Reflections

Hometown:
Forest, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College)–Biomedical Science, Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am an outgoing and friendly student from Forest, VA. I love spending time with my sister, who also lives in Richmond, reading a good book, and relaxing with my cat Noodle. When I am not studying, I enjoy playing piano, exercising, and playing golf (although I am not very good at it yet).

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I grew up engaging in tasks that require dexterity, such as doing my makeup and nails and helping my dad fix cars. Dentistry is unique in that it encompasses both art and medicine. I absolutely love operative dentistry, particularly in esthetic zones, as it can mend one’s fractured self-confidence.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
VC–Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello! My name is Firas and I was born and raised in Iraq. I love travelling and trying new food cuisines (my favorite destination so far is Turkey). I studied architectural engineering back in Iraq before moving to the States and pursing my dream of becoming a dentist.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a unique profession that combines many different aspects/skills. From medicine, being artistic, and having the fine motor skills needed to practice dentistry to being a team leader, business owner, and interacting with patients all day are the reasons why I am passionate about dentistry

Hometown:
Stephens city, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am an international dentist who is married and lives in Stephens city, VA with my husband and a three year old daughter. We spend as much as time together travelling, exploring, cooking, watching movies and gardening. I came to US to fulfill my lifelong dream to pursue DDS degree.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
With my personal experiences, dentistry made me realize that professional education is not only about getting grades and awards but also its a mission to be social while developing your useful skills. My experience gained was second only to the gratitude and happiness expressed by my patient.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of South Florida–Major in Biomedical Sciences with a Minor in Biomedical Physics

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
During the day I am a driven, diligent, and studious dental student. During the weekend—and occasionally on some week nights when the study load is light—I am a zestful, dog fanatic that explores my native city of Richmond alongside my family and friends either one hike or one restaurant at a time.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is intricate. It humbles providers by presenting them with endless challenges to overcome. Once a skill has been refined, one's competency as a provider is promptly challenged in another manner. It's the indomitable nature of the profession that evokes eagerness in me to practice everyday.

Hometown:
Henrico, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
BYU-Idaho–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife and I have been married for nearly 12 years. We have three girls and three boys who are our whole world. We stay very busy with church, sports, and Friday movie night with popcorn and M&Ms. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I enjoy anything from working on the farm to flying drones.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is an art and a service. I have always enjoyed working with my hands from building R/C planes to building a horse barn. A great deal of happiness can be found in the service of others. Dentistry is where art and service come together better than any other profession of which I know.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m the youngest of four kids and the third person in my family to attend VCU School of Dentistry. I grew up playing sports and have been competitively playing soccer since I was a kid. I also enjoy working out, hiking, movies and spending quality time with friends and family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because it combines my passion of working with my hands and improving a patient’s well-being and significantly enhancing their confidence. I’m proud to be in a profession that allows for continuous learning and the opportunity to provide needed service in my community.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia –Interdisciplinary Studies

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a simple man with big dreams. I have one daughter and expecting another child soon. I like to play with my daughter, go on long walks with my wife and bike around Richmond with my friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My greatest desire is to become a dentist in order to provide service to my family, my community, and any individual that is in need. In doing so, I hope to build strong relationships and connect with people from all walks of life.

Hometown:
Middletown, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am married to my high school sweetheart and fellow rising D3, Chase Garris. We have two very playful labs, Jackson and Scout, who love walking up and down Monument Avenue. In my free time, I enjoy practicing calligraphy, cooking new recipes, and quilting!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because I love the relationships that dentists get to build with their patients! Dentistry puts us in such a unique position, where we can build long lasting relationships with our patients, really get involved with education, and give them comprehensive care.

Hometown:
Middletown, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–B.A. Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am married to my high school sweetheart and fellow VCU D1 student, Chase Garris. We have a rambunctious black lab, named Jackson, who loves playing fetch. In my free time, I love decorating and painting/crafting! I have a little shop on Etsy.com where I sell some of the items that I make!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because I love the relationships that dentists get to build with their patients! Dentistry puts us in such a unique position, where we can build long lasting relationships with patients and really get involved with education and giving them comprehensive care.