Reflections

Hometown:
Elkin, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Appalachian State University–Health Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single parent to a beautiful eight-year-old son, named Matthias. We love being outdoors and playing sports together, especially basketball. I enjoy doing yoga and practicing meditation. I am very family-oriented, and I love meeting new people. I also enjoy singing and listening to music.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My mother has been my driving force in pursuing a dental career. Since I was young, she suffered from substance abuse and her teeth deteriorated relatively quickly. Before her passing, her teeth were so badly decayed that they would crumble in her mouth. I wanted to take her pain away and help her.

Hometown:
Hillsborough, New Jersey

Undergraduate school/degree:
VCU–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm the oldest of three siblings and have a dog named Luna. I love to paint and am always ready to do something outside, like hiking, kayaking, or snowboarding. I've recently gotten into making small clay figurines that I hope to make into earrings.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines my interest in art and science while allowing me to use my hands to positively impact someone's confidence, health, and comfort. I am continuously inspired by the attention to detail, the influx of innovative technology, and trusting relationships that dentistry encourages.

Hometown:
Midland, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising D4. I was born and raised in Columbus, GA and have a little brother who is also going into dentistry. I attended Georgia Southern University for undergrad. I love to hike, kayak, bike, play pickleball, and be with my family. I will be running my first half marathon this November!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it allows me to physically give a helping hand to another person so they can feel more confident in their smile. It is rewarding to be apart of someone's overall health as a dental provider.

Hometown:
Amityville , New York

Undergraduate school/degree:
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania –BS in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Brionna Anthony. I am a 23 year old from Amityville, New York and I am the oldest of three siblings. I received my B.S. in Biology from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. My favorite color is pink. Some of my favorite things to do are reading, hanging out with friends, and traveling.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When I had braces, dentistry helped me overcome my fears in social settings. Since then, I have been told that I am always welcoming people with my smile. I would like to show people that through all aspects of dentistry you can gain self-confidence and improve how you interact with others.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Wake Forest University –Health & Exercise Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I single, but have always been a nurturing individual. I enjoy dog-sitting, babysitting and gardening to fulfill my desire to care for something other than myself. I value a strong sense of community and spend time with people in my class outside of school and explore all Richmond has to offer.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
To me, dentistry is more than a profession. It is a calling. With each shadowing, interning, dental office job, and dental mission trip, my resolve to pursue dentistry has become more deeply rooted in my soul. I cannot envision myself following any other career path.

Hometown:
FortWorth, Texas

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a foreign-trained dentist who is currently going through the equivalency process at VCU-SOD. I came here alone as getting a DDS degree from the united state is my lifelong dream! I love to challenge myself with everything I do.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love how art and science combined in one profession! throughout the 8 years in dental school I loved artistically restoring teeth. Also, alleviating patient's pain and seeing their smile has always been my favorite part at the end of the treatment.

Hometown:
Miami lakes, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
NOVA southeastern University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Panama. I live in Miami, Florida and I moved to Richmond because of dental school. I am engaged and have two dogs. My hobby since I moved here with my fiancée and our dogs is to explore Virginia as much as we can. From hicking to enjoying the James River.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I became passionate about dentistry after shadowing my dentist. I was amazed at how my dentist changed so many smiles and how the patients were so thankful because their smile was improved. I saw procedures such as crowns, veneers and dentures being delivered to the patients.

Hometown:
Jonesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Tennessee State University–Health Sciences - Microbiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation college student from far Southwest Virginia, where I worked previously as a hygienist for a number of years. I have been married for 10 years and we have a beautiful 5 year old daughter. Our family enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening and pretty much anything outdoors!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up in a poor, underserved area I have seen through the experiences of friends and family how lack of access to dental care can negatively affect lives. I am passionate about giving back to the community, improving access to care in my hometown, and growing further in a profession I love.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a twenty-eight year old Hispanic dental student with two rescue dogs. When I am not in class or clinical rotations I enjoy jogging at the James River with my fiance and our dogs. I am involved in helping the community any way I can, from clinical events to donating bone marrow to save a life.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I did not know dentistry was my passion until after receiving a bachelor degree in psychology and by shadowing and assisting a general dentist. I became so interested and passionate that I obtained a bachelor degree in biology and worked at a dental office for a year before starting dental school.

Hometown:
Beverly Hills, California

Undergraduate school/degree:
UCLA–Anthropology, BS

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My family emigrated from a small town in Belarus to Los Angeles just a few years before my birth. I embrace my Russian identity and enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures. At UCLA, I majored in Anthropology and got involved in research. My hobbies include dancing and playing tennis.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Having the opportunity to alleviate pain while establishing rapport and trust with patients is a big aspect of why dentistry appeals to me. Dentistry maintains the perfect blend of art and science and is not only rewarding, but advances in technology mean that dentistry will be continually exciting.