Reflections

Hometown:
Henrico, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My family immigrated to the United States from South Korea when I was two years old. I grew up in Richmond, Virginia and I attribute a majority of my passions and hobbies to the culture surrounding Richmond, which include, exploring restaurants, enjoying the outdoors, and appreciating art.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up in an immigrant family constantly reminded me that disparities in healthcare target marginalized groups. Becoming a dentist, and earning the ability to advocate and serve underrepresented communities gives me hope that I can reduce the burden of dental issues for families like mine.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Venezuela - Colombia–DDS - Orthodontist

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
am currently an IDP student starting my D3 year.I have 2 kids, I enjoy activities such as knitting, embroidery, and various crafts like painting. I also love outdoor activities with my children, such as cycling, scooting, walking, visiting museums, the zoo, and spending quality time with my family

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love my profession because I have been able to make an impact on the lives of many patients by improving their oral health and establishing strong relationships with them. I am so passionate about it that I am studying it again, with the desire to make the same impact in this my new country USA

Hometown:
Fort Myers, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Uzhhorod National University in Ukraine–DMD

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Kristina Taranov. I’m 28 years old. I was born and raised in Uzhhorod, which is a small town in western Ukraine. I enjoy outdoor sports, baking and playing piano. I am fluent in English, Ukrainian, Hungarian and Russian. I'm married.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a young girl I grew up helping others. My passion and inspiration come from my father who is a dentist in Ukraine and my mother who is a nurse. I have always enjoyed helping others and I would love to not only to improve people's smile, but also improve their quality of life.

Hometown:
Alexandria, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Marymount University–B.S. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation student, who grew in the Shenandoah mountain region of Virginia. I started running cross country in high school, was recruited to run at Marymount University, and am still now an avid runner. Other than running, I like to dabble in cooking and baking new recipes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As a child, I dreaded the dentist. My associations with the dentist were crowded waiting rooms, pain, drilling and unfamiliar sounds. Receiving the compassionate care that I needed later in my teen years, reversed that view point, and actually inspired me to pursue my own career in dentistry.

Hometown:
Miami, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Florida–Nutritional Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from rural Miami, FL. I grew up on a tropical fruit grove where we harvested the fruit to ship all over the country. I am the youngest of three siblings. My family means everything to me, and I would not here without them. Volleyball has shaped my life; I still find time to play even now.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have never been a patient person, and that is why I love dentistry. A patient walks in with a complaint or pain, and we can treat it right then and truly help them; it is instant gratification. Seeing a patient's smile as they leave the office after a job well done is an unbeatable feeling.

Hometown:
Richmond , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University –Bachelors of Science in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi! I’m Tiannie, an avid rock climber who loves connecting with my community and spending time with my loved ones. Through acrobatic yoga, climbing, and upcycling thrift finds, I’ve made amazing connections to Richmond and the people here, all while learning new skills and practicing self-care.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Assisting marginalized communities opened my eyes to how anxiety associated with dentistry led to long term loss of patients to follow up, and ultimately worsened states of oral diseases. By providing quality, empathetic care, I can break these sigmas and lower the rates of preventable diseases.

Hometown:
Orlando, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampton University–Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. I enjoy art, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and traveling.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry will give me the chance to express my love for art and to be of serve to the underrepresented community. In addition, dentistry will afford the opportunity to rebuild confidence and gain an intangible joy of positively impacting the lives of others.

Hometown:
Kannapolis, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Carolina University–Biology Major & Business Minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I come from a large family where I am the youngest but the tallest of 5 brothers. In my free time I enjoy working on my golf game, next to anything sports related and trying out new recipes to cook. I also love a good Dean Koontz novel and binge watching my favorite shows on Netflix.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides me all the essentials to be a positive role model, bring genuine primary care and most importantly smiles throughout my community. The professionalism, knowledge and the satisfaction of improving the lives of others drive my determination to pursue an education in dental medicine.

Hometown:
Brooklyn , New York

Undergraduate school/degree:
CUNY College of Staten Island –Bachelors of Science, Major in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
A major turn point in my life was when I moved to the U.S. in pursuit of a college education and leaving behind all my family. but having the opportunity to purse my passion was compensating for me. I look forward to getting married and having a family once my financial circumstances get better.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
In college, I excelled in the sciences and I felt that my interests aligned with dentistry. I loved every aspect of dentistry whether it be the hands on aspect of it, the joy it brings to people after they are relieved from pain and the way it makes people have self-confidence with their smiles.

Hometown:
Bedford, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Lynchburg–Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a music-lover and an accomplished pianist and violinist, playing in several orchestras and my church. I enjoy photography, running/exercise, and learning about new things. I am the second-youngest of seven children, and enjoy spending time with my parents, siblings, and ten nieces and nephews.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion comes from my mother, who stressed the importance of oral care to my family because of her parents and aunt who suffered complications from undiagnosed oral disease. I love dentistry because it allows me to prevent disease, make a difference, and put a smile on the faces in my community.

Hometown:
Henrico, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Dixie State University–Biology with a minor in chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Jared Worthington and I am married with 4 kids (ages 5-1) with another on the way. I love spending my time with my family, being outdoors and playing sports!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I enjoy being able to interact with patients on a one on one basis, and trying to provide excellent care to them. It is so rewarding to see how some procedure or appointment can change so much for the patient and possibly be life changing. There is no other profession quite like dentistry!

Hometown:
Chincoteague , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old dominion university –Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a divorced single mom of three amazing daughters who inspire me daily. We have been through a lot but we currently are in love with our little “girl family” and enjoy camping, exploring nature and bike riding together.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is my “thing”, it is my innate gift that I have a responsibility to give back to the world around me. It is how I can help those that need the help the most and lift others up. I was a hygienist for 10 years and saw immense need and so I am very motivated to help the underserved.

Hometown:
west valley, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Utah–B.S in biolody

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
After spending five years living in Utah, i started to pick up some outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking into my hobbies list. Beside physical activities, i also involve myself into religious activities as a get away from stressful reality sometimes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It has to be all about using my hands to do work and meeting different people everyday. I strongly enjoy results of the works that i and faculties devoted our times for and the appreciation feeling generating from the patients is addictive in certain way.

Hometown:
Exmore, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single mom to three amazing girls and we have faced many challenges on this journey but are so excited for the opportunity to finally do what I love. My girls are my biggest fans and support. They motivate me daily and keep my life balanced and focused on the big picture.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I feel that our value in life is found in our ability to give back to the world around us. In dentistry I have found my calling. Dentistry is my gift that I can give to my patients and my community. It allows me to care for the people around me and make a positive difference in their lives.

Hometown:
Reston, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–B.S. in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Playing piano for twenty years, I am an instructor at Bones Jones Music. I am a photographer, sculptor, comic artist, and wood-worker. I am interested in sustainability, backyard chickens, and aquaponics. I love to cook and stay active by blues dancing, rock climbing, and hiking.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry dovetails my passion for art, science, and helping others. Every patient fights their own inner battle, and I want to be capable of comforting them and finding a solution for their ailments, not just those related to their mouths.

Hometown:
Arlington, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of William and Mary–B.A. Sociology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
A free-spirited, military officer on a life mission to constantly challenge and surprise myself. At 63 inches, I enjoy “short” hikes to the top of the some of the highest peaks in the world and have often been referred to as the “elf from the Christmas movie with big dreams of becoming a dentist."

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines my passion for puzzles, people, & potential. Each patient presents a new challenge, and I will have the opportunity to directly help individuals reach their potential as I constantly work to reach mine through compassionate and meaningful service in areas where access is limited.

Hometown:
Salem, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University–Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the lucky recipient of love from a wonderful woman for the past 5 years. We do not have any children, however, we do have two cats. I enjoy spending time with those that I love, when I have free time. I like to try cooking new recipes, and also enjoy tending to my flower garden for relaxation.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The thing that brings me satisfaction is being able to treat those who are in need. Patients trust us not only for the skills our hands possess but also the knowledge to manage their complex medical conditions. I am passionate because I can provide relief and comfort to those who are in need.

Hometown:
Blacksburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The Catholic University of America–B.S. in Biology, Minor in German

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I got married this past September in Luray, VA; the beautiful Shenandoah Valley is our favorite part of VA! My husband, Michael, & I love cooking together, biking Richmond, playing trivia with our friends, and caving (spelunking) in Blacksburg where my parents live. I enjoy sewing, music, & swimming

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry permanently changes lives; being able to alter how people view themselves is powerful & rewarding. I believe that confidence and happiness are one's biggest assets & that dentistry above all professions is able to give that to patients! I also love the daily artistry; it's just plain fun!