Reflections

Hometown:
Suffolk, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia. I enjoy relaxing at the beach with a good book, grabbing a uniquely crafted coffee, and playing board games with my family. Currently, I have two small mammals, a guinea pig and rabbit. In my free time, I take dance classes and enjoy walking with friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I'm passionate about dentistry because I get to directly help patients. I love creating relationships and cultivating a trust between patient and provider. Its an honor to provide this service to patients and have genuinely enjoyed both the clinical and interpersonal aspects of the dental profession

Hometown:
Chesterfield, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biomedical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I love the outdoors and all types of fitness, but CrossFit is my favorite. I am currently training for my first CrossFit tournament. Service is very important to me, such as VCU’s Give Kids a Smile and Special Olympics. I have been volunteering with Special Olympics for 11 years and counting.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to integrate hand skills, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking. As an engineer, I love that dentistry is constantly evolving, with new materials and methods being tested and implemented. I love the relationships formed with patients and am eager to have patients of my own.

Hometown:
Homestead, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Florida–B.S in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in La Habana, Cuba and moved to the U.S when I was 13 years old. My parents decided to leave the country in search of a better future for me. I enjoy reading, exercising and spending quality time with my family and friends. I have a 110 American Bulldog who loves everyone who pets her.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is one of the most rewarding careers, which combines health and beauty. I am passionate about dentistry because I have the ability to make a positive impact in someone's life. I also have the ability to advocate for the importance of oral health and how it correlates with overall health.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Randolph College–Bachelors - Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising second year dental student. I am married with one four year old daughter. I am a nontraditional dental student. I graduated from undergrad in 2000 with a degree in chemistry

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry has so many facets of care that I believe extend well beyond the traditional definitions, and I am excited to be a part of this ever evolving field. I am excited to care for others through educating and empowering my patients. It is also a lot of fun!

Hometown:
Chesapeake, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–BS-Biochemistry 2010; BSDH-Dental Hygiene 2014

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I just celebrated my one year wedding anniversary with my best friend and love of my life, Chelsea. We have a labradoodle named Stella, that just celebrated her 10 month birthday and the three of us love to travel particularly in the mountains of western Virginia where we can unwind and relax.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe dentistry is the most rewarding profession on earth. I have the opportunity to meet new people, do something different every day, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The field is constantly changing keeping me engaged in the field around me. I truly love what I do every day.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampden Sydney College –Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have always had a passion for art, cooking, and the outdoors. I went to a small liberal arts college in rural Virginia , Hampden- Sydney College, where I majored in chemistry and minored in biology and public service. I have a passion for making others laugh, smile, and enjoy life.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is more than just fixing cavities, dentistry is bringing smiles and self-confidence to those we treat. I've always enjoyed making people smile and laugh, and I have truly enjoyed working with my patients and starting with someone self-conscious about there smile to someone proud to smile.

Hometown:
Saint Petersburg, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Florida–Food Science and Human Nutrition

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Claire, and I am from St. Pete, Florida. I am recently engaged and full swing in wedding planning. I love taking our two dogs to the river, working on our garden, and playing rec soccer with my talented classmates.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry has become both my creative and humanitarian outlet. It satisfies my desire to be a lifelong learner, and helps me reach my personal goal of making my community a better place. After a full day of clinic, I come home feeling fulfilled and accomplished. I believe in this profession.

Hometown:
Martinsville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The University of Virginia–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Martinsville, Virginia, as were both my parents. My father and brother attended MCV School of Dentistry and continued on to the residency in Orthodontics. I am recently engaged to be married and plan on moving to Charleston, SC, for residency and practice, and we have 2 dogs

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Being from a family of dentists, I knew my motivation to go into the field had to come from within, and not from following a path laid out for me. My first Mission of Mercy project during college was the impetus that moved me to consider dentistry as an incredible opportunity to give back.

Hometown:
Colonial Heights, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
These days one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my two little nieces, who are 1 and 3 years old. I love how kids have so much creativity and such an excitement for life. My time spent with my nieces has been a big influence in me applying to pediatric dentistry residency programs.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
One of things that I respect most about the dental profession is its ability to give back and serve your community, whether that means in your own practice or through community service events. As a healthcare professional, you always have the ability to drastically improve someone's quality of life.

Hometown:
Colonial Heights , Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is travel. My favorite place that I’ve visited so far is Spain. I love that each city has its own culture and distinct characteristics, and I especially loved trying the different foods.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
One of things that I respect most about the dental profession is its ability to give back and serve your community, whether that means in your own practice or through community service events. As a healthcare professional, you always have the ability to drastically improve someone's quality of life.