Dear fellow students,

For all those who don’t know me – my name is Utkarsh Dandekar – better known as Kash.

I am running for President-Elect and would like to briefly tell you why you should vote for me.

  1. Previous Experience

Some of my previous experiences include:

  • captaining sports teams
  • created events for student unions
  • enhanced student living experience in some of London’s largest student halls of residences
  • Course rep for Biomedical Sciences and persuaded academic heads to have lectures recorded
  • Previous BDS 1 rep and helped increase the number of practice questions available for students
  • Worked on the BDSA Sports Day 2016 committee to help create a successful sports day event attended hundreds of students across the country

My previous experience has made me realise the importance of team work and has given me the ability to lead, coordinate and delegate tasks – a few traits that are essential as President.

  1. Presidential Plans

If I was to be voted as President, I would work very closely with the rest of the committee to help achieve the following:

  1. Dental Training and Academia
  • CPD accredited courses on floor 20 to be given by companies or practicing dental professionals in an area of their expertise to help further your interest, knowledge and skills. E.G Implants, orthodontics, aesthetics etc.
  • Students to have an allocated mentor who is at DF1 or DF2 stage and is a recent graduate from KCL to help guide students into practice
  • No lectures or assignments near exams
  • A push to have lecture notes printed like Medical student’s do
  1. Charity
  • Increased bucket collections and fundraising events
  • More opportunities for students across all years to take part in national and international dental aid missions giving them a good foundation for their elective
  • Regular charity sport tournaments e.g. Football, Rugby, Hockey etc.
  • Dental Society Jailbreak for GKT RAG – a fun hitchhike to get as far as possible from Guy’s Campus without using any money on transportation. (Could be joined with Barts as they have their own).
  1. Social and Integration:
  • Welcome packs that are written by experienced and relevant students to be distributed to all new fresher, GPEP, DPMG and transfer students. This can act as a ‘bible’ full of useful information on living in London, finances, and key strategies in successfully surviving your first year at King’s.
  • Christmas Ball – Joint with Barts
  • Year reps to organize regular socials for both students and staff that tie in with other years to increase integration – particularly to welcome fresher, GPEP, DPMG and transfer students
  • Summer Fete to involve previous alumni and dental companies giving you a great opportunity to network in the field
  1. Technology:
  • King’s Mobile App to provide timetable information and prevent any confusion by giving live notifications alerting you when there are timetable changes.
  • An online forum where you can post dental society related concerns and suggestions anonymously.

I am a strong believer of making change happen because it gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction when I see positive results. Although I haven’t met all of you, especially in different years – I am friendly and approachable. Feel free to talk to me and I will listen – I want to work in your best interest. The good, the bad and the ugly, whatever your problem is, I will make it my problem too and will do my utmost to change it for you.

University will perhaps be one of the best times of our lives. We are all paying to be here – some of us more than others. Having that said, I want this to be the best experience you have. From gaining all the skills set to be the best dentist you can, to enjoying social life at King’s.

If you want someone who is hardworking and dedicated in this role – then look no further.

It would be an honour to get your vote. In return, you will get a President who is devoted and passionate about making positive changes and enhancing your student experience.

Vote for Utkarsh Dandekar – President Elect

Thank you all for your support.