Reflections

Hometown:
Byron , Minnesota

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of St. Thomas –Environmental Science with an emphasis in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm from a rural town in Minnesota. I attended undergrad in St. Paul, then pursued a Masters degree in Biomedical Science in FL. My hobbies include reading, cooking, fishing, drawing, golfing, lifting, hiking and camping, archery, and carpentry. During break I drive back to see my family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to achieve my goals of helping people directly, working with my hands, being able to be creative and have autonomy, and being able to have a comfortable lifestyle and support a family.

Hometown:
Sterling, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation Afghan-American woman from a family of refugees who fled Afghanistan during the Russian War. I am the first in my family to go to college and even go to a professional graduate program. I love playing the violin, cooking, and painting.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Coming from a family of refugees, dental care was the least of many of my family's concerns. From a cousin born with CL/P who was unable to be treated until her late teens to an uncle with severe periodontitis who lost his teeth, I want to educate people on the importance of dental health.

Hometown:
Chesapeake, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am 24 years old from Chesapeake, Virginia. Throughout undergrad, I worked at a local Chick-fil-A on the leadership team and volunteered regularly with my church. I have recently reignited my passion for long distance running and will be participating in several races over the next few months.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because I honestly love people. Dentistry allows me to have a fun, interactive and tangible profession while working to be a light in the world. Throughout my time in clinic, I have been consistently challenged while fostering great relationships with my patients.

Hometown:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate school/degree:
Norfolk State University–B.S., Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised by a single mother in Philadelphia, PA. Despite my low socioeconomic status, my passion for dentistry and success propelled me into amazing opportunities. With my natural desire to give back and innate ability to lead, I truly enjoy mentoring and working with children.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry stems from my love of working with my hands to make physical improvements in others’ lives. The satisfaction that results from restoring one’s function and esthetics is fascinating. Moreover, the autonomy and creativity incorporated in dentistry are particularly liberating.

Hometown:
Martinez , Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Brigham Young University–Spanish

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was a medical illustrator before coming to Dental School. As time allows I continue to draw and paint and even make some medical illustrations. My wife and I are the parents of six children. I lived in Argentina for 2 years and love the Spanish language, utilizing it at every opportunity.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is the perfect mix of art and science, my two favorite subjects. It also allows me to make a tremendous impact in the lives of children and families through both dental treatment and most importantly dental education. There is a tremendous opportunity to bless the lives of our community.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–BS Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from Virginia Beach and worked as a beach lifeguard for almost 10 years. I attended James Madison University then received my Master of Public Health degree before dental school. I am getting married in September 2018. My favorite thing to do is enjoy the outdoors, especially the ocean.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love that dentistry allows you to build connections with patients. My favorite part about dental school is getting to know my patients and helping to enact positive change in their life. I love the creativity and problem solving that comes with this profession on a daily basis.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Anthropology/Architecture

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a newly minted fourth year dental student originally from Virginia Beach. I am getting married this summer on July 21 to the love of my life! I'm widely interested in many subjects, not just dentistry, and especially health and wellness. I strive to exercise 5x per week and cook healthy meals.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because I love serving others. It is very fulfilling to help another human being with an aspect of their health. I also love that the different disciplines in dentistry are so different but all so interesting. I recently discovered I love endo, but I also love surgery and prosth.

Hometown:
Herndon, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–BS. Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I've always wanted a pet but my mom had a inexplicable fear of animals and kept saying "Either I stay or the pet stays." I am part of a North Indian folk dance team at MCV and at VT called Bhangra, an upbeat rhythmic dance style that is very popular across the US. I also enjoy playing the flute.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a frequent flyer to the dental operatory as a child and well into my teenage years, I've been constantly surrounded by dentistry. The concept of improving someones self confidence by giving them a better smile or ridding them of pain makes all the hard work worth it.

Hometown:
Jonesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Tennessee State University–BS in Health Science with Microbiology Concentration

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation college student from rural Southwest Virginia and am married with one child, an eight year old daughter. We enjoy gardening and spending as much time as possible outside hiking, kayaking or hanging out in a hammock in the back yard.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have worked in dentistry in some form or fashion for the past 14 years, first as an assistant, then as a hygienist and have fallen in love with all aspects. I understand how much work a successful career in dentistry takes and I also realize what an outstanding career dentistry can provide.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–B.S. Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My world outside of dental school consists of sandy days at home in Virginia Beach, mountain hikes to breathe in the fresh air of Shenandoah, laughs with my niece and nephew, and being home with my family whenever I can see them. I also enjoy food adventures and culinary adventures of my own.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I can change someone's life with dentistry. It can range from making them feel good just that day with a good hygiene recall to catching cancerous lesions and saving them. I'm humbled to make that kind of impact on others. To me, dentistry is limitless. It reaches healthcare philosophies and hearts.

Hometown:
Yorktown, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Carolina University–Neuroscience

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am currently a senior dental student living with two friends from my class and a cat named Remington. My father is in the Navy, so we frequently moved when I was younger. I had lived in 9 different houses, 5 different states and a different country by the time I was 18. Virginia is my new home!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because it is one of the only medical professions in which you actually get to visualize your work. After hours of waxing and prepping, there is nothing more satisfying then cementing a beautiful crown in a patient's mouth.

Hometown:
Berryville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–B.S. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a small town girl, born and raised in Berryville, VA. I love to read in my spare time or release some stress at the gym. I have a fluffy,orange cat named Hunny bun (my little brother named him), and I thoroughly enjoy cooking meals I have recently watched on the Food Network.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because to me, there is nothing that brings me more joy than making someone smile. Dentistry has allowed me to realize my artistic potential, make great connections with my patients and colleagues, and give back to those less fortunate while doing something I love.

Hometown:
Sterling, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I feel most relaxed hiking the ridgeline among friends, with my snowboard on my shoulder, anticipating the ride down. I find great relief from the stress of dental school through snowboarding, a hobby I have been passionate about since childhood and plan to continue to enjoy as long as possible.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a dental student, I am directly involved in both improving the oral health of our community through clinical practice, as well as enhancing clinical outcomes on a more global scale through research and teaching. I hope to remain as engaged in and passionate about both as my career progresses.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in South Africa and moved to the US when I was 8. My family and I received our US citizenship just over a year ago. Some of my favorite things to do are travel, camp with my family, cook, explore Richmond, play tennis, and help my parents with their family farm whenever I am home.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry involves life-long learning, compassion, and fulfillment from helping others. It’s not all about pulling teeth and drilling. It’s about caring for your patients, and being compassionate and understanding of their nerves and anxieties.

Hometown:
Cedar City, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Southern Utah University–Biology with a minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife and I just welcomed our first beautiful baby girl into this world. Besides holding her and getting all the snuggles I can; I am extremely active in my church. I also Scoutmaster a local boy scout troop which keeps me busy. I love to cook. Family is the most important thing in the world to me

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When shadowing the different careers. Dentistry was the only one that consistently allowed the doctor to help people, be leaders in the community, and most importantly spend time with their families. We cure the disease of carries but we also heal how people think of themselves through their smiles.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Northwestern State University –BS - Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
300 characters is not enough for you to get a grasp on my individuality but I will give it a go: from Louisiana, runs competitively, shoot guns competitively, playing outside, reading, watching movies, volunteering, being with family/friends

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
This is a hard question for me to answer. While I'm very passionate about dentistry, it's hard for me to put into words why I'm drawn to it. Dentistry peaked my interested in high school. I was and still am fascinated by the art of the profession. And to be honest I just love helping others.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m the youngest of four kids and have two loving parents. I’m the third person in my family attending VCU School of Dentistry. I love sports and have been playing soccer since I was a kid. I enjoy going to the gym and love being outdoors and recently hiked Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a unique profession that enables you to improve a patient’s well being and significantly enhance their confidence. I love interacting with patients and developing lifelong relationships and I’m proud to be in a profession that affords me the opportunity to give back to my community.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I enjoy spending time playing on my keyboard and watching movies. I hope to get a dog within the next few years!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is the perfect mixture of science, health, and art. I love the hands on experience we get with patients, and how we can provide them with life changing experiences in regards to their smile. I love that dentistry is attentive to every detail.

Hometown:
Sterling, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am happiest when hiking in the backcountry, with my snowboard slung over shoulder, anxiously anticipating the ride down the mountain. Without a spouse, children, or the free time to raise a puppy, I find great relief from the stresses of dental school and daily life by going snowboarding.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
An amalgamation of science, art and technology, dentistry demands great mental capacity, perceptual ability, technical skill, and a strong understanding of human behavior. The profession is changing rapidly, requiring a constant willingness to learn and adapt. I am rather excited for the challenge.

Hometown:
Hopewell, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am Virginia born and bred and love this state with all my heart. I am married and have two cats. I enjoy playing board games with friends, wood carving, crafting and playing disc golf in my free time. I am an avid fan of the Washington Nationals and I also enjoy helping others as often as I can.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because everyday you get to help someone. Whether it is getting patients out of pain or helping them get their smiles back, every patient is unique and I love getting to know them. I have also fallen in love with the perfect blend of art, science, and precision that is dentistry.