Reflections

Hometown:
Dayton , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Eastern Mennonite University –Bachelor of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Dayton, Virginia located in the Shenandoah Valley and attended EMU in Harrisonburg. I enjoy drawing, painting, cycling, hiking, and backpacking. I spend free moments camping in Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest with my friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Around the age of 5 I started working with my dad building houses. In high school, I began shadowing my dentist. Over the next 6 years I saw the attention and care he had for his patients. Dentistry gave me a path that allowed me to use my hands-on skills and provide care for communities like mine.

Hometown:
Spotsylvania, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The University of Virginia–Global Studies -- Public Health

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up on a farm in rural Virginia with my best friends, also known as my siblings. My family and community taught me how to be both resilient and empathetic in the face of adversity. I am passionate about advocating for underserved communities and educating people about oral health.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I was once told that a toothache was more painful than giving birth. While I haven’t given birth, I began to understand the sentiment after developing I tooth abscess. In addition to alleviating pain, I love that dentistry is an art. I can enjoy my work and help others at the same time.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia commonwealth university –bachelor of science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Iran. In 2011, I moved to the United States for better life opportunities. I love working out, playing badminton and I also enjoy fishing. Being raised by a woman who was a hairstylist also sparked my passion for cosmetics and beauty.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because is it an extraordinary career that provides care for patients health, appearance, and function. Dentistry allows me to build a relationship with my patients, and combine my leadership skills, knowledge and art to help others.

Hometown:
Mechanicsville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Utah Valley University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I don’t like sitting still, which motivates me to try new things. Some of my favorite things are composing music, writing a book, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. My wife and I recently had a baby boy and I am eager to share my excitement for life with him.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I really enjoyed shadowing dentists and I am looking forward to learning the procedures I’ve observed. The work done as a dentist is fulfilling and important. I desire to work with and around people and as a dentist I will be able to provide for my family and be present as a father.

Hometown:
Fairfax Station, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginai–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:
Richmond, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am married and a mother to 4 furry babies, two dogs and two cats, who own my heart. In my free time I love photography, traveling, reading by an ocean, and home projects and decorating. I worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician for 9 years before coming to dental school.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It is incredible to have the knowledge and skill in your hands to make a difference in someone else's life and self-confidence. Dentistry is a beautiful mix of science and art that is such an important part of overall health and happiness.

Hometown:
Woodbridge, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have been a percussionist for about ten years. My passion stems from my love to work with my hands. I find tasks a lot more enjoyable if I can do something creative with my hands such as cooking or gardening. I love basketball, hiking, and being in nature. My motivation to work hard are my parents

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have experienced and witnessed the positive change dentistry can bring to a person's life. After my braces came off, I realized how much confidence I gained and I was not afraid to smile. I am intrigued on how dentistry combines artistry, engineering, and science.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Radford Univeristy / Virginia Commonwealth University–Marketing

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Richmond, Virginia. I am pursuing dentistry as a second career. I previously had a career in sales/marketing for a number of years as well as spent time as a substitute teacher before I decided to pursue a career in healthcare. I enjoy playing soccer, cooking, and drilling teeth.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
What I am most passionate about in the field of dentistry is having the ability of changing a persons life. I love that dentistry is an ever-changing profession that combines healthcare, hand-skills, and art in order to make significant differences in patients' health, confidence, and well-being.

Hometown:
Leesburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Bachelor of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I migrated from Iran in 2002 and ever since then I have been working with a great drive to seize my opportunities. I am a single student who have been living on my own since I was 18 years old. My hobbies are running, cooking, reading, dancing, crafting and playing the guitar.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a respectable career which provides an important public service. Dentists are able to diagnose and treat many diseases that can occur in the oral cavity. Dentists also provide aesthetic improvements, which can dramatically affect people in meaningful and positive ways.