Reflections

Hometown:
Orange, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation college student who was raised by a single father. Recently I have become single after a ten year relationship, so I am learning what life is like on my own. My passion for community service is strong as I have coached high school and travel softball for the past seven years.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a rewarding career where I can be proud of the work I complete while helping others. As a dental assistant, I have seen first hand the impact of receiving dentures or even having a cleaning done after a long time. I enjoy being a part of the solution to restore people’s confidence.

Hometown:
Orange, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first generation college student who was raised by a single father. Recently I have become single after a ten year relationship, so I am learning what life is like on my own. My passion for community service is strong as I have coached high school and travel softball for the past seven years.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a rewarding career where I can be proud of the work I complete while helping others. As a dental assistant, I have seen first hand the impact of receiving dentures or even having a cleaning done after a long time. I enjoy being a part of the solution to restore people’s confidence.

Hometown:
Alexandria, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Marymount University–B.S. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a avid runner, I have been running since I was in high school and recently participated in Richmond's Monument 10k. I hope to be able to do the Richmond Half marathon this year as a D3 and the full marathon as a D4. I am also an ASDA rep. and MOM coordinator for the class of 2025.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I grew up as a medicaid patient who didn't know much about the importance of dental hygiene. I had extremely bad teeth as a child and being at the dental office so frequently, aspired me to become one myself. I aim to serve the community of medicaid patients when I graduate and start practicing.

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:
Homestead, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Florida–B.S in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in La Habana, Cuba and moved to the U.S when I was 13 years old. My parents decided to leave the country in search of a better future for me. I enjoy reading, exercising and spending quality time with my family and friends. I have a 110 American Bulldog who loves everyone who pets her.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is one of the most rewarding careers, which combines health and beauty. I am passionate about dentistry because I have the ability to make a positive impact in someone's life. I also have the ability to advocate for the importance of oral health and how it correlates with overall health.

Hometown:
Burke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Born and raised in Virginia, I enjoy doing anything as long as it is with good company. I specifically like eating good food, exploring new places, and making music. You can typically find me walking through the hallways singing or beatboxing to myself!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have had the unique opportunity to see many types of patients receive treatment at VCU. These patients receive high quality care from skilled doctors using the most innovative technology. Application of new techniques and discoveries daily excites me for what is to come in dentistry.

Hometown:
washington, District of Columbia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Temple University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello, I am the youngest of 8 children. I am originally from Ethiopia, but I have lived in the United States for over 13 years. What I enjoy the most is spending quality time with family as I have 12 nieces and nephews! I inspire to be a great role model for them while still being a fun aunt.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is definitely a profession where you can use your skills and abilities to make a difference in someone's life. It is so unique and personal to each individual that there is no two patients that are alike! Everyday is a chance to grow and be an expert in the field and provide for others.

Hometown:
west valley, Utah

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Currently i only focus on school so i do not really give much thought about marriage just yet. For my hobbies, i enjoy hiking, kayaking, taking picture of nature and of course music is a big part of me. Recently, i started to pick up reading more fiction and mystery solving novels.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I was born and raised in under-served areas, Vietnam, so i want to change that aspect about life quality of people who happen to live in similar place i once used to. I always desire to give people their beautiful smiles back once they have problem and raise their self esteem by doing what i love

Hometown:
Centreville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the youngest out of five children in my family. We often played sports with each other growing up. This led me to maintaining a more active lifestyle now. I enjoy hiking and almost every outdoor activity. I also dabble in a bit of cooking with my mom’s help here and there.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry stems from the happiness I get from helping others. To help create and elicit joy and confidence is a very fulfilling feeling. It's rewarding when patients come back and tell me about how much of a difference their teeth have made them feel. I love having that direct impact.

Hometown:
Warrenton, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
George Mason University–B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Minh Bui. I am a third year student at VCU. I came to the U.S 10 years ago and was lucky enough to become a part of VCU Family. I love outdoor activities such as volleyball, tennis etc. I also enjoy hangout with family and friend whenever I have time.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
To be honest, my first goal when I came to the U.S was to become a Pharmacist. I had a chance to talk to my family dentist who is currently my friend. I was interested in dentistry because of his passion for dentistry. I started to volunteer for a dental clinic and fell in love with the profession.