Reflections

Hometown:
Centreville, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Ever since I was a little kid, I have wondered what brings true happiness. I have tested myself, but it was neither a good grade nor a game console. After years, I realized it comes from the smiles of people around me. And this is one of the reasons why I can’t wait to meet my patients as a dentist.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am often easily bored. For this reason, I constantly switch my hobbies. However, as long as I am in the dental field, I will never get bored. The new technologies coming out always surprise and fascinate me. Keeping pace with this rapid transformation can be challenging but also exciting.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of South Carolina–Bachelor of Science- Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from Virginia Beach and attended the University of South Carolina, where I met my now fiancé. We recently adopted a hound mix named Goose in December. We love hiking, trying different restaurants in RVA, and listening to live music. I love art and paint dog portraits for friends and family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a profession where I can be a lifelong learner, problem solver, artist, and clinician. It allows me to heal and transform smiles to make patients achieve the confidence and health they deserve. Everyday is different and I love the diversity of cases we can treat.

Hometown:
Portsmouth, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia State University –Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm from Portsmouth Virginia. I have one older brother. I attended Virginia State University for a bachelors in biology. I enjoy all things dealing with beauty and self care, such as doing my hair and makeup. I also love to travel! I always look forward to my next destination to explore.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry comes from being able to help people improve their quality of life. It's amazing to see how much I can create an impact on someone's life just by treating and educating about oral health. I love that I can continue to challenge and improve my knowledge throughout my career.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Bridgewater College–Health and Exercise Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Some of my favorite hobbies have always been doing outdoors things like hiking and biking, while also trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle with running and lifting weights. I have also just recently started to play the guitar and taken steps towards learning to speak Spanish.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it provides an opportunity to connect with others in a way that meaningfully impacts their lives. I look forward to becoming a part of a community, and providing care that improves or maintains the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of my patient's lives.

Hometown:
Winchester, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampden-Sydney College –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Over the 2016-2017 year I was part of the D.5 program while working within the OMFS department. In my spare time I enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, running, playing sports and being outside. I come from a big family and I value and enjoy spending time with them as often as time will allow.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry gives me the unique opportunity to directly impact several aspects of a persons overall health (mental and physical). A dentist is not only a health care provider, but should also be a community leader and a model citizen, using their abilities to empower those around him/her.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Tashkent State Medical Academy–Dental

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I began my career in Uzbekistan as a general dentist in 2005. Pursuing a dental education in the U.S. is inspired by my two teenage boys. My family motivates me to be the best role model and to continue chasing your dreams regardless of time, age, or place. I strive to provide the best future for us

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry is inspired by my patients when they trust my knowledge and skills in oral care, become happy and healthy individuals after the dental treatment receive. Knowing that I played role in they transformation is extremely rewarding and encourages me to provide the best care I can

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Christopher Newport University–Bachelors of Science in Business Administration

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife, Rebecca, and I have been blessed with two very energetic boys, Milo and Maxwell. Since having kids, our hobbies have shifted to our kids' hobbies, which include playing and learning about dinosaurs, construction site machinery and trains. The Science Museum is pretty much our second home.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
While shadowing, I was once told that even if I had horrible hand skills, I would still retain patients because of my chairside manner and my ability to build rapport. I enjoy getting to know my patients, as it makes it even more rewarding when I can help improve their oral health.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Portland State University–Genetic biology and general chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I married my best friend in 2014 in Vietnam and she now currently with me here. We will be expecting a baby boy in November this year. Besides school work, I spend most of my time witb my familly, on drawing, computer, and construction skills ( I was an contractor assistant before, and I loved it)

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
In my opinion, being unable to enjoy food is one of the worst things that can happen on one individual life. I want to help my patients maximizing the functions of their precious teeth this way.

Hometown:
Ricmond, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Richmond, VA. Parents moved the family to Taiwan when I was four, and I stayed there for nine years to finish Chinese elementary school. We moved back to Richmond when I was thirteen. I have a brother who is three years older than me. I enjoy playing piano, guitar, and basketball.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it is a rewarding profession that allows me to reduce patient's pain and restore patient's esthetic. I take pride in having great hand dexterity as well as being artistic and good listener. Dentistry allows me to utilize my talents in serving the community.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
George Mason University–Biology Honors

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the youngest child and a first generation Vietnamese-American. I am from Virginia Beach and have always enjoyed the beach. I love to cook and try different foods from different cultures. I travel whenever I can and I would love to try my favorite foods in its country of origin one day.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry gives me an outlet to directly change someone's life. I can bring them to a more positive state while building a relationship with them. This profession is a mix of art, health, and science. There are not many professions that are so diverse and a true life long learning commitment.