Reflections

Hometown:
Castle Rock, Colorado

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Alabama at Birmingham–Bachelor of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the eldest child to two very hard working immigrant parents. They live in Iowa, where I was born and raised. I am engaged, but he lives in Colorado with our two pets, lux (cat) and Irah (dog). My hobbies include hiking, Netflix, videogames, painting, and being outside.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My introduction to dentistry was through my orthodontist, but my passion began after I had oral surgery to correct a severe overbite. It was life changing. I finally liked the way I looked and I smiled a lot more. The feeling is still indescribable, and I hope to share it with others.

Hometown:
Leesburg, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Joelle Ortega. I am 22 years old with a pet fish. I love horse back riding and anything outside or with animals. I am on track to commission as a 2LT in the United States Air Force. I am thinking about specializing in either periodontics or oral surgery.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have become a member of SNDA and now treasurer of HSDA. Also, I am becoming a mentor in the THRIVE program. As a Hispanic student, I believe its my job to address disparities in the healthcare environment and to provide care, support and understanding to patients of a minority background.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
George Mason University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm outgoing and friendly with many people but friends with few. Those I love, I love fiercely. I love my home and have a constant urge to use my skills in giving back to the community. I have leadership skills but at the same time I can be also a team player. My hobbies are gardening and shopping.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I was inspired to pursue dentistry after interacting with a group of volunteering dentists from Operation Smile in Vietnam. Their selfless service in providing dental care to those in need was something that I want to emulate. Dentistry can physically change a person's wellbeing through oral health.

Hometown:
Durham, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Meredith College–B.S. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I moved to the US by myself 6 years ago to pursue higher education. Four years later, I graduated top of my class from Meredith College in NC in 2017. In two years, I will be the first dentist in my family. I enjoy trying new recipes from around the world, currently Moroccan dishes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a field where I am able to provide a service while using creativity and art. Growing up, I was a part of a community where visiting the dentist was considered a luxury. I believe that needs to change. I am passionate about increasing access to dental care and making it more accessible.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Cognitive Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have two little girls, one 17 months and the other 3 years old. My eldest is a daddy’s girl and we are inseparable when I am not at school. I like to go on long walks with my wife, play basketball with my friends and watch movies at home.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My greatest desire is to become a dentist in order to provide service to my family, my community, and any individual that is in need. In doing so, I hope to build strong relationships and connect with people from all walks of life.

Hometown:
Fairfax, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am Rasha, 30 years old- newly married, D4 student at VCU SOD. I am a hard working individual and I take my education very seriously. I'm also a very social person, I like to communicate with people from different backgrounds especially that I speak 3 languages and eager to learn more.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry gives me the opportunity to help others both physically and emotionally. Many patients come to us because they are in pain and are afraid. I feel privileged to be able to provide quality dental care and to help my patients achieve their goals and alleviate their fears.

Hometown:
Chesapeake, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–B.A. Biology and Spanish

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I think one of my defining characteristics is a love of adventure. Whether it's biking across the U.S., hiking the Camino de Santiago through northern Spain, or forcing myself to like running by signing up for the Richmond half marathon, I will never turn down the chance to experience something new.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love that dentistry gives you a unique skill set that you can use to directly improve the lives of others. Starting college, I knew that I wanted to work in the field of healthcare. When I attended my first MOM project, I was sold. I'm excited to put into practice the skills I've learned D1 year.

Hometown:
Fairfax Station, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–BA in Economics

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My parents emigrated from Iran and raised three career-driven daughters in Virginia. Dentistry was a drastic change for me after working in business for several years. I am currently applying to pursue a residency in OMFS. In my free time, I enjoy catching up with family and seeing new places.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Pursuing the art of dentistry was a career change that afforded me an opportunity to work with my hands while contributing to my community. The sense of fulfillment that comes from relieving a patient’s pain and improving their quality of life is unmatched by anything I have ever experienced.

Hometown:
Burke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–BS in Biology (Minors in Chemistry and General Business)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I love trying new foods, and exploring ideas for innovation. My goal is to create and patent a revolutionary product. I am always thinking of new ways to improve our daily lives. Recently, I finished research on gunshot wounds to the mandible, and hope to continue such work to improve patient care.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
What is most important in choosing a career is not only the impact you will make on society, but also how joyously you are able to do so. My goals are to change a life for the better, and I have witnessed how the simplest of dental procedures can bring a smile to a patient’s face.

Hometown:
Newport News, VA

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech, BS in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am currently engaged, have no children, and share a 6 month old golden retriever with my fiancee'. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, boating, and playing golf.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It's the perfect combination for me that combines the medical field and the ability to have long lasting, one on one relationships with patients.