Reflections

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My adventure buddy Golden Retriever, Finnegan, keeps me grounded and active outside of school. We love going for long hikes, swims, and runs together with my two younger sisters. On breaks from school, I still practice as a Dental Hygienist to keep my skills sharp and see my favorite patients!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I practiced as an RDH for a year before returning to VCU for dental school. I loved patient care and working in private practice, but I realized my passion and desire to provide care at a higher skill level, to be able to do more for my patients, and help them be more confident in their smiles.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am always in search of new adventure and information. You can find me kayaking, hiking, or cooking up a new dish I heard about from my girlfriend. I value strong relationships and actively build up my peers. I was born in India, moved to Canada, then to the US but I feel most at home in Richmond.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My learned life lesson is, health is irreplaceable. Objects can be replaced but you only get one ticket at life. My dad was a dentist and suffered a debilitating stroke. He inspires me to be in healthcare, to change someone's life, and to educate that oral health does impact overall health.

Hometown:
Fairfax, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Fairfax, VA, and attended JMU, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2020. I played every sport imaginable but fell in love with baseball and have been ever since. I also love all genres of music and enjoy reading American classics, my favorite being East of Eden.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Coming from a family of dentists (5th in the family), I learned the impact of the mouth and teeth on the rest of the body very early in life. As a dentist, I hope to maintain and create a healthy dentition that can promote my patients' overall well-being and health.

Hometown:
Houston, Texas

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Houston-Downtown–Chemistry/Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I immigrated alone from Nepal to the U.S. for college at the age of 18. My journey far from my family has been a ride of both hurdles and triumphs. I live with my wonderful husband. I visit my parents in Nepal once every year. I am thrilled about my sister's dental hygiene graduation this August.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I lived my childhood in a remote village of Nepal without access to dental or medical care. Therefore, having lived on that side of the fence, I truly understand how important the access to dental services is to under-served community. My goal is to be able to serve people in need with my caliber.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Richmond, have two younger brothers, a goldendoodle named Bentley, and I graduated from UVA. I enjoy playing the piano, reading, long walks, and going to baseball games. I love spending time with my family and friends, especially at the beach.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I value a career that allows me to build relationships with patients, work daily with my hands, and provide trusting care to the community. I may not be able to prevent a patient’s fear of the dentist, but I have a passion to show love through my honesty, dedication, and patience as a dentist.

Hometown:
Buena Vista, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Southern Virginia University–Liberal Arts Major, Music Minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm an avid learner! I absorb anything related to: cooking and the science behind it, guitar, composition, tennis, space and technology, dentistry, and how to be a better husband - which my wife gives me daily lessons on (by example)! I am religious, and I'm proud to be a VCU dental student.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a young man, I loved rebuilding guitars. I gained an appreciation for what I could create with my hands. As a volunteer, I helped hundreds of the uninsured receive dental care and saw how their lives improved. Dentistry is my passion because it blends perfectly the joys of creation and service.

Hometown:
Herndon, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–BS. Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I always wanted a pet but my mom had a inexplicable fear of animals and kept saying "Either I stay or the pet stays." I am part of a north indian folk dance team at MCV and at VT called Bhangra, an upbeat rhythmic dance style that is very popular across the US.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a frequent flyer to the dental operatory as a child and well into my teenage years, I've been constantly surrounded by dentistry. The concept of improving someones self confidence by giving them a better smile or ridding them of pain makes all the hard work worth it.

Hometown:
Annandale, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
George Mason University–Honors Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a 24 year old Vietnamese-American who loves spending time with my family, friends, fiance, and sweet cat, Sparkie. As of now, I am trying to improve my Spanish by watching Spanish soap operas and hope to become more fluent with my patients. In the future, I would love to travel to Barcelona.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The simple answer to why I am passionate about dentistry is because I am good at it. I don't mean to sound condescending, but once I learn how to do something right and am able to teach others to do the same, it makes me feel good. I see dentistry transforming everyday and it is very exciting.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Outside of academics I'm a tried and true beach boy, loving the water and everything outdoors. Any day at home I could be found at the oceanfront surfing or hitting the links for a round of 9 holes. Family is very important to me - my brothers are my best friends and my parents are my role models.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I thoroughly enjoy conversing and forming bonds with patients and I believe this is one of the most important parts of the profession. Gaining a patient's trust and seeing them leave the appointment with a smile on their face is so gratifying and makes the long hours of Woolwine practice worth it.

Hometown:
Arlington, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
It dawned on me that for 4.5 of our 5 years of marriage, my wife has supported our family (including our 11 year old pug) as I have progressed from pre-VCU courses through my D2 year. I will continue to work for our future while devoting a little extra time to enjoying tennis and cycling with her.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a child, I loved showing off my well-maintained teeth to my dentist. On seeing my first patient solo, I found myself on the other side of the fence. Now, I want to use that passion to help inspire my patients to work with me in developing a healthy and esthetic dentition for their benefit.