Reflections

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:
Richmond, 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 was raised in Richmond for most of my life and I consider it my hometown. My hobbies are reflective of Richmond's culture; I enjoy nature, discovering new coffee shops, and exploring new restaurants

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As an immigrant, my family and I had limited access to most forms of healthcare, especially dental care. The motivation to pursue my dental career stems from the hope that I can use my privilege as a future dentist to reduce the barriers to healthcare and make it more accessible for those in need.

Hometown:
Burke, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My ideal day consists of spending time with family, exploring new places, and eating...anything. I'll try everything at least once! On other days, you can find me rock climbing, making music, or just finding new things to do!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I originally chose dentistry to serve others with education and treatment. Seeing these aspects enhanced with the advancements of digital dentistry and dental materials has shown me that I can further serve my community through clinical research and development of these technologies.

Hometown:
Bluffton, South Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of South Carolina Beaufort–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am married and have two children. I love spending time with my family, serving others, surfing and teaching others how to surf, woodworking, exercising, cooking, gardening, hiking, camping, and playing guitar. Recently I have enjoyed exploring Richmond's historic sites and museums.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about serving others. Dentistry is exciting to me and I love researching the improvements and changes in the field that could positively influence my practice one day. I want to open my practice in an underserved area so I can provide quality dental care to those in need.

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 a single guy from a small rural farming town in Minnesota. Some of my hobbies include fishing, canoeing, cooking and trying new foods, reading, painting and drawing, playing sports and exercising, biking, carpentry, pottery, and knitting and drinking coffee with my grandma.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I enjoy the arts and I like the nitty gritty aspects of research and science, dentistry is the perfect fusion. It is the best way that I can use my talents and interests to give back and to help people as well as providing a stable income so that I can provide for a family when the time comes.

Hometown:
King George, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife and I come from a town called King George, Virginia; a big town now, but I remember passing tractors on the roads. Each of us attended James Madison University and are very proud of our alma mater. Virginia is always our home and we're excited to be able to support a big Virginia family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up, I watched my Dad try his hand at several professions. He never seemed happy, until he enrolled at the VCU School of Dentistry. Since he's graduated, I've never seen my Dad so fulfilled. He showed me this career in which I take great pride, and I know my family and patients will share it.

Hometown:
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate school/degree:
Ursinus College–Biological sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm currently a D2 student from Hershey Pennsylvania. I'm single and have two dogs (Haley and Kyra). I have been passionate about sports my entire life. I played football and baseball in high school and went on to play running back for four years in college. I also love hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I've always loved the outdoors, which turned into a love for the sciences as I grew older. I also had a very positive orthodontic journey that started in 4th grade and ended in 9th grade. This experience increased my self-confidence and led me to a career where I could help others in the same way.

Hometown:
kennesaw, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa–Biology major, Spanish minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm single, originally from Georgia but came to Virginia to create my own life. I love photography, volleyball, cooking/baking, and ceramics. I am our historian and enjoy planning events/activities for our class and helping them enjoy these years. I also love to travel and volunteer internationally.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I traveled to under served US cities as well as internationally on volunteer trips, seeing the need people have for dentists. We are lucky to have such education and opportunity. The problems and pain they experience is heart breaking. My D1 experience has only confirmed my desire to be a dentist.