Reflections

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Maryland, College Park–General Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation Iranian American dental student from Fairfax, VA. Some of my hobbies include restoring vintage sneakers, volunteering as a head coach for my local youth basketball association, and experiencing various cultures by traveling around the world. I also have a cockapoo named Gigi!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines my love for serving those in need and my interest in working with my hands. As a kid, I shadowed my mom craft the perfect crown as a dental lab technician as I played with LEGOs. I enjoy working with people and helping improve their lives so becoming a dentist was the perfect job!

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Florida Atlantic University –BS in Neuroscience and Behavior

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
When I'm not in school, you can find me with family, friends, trying new foods/cooking, volunteering, or working out. I am a first generation American, my mom is from Ukraine and dad is from Moldova. I also love anything sports or activity related since I used to play competitive tennis!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to add all of my passions into a career: patient care, creativeness, entrepreneurship, technology, photography, and a feeling that I am changing someone's life for the better. You can take someone from pain/discomfort/insecurity to painless and confident and I love that.

Hometown:
Raleigh, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Brigham Young University–Public Health

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m from North Carolina, have five siblings, and am a proud aunt to three nieces and one nephew. I enjoy playing the piano and am active in my faith. I love speaking Spanish and treating Spanish-speaking patients in clinic! I am the first person in my family to pursue a profession in dentistry.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I find fulfillment in providing my patients with a positive dental experience, and I am grateful to be part of a profession that allows me to interact daily with people, and use my skills to serve others. I love that within dentistry I am constantly learning and improving.

Hometown:
Bradenton, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Duke University–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am originally from Florida and did my undergraduate and grad school in North Carolina. I enjoy running, playing tennis, listening to podcasts, and practicing daily mindfulness training. I am also the proud parent of a 5-year old cat who thinks he runs the household.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I enjoy the immediate gratification of improving someone's appearance and self-esteem. As someone who was bullied as a child, I realize how something seemingly small can make the biggest impact in someone's confidence. I also enjoy the long-term relationships that are built through dental care.

Hometown:
Herndon, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I recently got married and my husband and I are planning on having the celebratory wedding after I graduate in 2020. Together we love to travel, work out at the gym, and eat too much food. I also play the violin and enjoy visiting wineries on the weekends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because I can have a direct impact on a patient within one appointment. Just a few weeks ago I assisted with a splint case, and the patient was beyond thrilled with the outcome and was extremely appreciate of our work.

Hometown:
Harare, Other

Undergraduate school/degree:
Indiana University South Bend–General studies

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the only girl in a family of 5. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I moved to the US on a student visa to pursue my dream in dentistry. My pride and joy are my 3 nephews and 1 niece. I enjoy experiments in the kitchen. At times i get great result but also disasters but i love the process.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because a smile can make someones day and I want people to be able to smile so wide with confidence. It is only possible if their teeth are well and beautiful. Also oral health is part of a persons overall health so i want to help people achieve wellness.

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Bachelor's of Arts in Chemistry and Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Roanoke, VA with my brother Jack, my pug Carly, and my parents Paula and Jay. I attended UVA for my undergraduate degree and graduated in 2013. In my free time I enjoy going for long runs in the fan and listening to audiobooks. My favorite author to listen to is Nelson DeMille.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because of the impact I will be able to make on other people's lives on a daily basis. I like the idea that I could be helping the people in my community to be healthier and to feel more confident about themselves, by helping to improve their smile.