Reflections

Hometown:
Virginia, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Madison, I am from a rural portion of Virginia, and I am the oldest sibling out of three children. I have always felt like an extra parent to my two younger siblings, and always strive to give my family my love and support that they give me. I am a senior dental hygiene student at VCU.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because of my own dental history. I was born with supernumerary teeth, where I underwent extractions, periodontal surgeries, years of orthodontics, etc. I desire to give those with their own dental conflicts more confidence and hope for their smiles.

Hometown:
Vienna, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The College of William and Mary–BS in Biology with minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a very fun-loving and energetic individual who loves spending time with others. I consider myself to be very caring and compassionate with a flair for competition. I really enjoy playing volleyball, trying new cuisines, going to fitness classes, watching sports, and scream singing at karaoke.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because the oral cavity is the key to overall health. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year and it was initially caught because of the head and neck oral cancer screening done by my dentist. I hope to provide the same level of holistic care to my patients.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University/ John Tyler Community College–BS Dental Hygiene 2021 / AS Health Sciences 2019

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I work as a bartender, volunteer as a dental assistant and just received an associate degree in Health Sciences. I am a beginner gardener and love collecting plants. I also enjoy cooking and exercise to relieve stress from my busy schedule and will be running my first marathon this fall.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dental hygiene combines my love of helping and educating others. I firmly believe that preventative care is the foundation for a healthy smile and being a dental hygienist will give me the first point of contact in a dental setting to ensure my patient has the best education for oral health.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biomedical Engineering, B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Richmond, VA. My fiance, Allen, and I got engaged last year and are planning to get married next summer. Outside of Dentistry, my greatest passion is encountering new experiences through travel and food (and traveling for food!)

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When I think of Dentistry, I think of discovery. Whether it's uncovering a carious lesion, solving a puzzle to create a patient's treatment plan or revealing knowledge through research, I am constantly intrigued by how our discoveries spark change to deliver the best care to our patients.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–BS Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am 24 year old, unmarried with no children. I am usually spending time with my family. I do love my three family dogs; Toby, Louie, and Bella. I enjoy exercise and getting outdoors, talking walks or hikes and admiring the natural beauty Richmond has to offer. I also love cooking and baking!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The more I learn about the preventative model of dentistry, my interest and excitement to be involved in the field grows. As a future dental hygienist, I can now practice under remote supervision, enabling myself and others to provide dental care and health & wellness education to those who need it.