Reflections

Hometown:
Peachtree City, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Georgia–Biological sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I come from a Caribbean background, and this has shaped the person I am today. I am one of the oldest siblings in a blended family. Over the past year I have gained interest in health and fitness and have enjoyed challenging myself in the gym. I also enjoy cooking during my free time.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry, because I have witnessed how oral health can influence someone's overall health. Growing up I have seen people ignore their oral health because they saw dental care as a luxury. It’s my goal to help improve access to dental care in disadvantaged communities.

Hometown:
Harrisonburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Maryland, College Park –Business management and entrepreneurship

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Outside of school, I love to bake and decorate cakes and cookies, play my guitar and ukulele and read. I also enjoy being active and creating healthier recipes of popular dishes and desserts. I don’t currently have any pets, but I hope to adopt a dog once I graduate.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I’m passionate about dentistry because of the amount of variety within the field. In addition to various specialties, dentistry allows those involved to explore business, service, art, research, provides a great work-life balance, and provides the opportunity to support patient health and wellbeing.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–BA in Cognitive Science, concentration in Neuroscience, minor in Classics

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a middle child, and I have the most loving and supportive family. For fun, I like to go see live music with friends, binge TV series, or come up with new recipes using whatever I have in my fridge. In dentistry, I enjoy volunteering and learning about new advancements in dental technology.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it allows me to accomplish my goals in life: to work with and serve others, to use my hands skillfully and artistically, to continue my education in science, and to make a difference in people’s lives.

Hometown:
East Moriches, New York

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of South Carolina–Exercise Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up on Long Island, NY and my family is all slowly moving down to Virginia. I love the outdoors and love any chance I get to hike, rock climb, go to the river, play sports, beach, etc. I love my friends and family and always try to make time for the both of them in my busy dental school life.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe helping another person goes a long way and in dentistry, you can do that in so many ways. Whether its relieving the patient of pain, giving them a better smile, or simply just giving them someone to talk to. I look forward to building strong doctor-patient relationships and building trust.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The College of William and Mary–Bachelor of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in London, England but have called Richmond, VA home for the past 20 years. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as playing tennis, painting and cooking different cuisines and recipes I have picked up from my travels around the world.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
For me, dentistry melds together artistry and medical science, two areas that have captured my interest from a young age. The opportunity to make a lasting impact on a person’s health, confidence and smile resonates with me. Dentistry also affords me the opportunity to contribute to my community.

Hometown:
Orem, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Brigham Young University–Exercise Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife and I recently celebrated our second wedding anniversary. I enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures, cooking delicious meals (especially Italian dishes), playing my guitar, and reading novels. I am currently writing my own fiction novel and hope to get published one day.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I find dentistry interesting and enjoyable, and I know this profession will help me provide a good life for my future family. I also have a deep passion for service, especially humanitarian service, and the skills I will have as a dentist will allow me to make meaningful impacts in others lives.