Reflections

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Having lived in Virginia for the past 7 years, I relish outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and river sports, along with traveling and learning about different cultures. Amidst my busy dental school life, I prioritize making time for my loved ones and nurturing my personal well-being.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe in the profound value of making a positive impact on one's life and dentistry presents many opportunities for this. Whether it is alleviating a patient's pain, enhancing their smile, or being a compassionate listener, I am eager to cultivate strong bonds with my patients and build trust.

Hometown:
Alexandria, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of William & Mary–B.S in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from Alexandra VA and have lived there most of my life. I am the oldest of three siblings to two Ghanaian immigrants. I am a Jazz pianist and also learning two other instruments. In my free time, I also enjoy mentoring high school and college students looking to get into professional schools.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a field that leaves an impact on the community. Fix a person's smile or treat their pain, the change it makes is invaluable. I enjoy problem-solving for people who are in need and dentistry allows that in abundance. It also allows me to solve patient issues in a way that is very unique.

Hometown:
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Florida Atlantic University–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I recently celebrated my seventh wedding anniversary with my husband. I have an active three year old son. During my free time, I love spending time with family and friends. Since moving to Richmond, I enjoy exploring different parks in Richmond, going to museums and the zoo.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Before dental school, I worked in a pediatric dental office. I love the relationships you are able to build with others and how much awareness we give to preventive care. Dentistry its a career where I will be a lifelong learner and keep providing the best services for my patients.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a lifelong learner, leader, and NPR listener. 8-5, find me chatting with my patients, assisting my peers, or learning clinical pearls from my faculty. Past 5, catch me sweating in the gym, tinkering with a project, or outdoors, reapplying my SPF 70.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is the medium through which I express who I am and what I value. I am a people-person, a “lets get our hands dirty” kind of guy, and a lover of academics. Dentistry is the profession where I can bring this style and mentality together, motivated by the goal of bettering those around me.

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:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Accounting

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a single male with no kids that likes to play soccer, ride mountain bikes and snowboard in my free time. I also enjoy yoga and traveling, experiencing each new place I visit through the native cuisine and culture.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is the perfect combination of art, science, psychology and business. It allows me to be creative and artistic while at the same time utilizing interpersonal skills to help guide patients through difficult decisions .I can immediately see the results of my work and I can help my community.