you:
Personable, Organized, Diligent
What are you reading right now?
The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Sean Covey
What is it like being a dental student during a pandemic?
The pandemic has been tough, everyone can sympathize with that. As a dentist, it’s meant taking a pay cut, moving to new cities, and taking new jobs. My goal was to have already purchased a dental office by this point in my career, but the economy is unpredictable and has forced many dentists to keep their offices. In any case, dentists are still necessary and the field provides a comfortable living (as long as you don’t have too much student debt!).
What do you think was the most important experience you had at Boise State?
The comradery was the most important thing for me at Boise State. Having good friends around you means a lot. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. If they’re unethical, unmotivated, and going nowhere in life, they’ll keep you there with them. If you want to become better and do more, you need people in your life that reflect that.
Do you think Boise State prepared you for dental school?
In a sense, yes. In a sense, no. I think Boise State helped facilitate my ability to prepare myself for dental school and my career. Nobody warned me how truly grueling dental school would be. The first year of dental school covered 85 credits (36 in the Fall, 34 in the Spring, 15 in the Summer) which was a brutal wake-up call compared to the average 26 credits per year I took at Boise State. What made the difference for me was going the extra mile when studying and understanding the curricula. That set me apart from the average student and gave me the upper hand in my undergraduate years.
What resources did you use at Boise State to prepare you for your dental career?
I used my advisor when necessary, but honestly, I didn’t use as many resources as I should have. Having no previous friends or family who has gone to college, let alone medical/dental school, I didn’t have much knowledge on the path to take. For the students that shadow me, I urge them to see their advisor as much as possible and to get involved with like-minded student groups.
What do you wish you would have known before becoming a dental student?
I wish I would’ve known how much business and marketing knowledge it takes to be the best. The dental schools provide about 4 credits of “practice management” where you’re meant to learn how to run and operate a successful dental practice. In reality, dentists practically need an MBA to run their dental offices. For prospective doctors, especially dentists, I would recommend taking as many business classes as possible in undergrad. Learn basic business, how to lead a team, marketing, business finances, etc. because it’ll be tremendously helpful later on once you’re in your career.
What would you tell yourself now knowing what you know now about applying to dental school?
I would tell myself to meet more often with my advisor, be more proactive about volunteering and shadowing, and surround myself more with other pre-dental students. Those would’ve made my application so much stronger.
What are you most grateful for?
I’m grateful for the people that gave me opportunities I didn’t quite know I needed at the time. Without them, I wouldn’t have gone to dental school nor be as far professionally as I am today
Would you like to talk with Jordan about his experiences? If so, please contact Erin Colburn at erincolburn@boisestate.edu.