Reflections

Hometown:
Layton, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Weber State University–Zoology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I find solace spending time with my wife, Morgan, and dog, Honey. We enjoy trying new recipes, warm days golfing, and serving in our local religious congregation. Two of my favorite things are hearing my wife sing while I play ukulele and seeing Honey's face light up to the word "park" or "walk".

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry feels dynamic where so many career choices felt stagnant. Being able to improve my clinical skills, communication, and leadership skills provides me with a path of consistent improvement that keeps me captivated. I love serving others and providing people with immediate relief.

Hometown:
Fairfax Station, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
VCU–Bachelor of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I practice Sikhism which is founded on 3 principles: living an honest life, striving for justice for all and community service. I was able to help raise my niece and experience life and love through the lens of a newborn. My biggest pride and joy is my food blog that has been active for 3 years.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe in helping others and know that no monetary amount could provide the type of gratification one feels when doing so. I want to restore individuals confident smiles they deserve and create a comfortable experience for all my patients while also changing the perspective on quality dentistry.

Hometown:
Yorktown, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a second generation Korean-American student from Yorktown, Virginia. I am a big fan of national parks and the English Premier League, Arsenal Football Club in particular. I spend most my weekends with friends and family, either by enjoying Richmond's sights or driving over to them.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Being able to use my own hands to help alleviate someone's health issues is an absolute privilege. I have witnessed firsthand how desperately needed it is around the world during my travels abroad. The prospect of helping needy people in the future is what drives me to work hard in school.

Hometown:
Springfield, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
VCU–Entrepreneurship/ Small Business Management

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Saad Guliwala, a dental student by day and an explorer by night. I am on a quest to find my favorite things in every category possible. From my favorite authentic taco spot in Richmond to my favorite spot in the world to relax and do nothing (which would be the El Retiro park in Madrid).

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
To be able to provide my patients with a renewed smile; a manifestation of happiness that connects us to others. As I delve deeper into this profession I find my dreams intertwining not with my childhood fantasy of medicine but with dentistry.

Hometown:
Garfield, New Jersey

Undergraduate school/degree:
Montclair State University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello, I am a married and hopeful immigrant, who worked hard toward his goal to become a healer and help people. Following this goal, I studied hard and improved my hand skills. I made a great community of patients who love me and I love them. I don't have kids but I take care of my parents.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a combination of art, science, and social relations. I am not an artist but I do love building things. I made few sculptures with plaster, I worked as a mechanic. I love working with my hands. I love to learn, and as an immigrant, I need to have a community of friends. I love Dentistry.

Hometown:
Cape Coral, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Florida–Bachelor of Biological Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising D3 student and I currently spend a lot of my time working on my own research related to dental materials. I also pursue my interests in helping children affected by intellectual disabilities with the DSAGR. I have a boyfriend of three years and we like to travel and keep active!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to feel a sense of reward, as I am fostering new and significant relationship with patients. As an artist, dentistry also provides an avenue for me to express myself and embrace my perfectionism. I love having the ability to help someone be able to smile confidently again!

Hometown:
Chesapeake, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Biochemistry ('10) & Dental Hygiene ('14)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am 28 years old and set to marry the love of my life next spring. Chelsea and I enjoy spending whatever free time we have outdoors. We love traveling to the western part of the state to go hiking in the mountains, relax by the lake, and visit some of Virginia's many historical landmarks.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe dentistry is the greatest profession on earth. I love the opportunities I have to meet new people everyday and provide a service that often times relieves pain, improves their health, and even brightens their self esteem. I love walking in through those clinic door each and every day.