Reflections

Hometown:
South Boston, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Liberty University–Biomedical Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in a rural town in Southside VA. I grew up close to my family, and have remained that way to this day. I am unmarried and have no children. I enjoy playing sports to keep active, mainly basketball, but also tennis, disc golf, golf, and soccer.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When I was young, I had a pediatric dentist who inspired me to become a dentist someday. He was so kind and caring to all his patients, and he made me love going to the dentist. I am passionate about inspiring everyone to love dental care and see the importance of maintaining healthy teeth.

Hometown:
Meadowview, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biochemistry and Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first-generation college student from Southwest Virginia, and I attended Virginia Tech for my undergraduate degrees. I have three younger sisters, a pet lizard in Richmond, and a dog back home. I enjoy watching almost any sport, taking walks, and finding new places to eat in RVA when I can.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate for dentistry because of how unique it is from any other profession in so many ways. Some of the career features of dentistry that drew me in were the nearly lifelong patient-provider relationships, the artistic aspect, its impacts on overall health, and the community engagement.

Hometown:
Galax, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HNFE)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Galax, a small town in southwest Virginia. I currently live with my girlfriend. We began dating in high school and it is thanks to her support and motivation that I am in the position I am today. We enjoy playing soccer together, eating good food, and taking care of our pet plants.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines my love for science, art, and business. Being curious, I found it easy to fall in love with science. I have always admired art; dentistry is a form of art. My parents being business owners has created another passion; owning my own practice will allow me to follow this passion.

Hometown:
Galax, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HNFE)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Galax, a small town in southwest Virginia. I currently live with my girlfriend. We began dating in high school and it is thanks to her support and motivation that I am in the position I am today. We enjoy playing soccer together, eating good food, and taking care of our pet plants.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines my love for science, art, and business. Being curious, I found it easy to fall in love with science. I have always admired art; dentistry is a form of art. My parents being business owners has created another passion; owning my own practice will allow me to follow this passion.

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Health Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Raised in the mountains of SW Virginia, I grew up loving the outdoors and being with family and friends. I love an adventure whether it be down by a river, hiking trails, or trying new things outside of my comfort zone.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The power that dentistry has is insurmountable. It’s ability to not only change one’s physical health, but also change the way a person looks at themselves is what fascinates me the most. I cannot wait until I can help someone smile freely and with confidence, as well as without pain or discomfort.

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am excited to be working at the VCU clinic as a student dentist. My brother and I were raised in a healthcare home as both my parents were nurses. I love making them proud with my dedication to serve the community I was raised in, as well as my continuing interests in singing and scuba diving.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about providing care to my fellow man, being a clinician in that respect, and giving those I serve the optimum health for their future. The enthusiasm I bring to the dental field comes from my genuine respect for others and the impact I can make in improving their oral health needs.

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
James Madison University–Health Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Growing up in friendly Roanoke County led me to develop a love for people and the outdoors. I enjoy being with friends and making new ones, as well as hiking the beautiful mountains in Southwest Virginia. Additionally, I am fascinated by the power of music and I am learning how to play the ukulele.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is more than an occupation; it is a life-changing form of art. The power of dentistry is astounding and extends beyond oral health by also improving one's mental and physical health. I cannot wait until I am able to create an art that betters an individual's entire being.

Hometown:
Bassett, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting and Printmaking)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a fourth year female dental student from Martinsville, VA. I received a B.F.A. from VCU School of the Arts (Painting and Printmaking) in 2009. Playing guitar, singing, and writing music make up a huge part of my life. I also love being outdoors with my chocolate lab, Aja.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
When deciding to pursue dentistry during my junior year of art school, I wasn't sure how passionate I would become. Working as an assistant before school sparked my passion. I realized how important esthetics and attention to detail are in dentistry, and how much my arts background prepared me.

Hometown:
Troutville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of William and Mary–Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Ben McDonald and I am a rising fourth year dental student at VCU. I am passionate about the outdoors where I enjoy running, hiking, canoeing, and golfing, among other activities. I have been married for 9 months and my wife is graduating dental school this spring.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I believe dentistry is a beautiful conglomerate where art and science melt together to meet the dental needs of people. I love meeting these needs and setting my expectations high. I anxiously anticipate graduation next year when I can be a general dentist serving my community back home.

Hometown:
McLean, VA

Undergraduate school/degree:
VCU School of Engineering (BME)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Yes, I'm married, no kids or pets yet! I love Bikram Yoga and playing the piano & violin during my free time. I also love spending time w/ family and friends, taking walks in parks, and watching movies.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love how hands on this profession is and how it combines art and science together and allows me to give back to my community.