Reflections

Hometown:
MIAMI, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Florida International University–Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Miami, Florida to Cuban parents and now moved to Virginia with my dog and cat. I enjoy studying Japanese, art, spending time with loved ones, fishing, and fitness. I love getting involved with my local Japanese embassy to spread awareness and go to beach cleanups on the weekend.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I view dentistry as a mantle to be held, one where I am responsible for those under my care and my local community, giving me the responsibility of a professional and a leader. It also allows me to express my creative and artistic sides while the challenges push me to be the best version of myself.

Hometown:
Murray, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Brigham Young University–Microbiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have been married for nearly 4 years now. I love to spend time with my wife going on walks and exploring all around Virginia.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have been around dentistry my entire life and the more I learn, the more I fall in love with the profession. I love making people smile and love to help people to smile more and build confidence in themselves. Helping people improve their quality of life is my top priority.

Hometown:
CUMMING, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Berry College–Exercise Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in northern Georgia with my younger brother who is also my best friend. I am a mother to my sweet Goldendoodle and a personal trainer that enjoys almost any kind of athletic activity. When I’m not working, I enjoy drawing, painting, and discovering new smoothie bowl recipes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides an opportunity for me to combine my artistic ability, love of heath, and passion for people into one profession. I choose dentistry because one day I want to give a shy person a confident smile, like the way my patients and clients do for me.

Hometown:
aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown–BS in Biology and Minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Being from Pittsburgh, PA I'm a huge Steelers fan. I enjoy playing golf with some of my classmates. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it is hiking, fishing, swimming, or tennis. Indoors, I like to play board games, cards, watch movies, and cook.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I'm passionate about dentistry because it gives me a chance to give back to my community. As a dentist, I would be very important for the health of my patients, especially their smile. The ability for patients to be confident in their smile can really make their day and even their whole life

Hometown:
Cherry Valley, Illinois

Undergraduate school/degree:
Augustana College–Bachelor of Arts

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in the Midwest, but fell in love with the Virginia area while completing my MS at Georgetown. During my D1 year, my fiancé and I adopted a puppy. We are avid Chicago Cubs fans and named him after Theo Epstein (the General Manager) after they won the World Series in 2016.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The initial spark that ignited my passion to become a dentist was illuminated early. After many academic terms, traveling abroad, and completing a master’s degree- one common thread was my love of caring for patients. Dentistry's ability to provide healthcare at such a compassionate level hooked me!

Hometown:
Temple, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Kennesaw State University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a middle child of three, family is important to me. I have a niece and nephew back home in Georgia I like to keep in touch with. During my free time I like to stay active, running, hiking or trying new experiences outside.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry to me is my way of making a difference. I like being able to give a person back their confidence by restoring their smile. I also like being able to complete the work that I start the same day.

Hometown:
Charlotte, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Carolina University–BS in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in NC, but have since moved up to VA for school. I love the restaurant scene in Richmond, VA where I go to school. I love trying out new food spots with friends and socializing with the class. My hobbies are weightlifting, running, hiking, and I especially love traveling.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because of the craft of working with your hands in a healthcare setting. You are usually the leader of your office, and are less governed by outside parties such as a hospital. You are also able to relate one on one with patients, sometimes the same family but different generations

Hometown:
Chesapeake, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from Chesapeake, Virginia and the youngest of 4 children. My niece and my nephew are my two most favorite things in life and i love watching them grow up. In my free time, I enjoy running, playing volleyball, and spending time with my friends and family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines aspects of medicine, artistry and engineering to make a direct, tangible difference on the lives of others. Dentists have an incredible opportunity to make an impact by sharing the gift of dentistry and forming strong personal relationships with their community.

Hometown:
Concord, California

Undergraduate school/degree:
Temple University–B.S. in Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
By the time I finished high school I could program in 5 languages, looking for new hobbies I made my way into photography and photoshop. I enjoy hiking and taking pictures of wild life, vegetation, and scenery.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Through dentistry, I can serve my community through education, preventative care, and restoration. Dentistry combines my interests in the sciences with my desire to be creative.

Hometown:
Coeburn, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia's College at Wise–Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Music

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
In my spare time, I enjoy playing music, traveling, trying new cuisines, learning about other cultures, and actively participating in organized dentistry. Education goes far beyond the classroom--I always enjoy learning from those around me in pursuit of expanding my horizons and bettering myself.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides me with a unique set of skills I can use to give back to others, combines my love of art and science, and ensures I'll never stop learning. To date, some of my favorite memories are the smiles on patients' faces when pain dissipates or when they're finally able to smile again.