Reflections

Hometown:
Round Hill, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Outside of school I enjoy building computers, creating digital music, playing video games, coding, and flying kites. This year, I got my first pet, a grey shorthair cat named Link! I have lived in Virginia my entire life and wish to practice here.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I hope to give other's the confidence my dentist helped me gain after I had been considered "the quietest kid in school". I am looking forward to making a positive impact in people's lives and want to share my knowledge with my patients to help them make healthy decisions and achieve their goals.

Hometown:
Glen allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Isfahan University of Technology–Material Science and Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Iran and immigrated to united states. I studied engineering and worked as a faculty member before starting dental school. I am married to my supportive husband. Our hobbies are baking, shopping, and playing soccer. I also enjoy spending time with my friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it is a lifetime commitment to provide care that improves mental and physical aspect of people’s life. I look forward to using my art and science background in maintaining dental health in underserved populations.

Hometown:
Chantilly, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed learning and trying new things. During my free time, I explore Richmond to find new restaurants, play guitar and spend time with my family and friends. I also love traveling because I’m able to learn and appreciate different cultures and food around the world.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Years ago, I volunteered on a dental trip to Vietnam providing dental services to a rural community. During the trip, I realized dental care goes beyond cosmetics and can impact one’s quality of life if they can’t speak or chew. I want to provide the best possible care to anyone who needs help.

Hometown:
Free Union, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–B.S. Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from the rural outskirts of Charlottesville. I spend my days riding horses, raising farm animals, and growing vegetables and flowers. At school, my friends and I take trips to different parks to pick up trash while listening to music. I have been with my high school sweetheart for 5 years now.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have seen the overwhelming need for compassionate dentists in myself and in my own community and want to aid in preserving dental health throughout. I admire the doctors who remove themselves from their practices to help as volunteers. The skills that dentists have is a privilege to share.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–BS Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a Korean and I was adopted into United States by my grandparents 15 years ago. I lived with grandparents until I was old enough to go to college, Virginia Tech. Because I lived with my grandmother, my favorite hobby is to knit. My life-long cat friend, Walnut, also loves the yarn I knit with.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love how patients trust me with their whole hearts even if they have never seen me before. Whenever they sit on my chair, I become their only hope to get them out of pain and that moment, I know for sure that I will provide best care.

Hometown:
Jonesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Tennessee State University–BS in Health Science with Microbiology Concentration

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation college student from rural Southwest Virginia and am married with one child, an eight year old daughter. We enjoy gardening and spending as much time as possible outside hiking, kayaking or hanging out in a hammock in the back yard.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have worked in dentistry in some form or fashion for the past 14 years, first as an assistant, then as a hygienist and have fallen in love with all aspects. I understand how much work a successful career in dentistry takes and I also realize what an outstanding career dentistry can provide.

Hometown:
Jarratt, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I live in Richmond with my fiance and our three cats. I am from Jarratt, Va where my parents have a "hobby farm" where we raise animals including my horse, Joe. I enjoy horseback riding on trails back home. While in Richmond I enjoy walking local parks, house improvement projects, and doodling.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate for the field because of the community need, the educating I get to do, and the gratification I get from my work. Past MOM Projects and working in rural areas has shown me the need, from my schooling, I am better able to fulfill my teaching abilities, and my creativity can shine.

Hometown:
Christiansburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am first generation born in the United States. I was fortunate enough to live in India for two years and complete first and second grade there. Having been raised in the United States, however, I still enjoy spreading my culture. I have been dancing to traditional Indian music since I was five.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe it is a form of art and a gateway into a person’s overall health. I was fortunate to see the beauty of what dentistry entails after seeing a patient gleam with confidence after aesthetic reconstruction and humbled after witnessing patients who can’t afford dental care.

Hometown:
alexandria, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biomedical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I met my husband on the first day of D1 orientation and have been sharing every single day of my dental school life with him. I am now starting to enjoy cooking during my free time and leaning to cook Korean dishes. I really look forward to gain more clinical experiences in upcoming years.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is one and only field in which I can say wholeheartedly that I have what it takes to be the one who can excel not only clinically but also by best utilizing the skills to provide comfort for patients. I am truly blessed to live rest of my life as a dentist after graduation.

Hometown:
Boise, Idaho

Undergraduate school/degree:
Boise State University–Bachelor of Science- Biology, Human Biology Emphasis

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am happily married! My wife Kristen and I have 1 girl, 1 boy and another boy on the way. I love spending any spare time with them. We are happiest when we are out and about exploring nature, visiting historical sites or eating delicious food. Some of my personal hobbies are photography and guitar.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry will provide me with lifelong, daily opportunities to minister to people. I believe that true joy comes from helping to fulfill other people's needs. I also really look forward to being self-employed, working with people and with my hands, and providing quality general dental care.

Hometown:
Hopewell, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a soon-to-be married, family oriented, young woman from Hopewell, Virginia, who loves VCU basketball and learning new things! In my free time, I play disc golf and like to craft. I enjoy being an advocate for my class, doing philanthropy work, and volunteering for the arthritis foundation.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Nothing has motivated me more than seeing my mom be affected by her fear of the dentist. The profession has come a long way since my mother's younger years, but their is always room for improvement. I want to be the type of practitioner that patients can trust in for their oral health, and not fear.