Reflections

Hometown:
Drummond Island, Michigan

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Michigan–Major-Neuroscience Minor-Creative Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Trey Norris, and I'm an incoming D1. My favorite pastimes include fishing, hunting, playing basketball, being outdoors, and mentoring. Family is the most important thing in my life, and as the oldest of four boys, I've had an excellent, captivated audience with whom to share my endeavors.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry stems from the stories that individuals suffering from a lack of dental care in my hometown have told me. As a dentist I'll have the opportunity to bring an essential service to an underserved community, teach preventative practices, and help people I care deeply about.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
North Carolina A&T State University–B.S., Biology Pre-Med

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a kind, patient and hard-working student who is passionate about alleviating disparities in dental care in the Commonwealth of Virginia. My hobbies including reading, thrift shopping and spending time with friends. I look forward to starting my dental practice and serving my community!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Fear. I was terrified of the dentist, but due to my dentist’s ability to inform and care for me during my appointments, I am no longer afraid. Helping children and adults overcome the fear of seeing the dentist is my goal as a future health care provider, which will lead to a healthier community.

Hometown:
Clarksville, Maryland

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Maryland, College Park–Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
For the past few weeks, I have been trying to learn Korean. Growing up in a family of fluent speakers, I could not ignore the feeling of exclusion anymore. This journey has been enjoyable and fulfilling, and I look forward to having meaningful conversation with my grandmother when I visit Korea.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
This year, I encountered a patient with severe attrition, ready for the denture process. I witnessed their readiness for lifestyle changes and became the catalyst in guiding them through this journey. Dentistry allows me to positively influence lives, empowering them to embrace a brighter future.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m originally from Virginia Beach and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2020. I did competitive gymnastics growing up so I love fitness/nutrition. Another hobby of mine is painting, specifically dog portraits as gifts for family and friends. I enjoy hiking and anything outdoors.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My mission work with Operation Smile in the Philippines and China sparked my passion for dentistry. Now as a D3, I also love the hands-on aspect of dentistry, where I can be a problem solver through creativity/innovation. Dentistry changes lives and I look forward to making an impact on my patients.

Hometown:
Chester, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My husband and I love spending time together biking, kayaking, playing guitar, and homebrewing. Outside of school, I spend time practicing my crafts - woodworking, crocheting, painting - whatever I can make with my hands, and hanging out with my black cat and banana ball python.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I always knew I wanted to pursue art, but it wasn't until I discovered my passion for Biology that I became interested in pursuing dentistry, as the two complement each other well in this field. I noticed how this work is life-changing for a lot of patients, & wanted to contribute to that for others

Hometown:
Lynchburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm the youngest of four and I've got a big, wonderful, loud family that I'm proud of. We've always been active and love being outside especially on the water floating, fishing or kayaking. I love all animals but especially my cat, Dory. If I'm not outside, I'm napping or watching Netflix.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I really love this profession and even after being in clinic for only a week, I can confidently say this is where I belong. I like being able to find a problem and be able to manually fix it. Dentistry combines healthcare, art and human interaction which is what I have always wanted in a career.

Hometown:
Fairfax Station, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Virginia. I have a cat named Raja that really acts like a dog. I love to dance. I was on a competitive dance team at UVA. I also love to spend time with my family and friends!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I feel like as a dentist I will be able to educate my patients about their health, and how they can take care of themselves and their teeth. I always wanted to go into a profession where you can influence and help others, and that's why I love dentistry!

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biomedical Engineering, B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Richmond, VA. My fiance, Allen, and I got engaged last year and are planning to get married next summer. Outside of Dentistry, my greatest passion is encountering new experiences through travel and food (and traveling for food!)

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When I think of Dentistry, I think of discovery. Whether it's uncovering a carious lesion, solving a puzzle to create a patient's treatment plan or revealing knowledge through research, I am constantly intrigued by how our discoveries spark change to deliver the best care to our patients.

Hometown:
Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am wife to a really great guy named Davis and mom to a very cute yet slightly insane golden retriever named Winnie. Faith and family are of utmost importance to me. I love to be outdoors, whether it is a simple walk, a tough hike, a day on the boat, or sitting on the porch chatting with friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Through dentistry, I can serve something greater than myself. I plan to do this as a dentist by giving my time and skills in free clinics and shaping the future of the profession by transitioning into academic dentistry later in my career. Additionally, I really love spending time with patients.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Recently engaged to a wonderful VCU Dental School student who is graduating in May. We have an awesome 1 year-old German short-haired pointer we raised this year together since we brought him home at 8 weeks. Hobbies include volleyball, cooking, and begrudgingly, as of recently....wedding planning.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I absolutely love the hands-on stimulation that dentistry provides for coupled with long-term patient interaction and our relationship together. The ability to earn someone's trust and time to help them work towards a healthy dental state is very empowering as a student provider.

Hometown:
Ardsley, New York

Undergraduate school/degree:
SUNY Buffalo–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I recently got engaged in April 2017, and live with my fiancé in Fredericksburg VA. I love to play racquetball and want to compete in a triathlon this year. I also love to watch sports- my favorite being football. I am a fantasy football expert. I love to travel and scuba dive around the globe.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because over my lifetime I have seen many different aspects of the profession. I have assisted, performed Perio research, worked in free dental clinics, worked in a dental stem cell lab, and helped my mom lecture about dental billing. I love all aspects of dentistry.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University–Biological Sciences, Concentration in Microbiology/Immunology, Minor in Medicine in Society

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
This past November I ran my first marathon. I began training in the Spring of my D2 year with the Richmond marathon training team. It was an incredible feat that took diligence and perseverance to achieve. I also became Scuba Certified in September 2015. I appreciate maintaining balance in life.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am a caretaker by nature; I have a passion for taking care of and serving other people’s families, similarly to how I care for my own. Our field works intimately with the family unit creating a marriage of sciences, both psychology and biology. I love the complexity of each family I meet.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology Minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single mother of a four-legged Labrador. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My favorite past times include; snowboarding, surfing, fishing and being anywhere close to water. I enjoy making others smile and I always strive to find the greater good in everything.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides me a perfect avenue to express myself through patient care and interaction. I love being able to work with my hands and transform someone’s smile. The best part about dentistry comes from the patients I treat and their gratitude towards the treatment they have been rendered.

Hometown:
Suagar Hill, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Georgia–Exercise and Sport Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a single male who loves to be active, physically, mentally, spiritually, and professionally. I enjoy days filled with service, mountain biking, delicious food and a good rest on a porch.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I enjoy the dexterous work, impact we can make to individuals in our community, nation, and planet and the high mental and physical rigor required to deliver quality care. Additionally, I find organized dentistry and the flexible practice models to be extremely interesting.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My work experience in business and sports impact the way I approach life. Working as a team permeate my actions on organized dentistry, position as president-elect and marriage. My husband is my rock, and we travel anytime we get the chance. This year, MOM Projects were the farthest we traveled.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
To quote Mom, "Figure out what you're good at, and do it." I wanted hands that helped, and after 250 shadowing hours, 3 dental jobs & 2 VCU dental departments later, I was hooked. My passion for dentistry is now illustrated by heavy participation in student government, the RDS, and ASDA.