Reflections

Hometown:
Fairfax, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
George Mason University –Community Health

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m originally from Egypt but was raised in the US. At GMU, I was a public health major and a Division 1 rowing athlete. I also held positions at a dental office as an office manager and a dental assistant. During my free time I enjoy volunteering, traveling and staying active.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As an Egyptian, I'm driven by the distressing reality of underprivileged communities lacking access to dental care. Routine treatment is a privilege in many countries. With a public health degree and a future as a dentist, I aim to raise awareness and to improve oral health in disadvantaged nations.

Hometown:
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a 22 year old Jewish Asian woman adopted from China by a single mother with an autoimmune disease. My financial distress and adversity has strengthened my academic resilience and emotional intelligence for success. The beauty of exchanging knowledge has disciplined me into a lifelong learner.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Oral health reflects socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Complex cases such as trauma demand a creative approach and aesthetic solution only dentists can produce. My visual art skills, manual dexterity, and sharp eye for detail caused me to pursue an occupation that satisfies my artistic endeavors.

Hometown:
Lawrenceville , Georgia

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of William and Mary –Kinesiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have two older sisters. One is in nursing school and the other is a third grade teacher. I have been extremely involved in community service. I organized the Williamsburg NEDA Walk this past year. I also volunteered to coach gymnasts on the weekends throughout my undergraduate years.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry changes people's lives. It not only allows improvement of people's teeth, but also boasts their confidence. I saw it time and time again while I was shadowing. I am ambitious to start changing my patients' lives for the better.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampden-Sydney College–Bachelors of Science: Biology major, chemistry minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Virginia Beach and I've always been passionate for being in and around the water. I have a few hobbies, most importantly my dog, Rudee, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. I also enjoy seeing live music, fishing, hunting, and anything sports/outdoors related.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry encompasses two of my life goals: helping people physically and making them happy. Whether it be alleviating the pain of a decaying tooth or building the self confidence of a frustrated patient, dentistry provides a plethora of challenges with even greater rewards.

Hometown:
Glen Allen, Virginia

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a Type I diabetic, Richmond native, and soccer fanatic. I am a culmination of all of the experiences those labels have presented me with and immeasurably more. I traveled to the University of South Florida to pursue my goal of enjoying Division I soccer at a renowned research institution.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My Type I Diabetic diagnosis was accompanied by many doctors visits; dentist included. Unlike my deteriorating vision, uncontrollable blood glucose levels, and other complications, my ability to take control of my oral health gave me incalculable confidence. I want to help others attain that bliss.

Hometown:
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Oral Roberts University–BA- Theology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Originally from Texas I spent 10 years in vocational church ministry leading mission trips, music, and counseling - the last 8 in North Carolina. After deciding on dentistry I spent 4 years working construction to pay for my prereqs as well as working for NC MOM then 2 years as a OMFS assistant.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Because of my varied background -including counseling, music, arts, construction - I found dentistry to be a perfect synthesis of all of those things. I've also worked chairside for 2 years and in that time witnessed the emotional/psychological/physical impact dentistry has on systemic health.

Hometown:
Henrico, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Hampden-Sydney College–B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
From Emporia to Lawrenceville to Farmville, VA, I've been a small town boy all my life. Family and sports have always been major focuses of mine. With the most energetic parents, two older brothers, and of course my dogs, I could not have asked for a better youth. Life has been beautiful!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion to help others is the driving factor behind my passion for dentistry, and I can attribute that to my father and grandfather. Both family practice physicians, they have provided nearly 85 years of service to the town of Emporia. Secondly, the artistry/creativity that comes with dentistry.

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–BS.Ed. Kinesiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am the youngest of three girls, grew up in Southwest Virginia, and come from a long line of dentists. I enjoy sports of all types, spending time with family, and traveling. While at the University of Virginia, I played on the varsity women's soccer team and volunteered with various organizations.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a healthcare field that affords many unique opportunities I'm passionate about. It allows for hands-on work, practicing in a collaborative team setting, and forming lifelong relationships with patients. I'm excited that I could someday own a practice and provide jobs in my community.