Reflections

Hometown:
Jacksonville, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Central Florida–Biomedical Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm rising D4 dental student from Chesapeake, VA raised in a well-diversified neighborhood. We were one of many African-American military families living in the community. I enjoy playing sports, cooking, and volunteering in my local community.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry stems from a dentist’s ability to quickly alleviate discomfort- a unique quality in healthcare. Currently, I am continually inspired by educating patient's about oral health, quality doctor-patient interactions, and the positive outcome dentistry has had on patients.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Jerry Jarrett, and I was born and raised in Virginia Beach. I come from a two-parent family-oriented household with 2 siblings. I have been in Richmond for the last 7 years and received my BS at VCU. I enjoy watching & playing sports, trying new restaurants & cuisines, and volunteering.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It’s one of the few occupations that give immediate gratification of making someone's life better aesthetically while improving overall care at once. Since the oral cavity is the gateway of the body and affects all other major systems; I am able to improve confidence and health within my patients.

Hometown:
Jacksonville, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Central Florida–Biomedical Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising D3 student from Chesapeake, VA raised in a well-diversified neighborhood. We were one of many African-American military families living in the community. I enjoy playing sports, cooking, and working in my church’s children-ministry. I also enjoy volunteering in my local community.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry stems from a dentist’s ability to quickly alleviate discomfort- a unique quality in healthcare. While shadowing in a dental practice, I was inspired by the doctor-patient interaction, the patient education provided, and the relationship dynamics.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Concentration in Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a mother of two children, one beagle, and a rabbit. I enjoy fostering animals and making jewelry. Excited about nature, I joined one of the few minority garden clubs in the region two years ago. In 2016, I participated in a VMFA event, displaying my depiction of art with my flower creation.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
One piece of ice caused me to fall from by bike and land on the concrete at a young age. I shifted my teeth and fractured my jawbone. I was teased by my peers, but I felt this experience was no accident. My desire became to help others overcome insecurities and promote self-esteem through dentistry.

Hometown:
Durham, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Meredith College–B.S. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I moved to the US by myself 6 years ago to pursue higher education. Four years later, I graduated top of my class from Meredith College in NC in 2017. In two years, I will be the first dentist in my family. I enjoy trying new recipes from around the world, currently Moroccan dishes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a field where I am able to provide a service while using creativity and art. Growing up, I was a part of a community where visiting the dentist was considered a luxury. I believe that needs to change. I am passionate about increasing access to dental care and making it more accessible.

Hometown:
Norfolk, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Vijay Mohamed and I am from Norfolk, VA. My parents are from Guyana and I have two brothers. I also have a pet dog, Blacky. My favorite hobbies are working out, playing video games, and watching movies. I was a walk-on student athlete for the Virginia Tech football team.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because growing up, I noticed my friends and family lacked the finances for dental care. My goal as a dentist is to provide dental care to families in underserved areas and set an example for my family that wants to pursue a similar career in the professional field.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Guilford College–Accounting & Business Management

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I enjoy traveling and experiencing various cultures through native cuisine and dance. Before I began my pursuit of dentistry, I worked in the finance industry. My greatest achievement thus far is not being afraid to give up everything that made me comfortable to chase the dream to be a dentist.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry for me 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 and critical thinking. I can immediately see the results of my work while also positively contributing to me community.