Reflections

Hometown:
Salem, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the middle child in a family of three with an acute proclivity for the game of golf. I enjoy being around the people I love and experiencing new adventures as they present themselves. I find joy in cooking and I enjoy preparing delectable creations for myself and others.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up with dentistry in the family taught me a lot about the patient-provider relationship. Having direct relationships with patients and being a point of relief for them is what drives me towards a career in dentistry. The gratification from having a direct impact on individuals is priceless.

Hometown:
Reston, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia, and I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2020, majoring in biology and minoring in anthropology. In my free time, I enjoy hiking local trails, going on road trips, and exploring the Richmond food and restaurant scene.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me provide essential and meaningful care to patients; I can employ the work of my hands to empower others, and, through honest and compassionate interactions, I can develop strong patient relationships. These attributes of the field inspire my passion for dentistry.

Hometown:
St. George , Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Utah tech –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am married with two kids and one due in September. I love to play frisbee golf, spend time with family and watch survivor

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have always wanted to do something that was meaningful and made a difference in the lives of others. In college I went on a medical mission in Haiti and it amazed me the impact dental health can have on health in general. I am passionate about bringing dental health to those who do not have it.

Hometown:
richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia commonwealth University–bachelor of science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Iran and moved to the United States in 2011. In my free time, I usually like to draw or attend a salsa dance workshop. I've been dancing salsa for about three years, and so far, it has been my favorite hobby. I am also very active. I enjoy working out to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about science and art, and dentistry is the combination of both. Also, my life purpose is to make a difference in other's lives. I always felt like I thrive on helping others, and dentistry gives me that satisfaction.

Hometown:
Fairfield, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Christopher Newport University–Cellular and Molecular Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am 25 years old and happily engaged to the love of my life. I love dogs, the outdoors, and exercise. In my free time I also enjoy reading, playing the piano, and guitar.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry blends my interest in science and physiology along with my desire to care for people. I truly enjoy the feeling of providing a service to others and also love the artistry that dentistry requires. I am extremely excited to spend the rest of my life learning in the field of dentistry.

Hometown:
Danville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampden-Sydney College–Bachelor's Degree in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I enjoy spending quality time with my family, spending time outdoors, and traveling with my girlfriend. My favorite hobby is playing the cello but I have recently found enjoyment in building furniture and woodworking after needing a new kitchen table and desk.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I feel that dentistry is a very rewarding career and will allow me to impact the way others feel about themselves on a daily basis. Dentistry will allow me to develop lifelong relationships with my patients and allow me to serve as the mentor that my dentist was for me.

Hometown:
Upperville , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hollins University–B.S. Biology; B.A. Business

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I love to spend time outdoors, preferably hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains with my family's dog. I also enjoy baking, knitting, and spending time with my dental school classmates.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because improving oral health can have great effects on many aspects of patients' lives including improving health, comfort, and confidence. Pursuing a career in dentistry gives me an opportunity to become a facilitator of such improvements.

Hometown:
Alexandria, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
GMU–Neuroscience B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Baghdad, Iraq. I am fortunate to live in the United States for almost 11 years now. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and exploring different cultures and food. I also enjoy any outdoor activities and music.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because I believe it is a very rewarding profession where I can make my patients smile and improve their overall health. Also it is a way to give back to the community. I am fortunate to be able to receive such education to serve my patients in the future.

Hometown:
Chesapeake, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am 24 years old from Chesapeake, Virginia. Throughout undergrad, I worked at a local Chick-fil-A on the leadership team and volunteered regularly with my church. I have recently reignited my passion for long distance running and will be participating in several races over the next few months.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because I honestly love people. Dentistry allows me to have a fun, interactive and tangible profession while working to be a light in the world. Throughout my time in clinic, I have been consistently challenged while fostering great relationships with my patients.

Hometown:
Charlottesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Pennsyvania–BSE Accounting, BA International Studies

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I moved around a lot growing up, because my father was in the US Navy. I enjoy playing chess and have achieved a Class A rating from the US Chess Federation in tournament play.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because I like learning, I enjoy clinical work, and I care about educating patients so they can take better care of themselves. I want to enable people to become better stewards of their own oral health.

Hometown:
Danville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biological Systems Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a fun loving, faith driven, energetic Hokie who has a passion for service and enjoying life. I love to do activities outdoors, watch Hokie sports, and participate in Missions projects. In addition to two MOM projects, I have served on two trips to El Salvador and after this July two to Jamaica.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because it combines my love for working with my hands and solving problems (engineering background) with my love for people and serving them. I have an opportunity to live out my faith by loving others passionately while still challenging my hands and my mind with my career daily.

Hometown:
richmond, California

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of California, Berkeley–Integrative Biology, BA

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Originally from Richmond, California, I moved across the country to Richmond, Virginia to pursue my dreams of becoming a dentist. My favorite things to do during my free time are hiking, cooking, and running along the James River. RVA has proven to be the perfect place to meet all my outdoor needs!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Working as a dental assistant prior to dental school further solidified my passion for dentistry. Dentistry gives me the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I will provide the greatest standard of care to my patients.

Hometown:
Centreville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up the youngest in a relatively large, yet close-knit family. On my weekends, I like to spend time with them, although 2 hours away. I also enjoy trying new things, whether I'm exploring a new hiking trails with friends or trying new recipes in the kitchen.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The impact we, as dentists, have on our community has driven my passion for this profession. Whether it’s relieving a patient from pain or changing the perception of their smile, the gratitude they express makes this journey worthwhile.

Hometown:
Gainesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University–Biological Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am happily married to Sarah Garris, who is also a student at VCU School of Dentistry. On the weekend, we enjoy hiking and camping with our two Labrador retrievers. If I'm not treating patients, you can find me brewing beer with some of my classmates or enjoying the world class food of Richmond.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion stems from a desire to help people. The feeling of seeing a patient smile for the first time in years is surpassed by none. Dentistry affords me the luxury of satisfying my needs for variety, working with my hands, and interacting with people.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Philosophy

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife, Rose, and I are getting ready to celebrate our first wedding anniversary this summer. We have a little puggle named Chloe who keeps us entertained. Rose and I enjoy spending time camping in the Blue Ridge and seeing live music. I dabble with the banjo and enjoy fishing and biking.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry after spending a great deal of time at the Charlottesville Free Clinic during my senior year at UVA. I was floored by the tremendous unmet dental need in a place like Charlottesville. This experience confirmed my desire to become a dentist to help meet this need.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Liberty University–Biology B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single dental student who finds fulfillment in the close relationships I have with my family and friends. I help lead church functions for college and high school students, and regularly travel to my Alma Mater to stay connected to friends personally, rather than over the phone or computer.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it is fascinating. Some of my best experiences in dental school have been in conversations with faculty and other students on the various intricacies of treatment planning and the vast differences in oral conditions. The diversity and complexity astounds me.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Bucknell University–Neuroscience

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a 27 year-old in a long-term relationship with an amazing girl. After a 16 year competitive swimming career, I enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and hiking. I never shy away from taking risk as I'm motivated by overcoming new challenges.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
While the ability to help others is certainly a top reason, my biggest passion for dentistry lies in the art itself. From the engineering principles, the science behind it, and how it all is expressed through my words and hands, I feel like I have found a true lifelong passion!