Reflections

Hometown:
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of Charleston–Biochemistry, B.S. and Chemistry, B.A.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a sibling to three younger brothers: Grant, Wyatt, and Parker. I love to travel and will visit Puerto Rico for the first time in June to see where my grandmother grew up. I love to explore new and old places by foot and try to walk everywhere! I enjoy going to art museums and paint for fun.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I fell in love with dentistry when I realized the immediate impact and healing capability it provided people. Dentistry is one of the few medical professions that can take away pain and suffering within one visit. It not only heals, but can instill confidence in people, and that is invaluable to me.

Hometown:
Herndon, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–B.A. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I love to represent my culture everywhere I go, thus, one of my favorite hobbies is to dance a Bolivian folkloric dance, Caporales. I like to stay active as much as I can, going to the gym or playing soccer because it allows me to take my mind off our hectic schedule while in dental school.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up with an extensive lack of oral health education emphasized my passion in oral care accessibility. Working with patients from underserved communities, it is imperative for me to continue to advocate for oral health care education and to enhance the resources available for these communities

Hometown:
Yorktown, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am very family oriented with a love for snowboarding, volleyball, and painting. I love taking care of my nephews when needed and talking about teeth whenever I can. I spend my free time with family/friends, studying, exploring RVA, playing sports and volunteering.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides an opportunity to help others while tapping into my creative side and using my hands. I’ve loved to witness the look of relief after a patient in pain visits the dentist and I love that dentistry can make such a difference in someone's life (appearance, pain relief, confidence).

Hometown:
Williamsburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–B.S. Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends either in Richmond or in my hometown of Williamsburg, Virginia. I am a charismatic people person, as well as a foodie, so I have really enjoyed trying all of the new things that Richmond has to offer.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry stems from my experience volunteering as a dental assistant at the Lackey Free Clinic and seeing the impact it makes on so many people's lives. Since then, this passion has further grown due to the dentist's role in connecting with others and the ability to be artistic.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello! My name is Matt and I am one of four kids from a bustling household in Northern Virginia. I love trying new things and immersing myself in various cultures. I have recently taken up magic in order to ease children into liking dentistry and providing entertainment for people.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I absolutely love dentistry because it gives us an unique opportunity to help others in a profound way. The fact that we can use our skills both domestically and internationally to change smiles and lives is amazing to me. Making differences in people's lives is what I strive to do in dentistry.

Hometown:
Henrico, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–BS Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a 30 year old half Korean half caucasian. I am an army brat so I got to experience different people and places across the US. I am a cat person with 3 mischievous cats. I love riding jet skis and motorcycles. I am a star wars fanatic that has had the pleasure to go to San Diego Comic-com.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When I was an undergrad I had no directions and no goals. My dentist invited me on a missions trip to Mongolia and I got to see all the incredible work they did for the people. I instantly knew I wanted to become a dentist and did everything I could to finally earn a spot at VCU.