Reflections

Hometown:
Greenville, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of North Carolina Wilmington –Bachelor's degree in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a daughter, sister, aunt, girlfriend, violinist, best friend, and dental student. I spend most of my free time going on runs, completing DIY projects, reading psychological thriller novels, and watching the show Modern Family. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up with peg laterals and being made fun of for my smile caused me to be extremely insecure when laughing around others. When finally presenting this insecurity to my dentist, he quickly was able to present me with a solution. I want to give others the quality of life my dentist gave me.

Hometown:
Land O Lakes, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University Of North Florida–Public Health

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I love talking and connecting with people on a deeper level. In addition to being outgoing I have always cherished being busy- whether it be school, work, volunteering or going to the gym. However, in my down time I love laying on the beach reading a book or sketching.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I had orthognathic surgery when I was 15, which gave me the inspiration and confidence to help others in a similar way. However, it was in college when I was volunteering at the local free clinic I saw firsthand what general dentistry and public oral health can provide for populations in need.

Hometown:
Dallas, Texas

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Texas - Dallas, Midwestern State University–BA - Psychology, BS - Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I enjoy the calmness of being by the water, whether it be by the lake or the beach. I also like to travel to foreign countries and immerse myself in different cultures and learn about their way of life.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
While working as a dental assistant, the more I learned, the more I wanted to build on that knowledge. I attended dental hygiene school, and while I was there, my interests grew bigger. Dental school has showed me that dentistry is always evolving, and this allows my curiosity to never stop.

Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–B.S. Dental Hygiene (2014), B.S. Psychology (2018)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a Richmond, Virginia native, married to my super supportive husband, and we have three daughters, two dogs, and a cat. I enjoy anything involving music -- singing, dancing, theatre. In my spare time I enjoy baking/decorating cakes, having fun with family, and reading whenever I can.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because of the versatility it offers. Dentistry is not only the perfect blend of science, artistry, and public service, but it also offers the possibilities of practice ownership, teaching, research, outreach, and a career filled with countless learning opportunities.

Hometown:
Pulaski, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–BS in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in southwest VA on a beef cattle and horse farm. Rodeo has always been a passion of mine. I have competed in rodeo/western riding competitions in middle and high school as well as collegiately. I am recently engaged and have a Chiweenie that lives here in Richmond with me.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Being from a rural, underserved area I have seen the need for general dentists in small towns like mine. After volunteering at a free clinic in my area I knew dentistry was a passion of mine. I love the patient relationships and the needed service I will be able to provide.

Hometown:
Christiansburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in the United States, however, I completed first and second grade in India. I learned a lot about my culture there and how to speak Gujarati and Hindi. I have been dancing to traditional Indian music since I was five and competed on Virginia Tech’s Indian dance team.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a form of art and a gateway into a person’s overall health. I was fortunate to see the beauty of what dentistry entails after seeing a patient gleam with confidence after an aesthetic reconstruction and humbled after witnessing patients who can’t afford dental care.

Hometown:
Fort Valley, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–B.S. in Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I married my high school sweetheart. We have 7 children ages 19, 18, 14, 12, 11, 9, and 7. We live on a farm and raise cows, sheep, and chickens. We have 4 cats, a dog, and a rabbit. When not working in the dental office, I enjoy time with my family, gardening, cooking, and doing housework.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
While I aim to be passionate about everything I do, I love the art of dentistry/dental hygiene and the armamentarium. While striving for perfection, I use knowledge and skill that I gain to serve others. Most important, I am compassionate toward the wants and needs of those seeking dental care.

Hometown:
Silver Spring, Maryland

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Maryland, College Park–B.S. in General Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My hobby includes bicycling during the weekends, outdoor cooking, swimming, and reading historical scholarship. Recently, I've become interested in weight training as a way to improve both my quality of life and ability to better pursue my profession for longer

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When I was working in the community, I've seen first hand the impact of dental disease on older ethnic population due to the healthcare disparity among minorities. I have also seen first hand the transformative power of proper dental care to give back to people their quality of life.

Hometown:
Lovettsville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–BA-Chemistry, BA-Economics

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I organized and played on intramural teams for soccer and basketball this year. I am an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Richmond. I served on the VCU alumni golf committee and played in the tournament. I am involved with organized dentistry and attended ASDA Nat'l Student Lobby day.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry encompasses many things that I value for my future. In my life I want to be able to help people, be artistic, work with my hands and also own a small business. I love that every patient, every case, and every day is different, and how grateful patients can be after treatment.