Reflections

Hometown:
Manassas, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Bachelors of Science- Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising D3 dental student from Manassas, Virginia. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and 3 dogs :). In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching TV, and trying to cook new recipes! I played D1 softball at JMU so I love watching softball and hope to start playing slow-pitch!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I would not be who I am today without the meticulous care I received from several dental professionals. Starting at the age of 3 up to 13, the doctors that worked on my case were compassionate and kind and truly transformed my life. I am hopeful and determined to have the same impact on my patients.

Hometown:
Chesterfield, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biomedical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
As a Richmond native, I love to do anything outdoors. I do CrossFit and am training for the Richmond half marathon in November. I am lucky to have most of my family here, so I get to see my family members often. I just got a sweet puppy named Lincoln who has added happiness and energy to my life.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to have the patient-provider relationships that I want as well as utilize hand skills and critical thinking skills. Few healthcare professionals see patients as often as dentists do, and I love that I can help people improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

Hometown:
Gloucester Point, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Health Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I consider myself to be very family-oriented and most of my time is spent with my parents, sisters and baby niece. I recently got married to my high school sweet heart during my 3rd year of dental school. In my free time I enjoy running, cuddling with my pets, and hanging out with friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to utilize my strengths, which include service, leadership and communication. I enjoy being able to form relationships with patients and making a positive impact on others. Volunteering at Missions of Mercy projects confirmed I can find a deep sense of fulfillment in this field.

Hometown:
Abingdon, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Bachelors of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m a middle child in a family of 6 born & raised in the mountains of Southwest VA. I’m an outgoing, positive, hard worker. In my spare time I love reading, cycling, laughing with friends, & spending time in the kitchen. Someday I’ll travel the world & have a kitchen that'd make any chef jealous.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love that dentistry combines artistry & science while giving the opportunity to care for others’ needs. I am excited to be entering a career field that offers daily challenges, lifelong learning, and an opportunity to serve my community. In dentistry I can make a difference and have fun doing it.

Hometown:
Exmore, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single mother of three amazing daughters who motivate and inspire me daily. My greatest joys in life are family and being able to give back to my community and the world around me through dentistry. In my free time, I enjoy running mountain biking, photography and cooking.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It is such a serving and helping profession. In dentistry we are able to form close relationships with our patients and impact their lives in a positive way. That alone is enough reward to keep me intrinsically motivated in this field for the rest of my life.

Hometown:
roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in the Roanoke Valley with my parents and older brother. We have one dog, Eleanor Rigby, who is 13 years old. My hobbies primarily include exercising, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling in my free time.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The dental profession offers me the unique opportunity utilize my interests in science, art, and engineering to help those in need in my community. Dentistry allows the provider to be more hands on and interactive with the patient than other healthcare professionals.

Hometown:
Fort Valley, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My husband and I have seven children, 4 girls and 3 boys ranging in ages of 8 to 20 years. We live on a small farm in Shenandoah County, Virginia with cow, sheep, chickens, a dog, cats, and a rabbit. My husband is a handy man of many trades and supports our family while I am in dental school.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have thought teeth were really cool all my life and love human and animal anatomy. I have enjoyed a career dental hygiene since 1997 which has granted me opportunities that have strengthened my hope of becoming a dentist. I enjoy helping others have a healthy smile and a healthy life.

Hometown:
Leesburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Bachelor of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I migrated from Iran in 2002 and ever since then I have been working with a great drive to seize my opportunities. I have been living on my own since I was 18 years old. My hobbies are playing badminton, reading, dancing, swimming, crafting and playing the guitar.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a respectable career which provides an important public service. Dentists are able to diagnose and treat many diseases that can occur extraoral and intraoral. Dentists also provide aesthetic improvements, which can dramatically affect people in meaningful and positive ways.

Hometown:
Maidens, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–BS - Forensic Science, minor - Chemistry. BS - Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I live in Goochland County, VA with my boyfriend of twelve years, and his teenage children. We have one hound dog name Rocky. We love the peace and quiet that comes with living in the country. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, watching movies with my family, and doing crafts like cross-stitch.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it has afforded me the luxury of using my profession to touch the lives of others through healing and education. Being in a position to help prevent disease to make your community healthier and stronger is exciting, and I am so excited to do my part.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
VCU–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I share my life with my wife of 17 years, 11year old son, 7 year old daughter, 2 dogs, 2 birds and 20 fish. When I am not at school I enjoy bird watching, camping with my kids, doing home renovations and spending time with my family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I’ve seen how the skills that we’ve learned and developed can make a difference in a person’s life. Whether it’s a simple case of an emergency or a full mouth reconstruction, I will have the chance to personally give my patients the smile and confidence they deserve.