Reflections

Hometown:
Homestead, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Florida International University –

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a Venezuelan immigrant who came to the U.S. back in 2013. I love being outdoors, enjoying the beach, and time with family. Dancing, kayaking, and reading are also part of my hobbies. Whenever possible I like to provide guidance to incoming dental students and help others.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The smile is a characteristic that says a lot about a person. Oral health has a great impact not only on physical but also on psychological well-being. This is what I love about dentistry, the significant impact that a space as small as the mouth has.

Hometown:
Stafford, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelor's in Biology with Minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am more than just a VCU dental student. I am also a cat dad, loving fiancée, and sports fanatic. A few of my favorite leisure activities include: taking walks around RVA, exploring new places to eat, and watching sports debate shows like Undisputed.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a child, I endured numerous oral surgeries, allowing me the opportunity to meet a multitude of specialists in the field of Dentistry. As all of my specialists have done for me, I hope to forge lifelong relationships with my patients that transcend beyond the boundaries of an office.

Hometown:
Beaverdam, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Raised in Beaverdam, VA where I learned to love the outdoors and small towns. I enjoy spending my free time traveling, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and spending time at the beach.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love being able to work with my hands restoring, creating, and improving a patients overall health through dentistry. Through volunteering weekly at the Charlottesville Free Dental Clinic, I saw how impacting our profession can be in the lives of those who cant afford dental procedures.

Hometown:
winchester, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampden-Sydney College –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am originally from Winchester Virginia. My hobbies include: fishing, exercising, hiking, playing sports and spending time outdoors. I am from a large family and I enjoy going home to spend time with them as frequently as possible. I love to travel and experience new places and try new things.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because of all the potential ways that it can improve the lives of those around me. I want to be a community partner and a community leader. I hope to improve the quality of life not only for my patients, but also for my family, friends and my community.

Hometown:
Springfield, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The College of William and Mary–B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from Northern Virginia and am one of four kids from a bustling household. I love trying new things and immersing myself in different cultures. I have recently taken up magic in order to ease children into liking dentistry and providing entertainment for inebriated people at parties.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I absolutely love dentistry because it gives us an unique opportunity to help others in a profound way. The fact that we can use our skills both domestically and internationally to change smiles and lives is amazing to me. Making differences in people's lives is what I strive to do in dentistry.