Reflections

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
–

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am an international dentist from Pakistan, moved to the USA in 2014 after I got married. I got accepted at VCU SOD in 2021 as an IDP student. I have 2 kids, 7 & 4-year-old boys. I have a Persian cat & my hobbies are Cooking, Exploring new places, traveling & spending time with my family.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry's transformative power. Dedicated to enhancing oral health and restoring smiles. Artistry, science, and patient care fuel my drive.

Hometown:
Lawrenceville, Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
William and Mary–Kinesiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a former Division 1 collegiate gymnast with two older sisters. I have a cat and now play tennis, kickball, and soccer in my free time.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love the way dentistry allows us to help people through science and art. Dentistry has this unique combo where it allows a professional to not only have a big brain, but also skillful hands. I find that exhilarating.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Washington–Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a Washington state native who grew up in a Romanian family with two younger brothers, one who's studying mathematics and another who studying medicine. I was always drawn to the arts, so over the years I've picked up watercolor painting, produced photography, and studied architecture.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The number one thing that keeps bringing me back is the close relationships we make with people in our community. That familiar smile a patient has after I call their name to see me is one that reminds me that what I am doing is important and worthwhile.

Hometown:
Miami, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
Florida International University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Moved to United States when I was 17 years old, when I am not in school, I like to spend time being out doors and trying new places to eat in Richmond. I also enjoy cooking, and being by the river kayaking or paddle boarding.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry will give me a chance of changing many smiles, that will translate in a better quality of life for patients as they become more confident of themselves. It will also help me improve the overall health of my patients, by identifying clues of systemic conditions during oral screenings.

Hometown:
Memphis, Tennessee

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Tennessee at Knoxville–Bachelors of Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am married as of June 2016. I have two cats, Richard Parker and Sabine. I love to garden, cook, and walk by the river.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it give me a career where I help other people become the best version of themselves. I enjoy working with people and providing a service that not only helps keep them healthy, but also helps them with charisma.

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
UVA–BA Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a native Virginian and an avid UVA basketball fan. I enjoy spending as much time as I can outdoors, whether biking to school, paddling the James River or hiking closer to my hometown of Roanoke, VA. I also enjoy playing piano, reading, and I am excited about gardening this summer and fall.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because of the difference it can make in people's lives. Nothing inspires me to work harder than having a patient come into clinic dedicated to improving their life through the care I can provide. Dentistry has made a huge difference in my life, and I want to pay it forward.

Hometown:
Great Neck, New York

Undergraduate school/degree:
Le Moyne College–Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the first person in my family to attend college. I come from a very close-knit family that supports each other and have helped motivate me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a dentist. I like to hike, rock climb, swim and cycle. I have a dog, Mia, that I go hiking and swimming with.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It is a skill that can be used to provide a service to my community in a positive way. I will be able to advocate a healthy life style and teach proper oral hygiene care to patients. It provides a financially stable career with continued learning opportunities. I want to be a role model for others.

Hometown:
Lindon, Utah

Undergraduate school/degree:
Brigham Young University–BS Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am originally from Utah. I moved to Virginia for dental school and met my wife, a Virginia native, in Richmond. We do not have any pets, but would like to one day have an aquarium and a dog. I grew up with a boat and love water sports like swimming, water skiing, and fishing.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love being able to make patients more confident in themselves. I had a patient who had several class 5 lesions on his anterior teeth. After restoring them the patient was very happy with the result, and said, "I'm going to have to learn to smile again," because he had been trying to hide them.