Reflections

Hometown:
Yorktown, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biomedical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name in Hebrew means "fertile field." While it sounds like my parents have lofty expectations for my future family, they really meant it as "the field in which the seed of knowledge may grow fruitfully." This poetic outlook in life has always inspired me to try to add a little wonder to each day.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a Biomed engineer, it was thrilling to work on a new frontier but I felt the benefits of the work were decades away. I was inspired by how much dental innovation is done by dentists for dentists, combining the fascinating, cutting-edge content of BME and the tangible, community impact I value.

Hometown:
Leesburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biomedical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am an avid weightlifter and deeply value developing strong relationships with others. I consider myself a lifelong learner and I like to make educational videos in my free time. Additionally, I love traveling and discovering new cultures and recipes to add to my ever growing repertoire.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry amalgamates the best skills of other professions which I have pursued: critical thinking/design from engineering and compassion/education from teaching. My passion for dentistry is derived from its unique combination of those skills that leave the patient smiling in confidence every time.

Hometown:
Elkridge, Maryland

Undergraduate school/degree:
Towson University–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Having lived in Iran, Austria, and the US, I have developed a love and passion for learning about new cultures and languages. I speak four languages proficiently. I am passionate about research with a publication under my belt. I love my family, serving the community, and solving complex problems.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Traveling frequently and having to learn new languages as a child made me realize there is no universal language to kindness but a smile.I found my passion for dentistry in hopes of providing the gift of a beautiful smile to everyone including those who may not have any other means of communication.

Hometown:
Alexandria, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–BA in Cognitive Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Amr Khatib. I was born in Fairfax, Virginia and raised in Damascus Syria. I came back to the US 6 years ago fleeing the Syrian civil war and seeking a dental education. In my free time, I like to swim, meet new people and volunteer at the dental school.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I grew up with a lot of TMJ disorders and my childhood dentist helped solve some of those problems. This disorder became an aesthetic problem causing a mandible shift which lowered my self-esteem. My dream is to become an Oral Surgeon with a specialty in TMJ disorders to help other people in need.

Hometown:
Overland Park, Kansas

Undergraduate school/degree:
Davidson College–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a Kansas native, proud parent to a sweet tabby named Mr. Darcy, and hot sauce enthusiast. Becoming a dentist has been my goal since senior year of high school, and I feel incredibly lucky to be working towards my dream. After graduation, I hope to continue my education with an AEGD or GPR.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines the fine motor skills I developed from years of playing the violin with my love of working with people. It also has the ability to impact patients' lives in a positive way, which I witnessed through dental volunteer work as a pre-dental student, and now a dental student.

Hometown:
Aldie, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am very grateful to have parents that have stressed the importance of education to my younger brother and me. This has allowed us to pursue our passions and build careers in something we enjoy. I also enjoy running along the James River and exploring hiking trails in the area.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am drawn to dentistry because of the genuine interaction between the provider and the patient. General practitioners are able to form a relationship of trust and care with their patients and I want to be able to build rapport and cater to the needs of my patients to the best of my ability.

Hometown:
Dalton, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Georgia–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from a small town in North Georgia and grew up with a deep fondness for the outdoors, fishing, sports, traveling and music. I have been playing music for 15 years and play several different instruments. I enjoy any way of staying active whether it be hiking, climbing, kayaking, or camping

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry has been a dream of mine since high school when I first saw how much of a positive influence my childhood dentist had on me and my family's life. After knocking out my front four teeth in college, I was able to experience first hand what it feels like to have a dentist transform your smile

Hometown:
Provo, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Utah Valley University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for 6 years. We have a 2 year old son and a 1 year old daughter that keep our home full of laughter, joy and dirty diapers. We love spending time together outdoors, at playgrounds and watching movies. I enjoy coaching and playing sports.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My first year of dental school was full of challenging days, but with patience and humility came success and fulfillment. Dentistry has helped me gain skills and confidence. Between personal fulfillment and helping patients live a happier and healthy life, I am excited for a career in dentistry.

Hometown:
Stuart, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–B.Sc. Chemistry-Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am very happy to have almost finished my first year of dental school. In my spare time I love to do anything outside. I enjoy hiking, running, camping, and seeing live music.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have enjoyed working with my hands and developing this unique set of skills so far in school. I also look forward to the lifetime of learning that a career in dentistry will offer. Most importantly, I know that dentistry will be fulfilling in my own life because I will be helping others every day.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelor in Science [Major: Biology Minor: Chemistry]

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am an enthusiastic, hardworking student who enjoys trying new things. I love pushing the limit and demanding more from myself. My hobbies include snowboarding, surfing and spending time with my family. I also enjoy learning and being able to share my knowledge to benefit everyone as a whole.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up dentistry played a key role in developing my self-esteem and confidence, improving my future outlook and sparking my interest in dentistry. My personal drive in improving quality of life and my creative, dexterous ability provide a perfect representation of what I love to do and who I am.

Hometown:
Kaysville, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Weber State University, Microbiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have been married for 3 years. I am an avid fly fisherman and love the outdoors.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because you can really change people's life through improving their image and help them gain self confidence. I also love helping patients get over fears of going to the dentist.