Reflections

Hometown:
Riverside , California

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of California, San Diego–B.S in Human Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Riverside, California in a family of 5 and have just completed my D1 year at VCU. I am currently enjoying the summer semester while continuing to explore Richmond. In my free time, I like to bake, play tennis, read books, and go on hikes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My life was transformed when my overlapping front teeth were restored into a beautiful smile. Therefore, I admire dentists for not only enhancing smiles, but also confidence, all while building rapport. Research, shadowing, dental assisting, and seeing patients in clinic solidified my passion.

Hometown:
Yorktown, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–BA Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a D2 student from Yorktown and one day hope to bring my skills back to the Virginia Tidewater region. I spend my time decompressing from school by creating gluten-free recipes that don't taste bland (a difficult task!), biking on my Peloton, and working on my green thumb in my Fan backyard.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry has merged my two loves of art and science. There is not another job I can think of where you can use your artistic abilities to create a lasting medical impact on another person. I am proud that every day I am learning skills that can help another person function better and smile bigger.

Hometown:
Ashland, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
American Military University–Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single mother with full custody of two school aged children. I love being outdoors with my kids, especially at the beach. My daughter just taught me how to play chess and she beats me nightly during our games! The three of us also love to paint and draw at the end of a long week.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about working with kids and my personal mission is to combine dentistry with youth services. From swim instructor, counselor, and volunteer, I have learned how much kids brighten my day. I want to brighten theirs by making each child proud of their smile, oral, and overall health.

Hometown:
Saint George, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Southern Utah University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am recently married to my high school sweetheart of 6 years and have no kids. I love staying active by playing baseball, golf and trail running. My wife and I are relocating from northern California to Richmond for dental school and she will be attending nursing school to achieve her RN.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry gives me the opportunity to improve people's lives/overall health on a daily basis. It also gives me the opportunity to stay involved in the community through oral health. The field is always adapting/improving with new technology and techniques which will satisfy my love for learning.

Hometown:
N. Chesterfield, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth Universiry –Dental Hygiene / Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Germany and am a first generation college student. I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. I enjoy running half marathons, biking the CAP trail, white water rafting, hiking, re-purposing antique furniture and spending time with my family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I want to assist those in need by providing a service that can lead to a healthier body,both oraly and systemically. I am passionate about public health and there is no greater feeling than being thanked for making a difference in someone's life. I enjoy seeing progression and building relationships

Hometown:
Hillsville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Psychology Major; Leadership and Social Change Minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was raised in Southwest Virginia on a farm. I joined Teach for America after college to teach high school chemistry. I have a beagle puppy named Ruby and a beautiful wife named Jamie who was also a teacher but will start law school in August. I enjoy backpacking, fishing, baseball and carpentry.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Southwest Virginia is under served. Upon graduation I will join a practice in Hillsville, VA. I will merge my love of dentistry and education to provide quality oral care, preventative education and challenge mindsets. I am excited help make my home a better place and inspire others to do the same.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University –Health Science major with Biology minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am currently 23 and entering my D2 year. I am the youngest of 3 siblings all of which are dentists/in dental school. I was born and raised in Virginia Beach and attended collage at JMU where I played Varsity Field Hockey. One of my biggest passions in life is people and their individuality.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry sprung from a very young age as I followed my father around in his dental practice growing up. I loved everything about the profession and the older I got I realize that there was no other career I would rather pursue in life. He was my biggest role model.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
John Tyler Community College–General Studies

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I enjoy spending time with my family as much as possible! I love to knit and give my projects away as gifts. I also play piano, guitar, and sing with the worship team at my church. Puppetry is another passion of mine. I have been involved with the puppet team at my church since I was 9.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides me the opportunity to work with my hands, make an impact in people's lives, and serve the those who may not have access to care. I have been on 4 international mission trips, and plan to go on dental trips after I am licensed.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am single living at home with my father and two siblings. I have two pets, a dog named Snickers and a cat named Pumpkin. I enjoy working as a dental assistant while not in school. Outside of work and school I enjoy running, yoga and being with my family as much as possible.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have been passionate since I began working with Dr. McMunn and his team. I grew to love dentistry and the joy it brings in your life. this field is not about teeth. It is about relationships you carry on throughout your career.