Reflections

Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech –B.S. in Biochemistry, minor in Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I migrated to the United States for the first time at the age of 16. Without having much knowledge of English at that time, I actively started to improve my language skills. My hobbies are playing soccer, swimming, and sprinting. I enjoy travelling and meeting new people from different cultures.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is one of the oldest forms of medicine, but also one of the last ones to professionalize. I love that dentistry involves using hand skills a lot. I truly enjoy treating patients, educating them on the importance of dental care, and serving in vulnerable and underserved communities.

Hometown:
Meadowview, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–1st degree: Biochemistry 2nd degree: Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a first-generation college student from Southwest Virginia, and I received my undergraduate degrees from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies). In my free time I enjoy watching sports, getting outdoors, playing board games or video games with my roommates + friends, and exploring new places around RVA.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it is a profession like no other in the healthcare field. I am drawn to the long-term relationships we are able to form, and the impact we are able to have on our communities. We can transform smiles, and lives, with the work we do which is so rewarding!

Hometown:
Buena Vista, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Southern Virginia University–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My wife and I met in undergrad and married in January of 2020, we adopted two cats and wish we could have more. We both love camping and hiking, reading, and volleyball.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because it has the potential to change patient's lives. I am a sucker for videos of patients trying in new dentures for the first time. Seeing how happy they are is very motivating to me. I am excited to get the skills necessary to help people like that.

Hometown:
Wytheville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Radford University –Bachelor's degree in biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have a girlfriend, soon to be fiancé, who has two children and a French bulldog. We love traveling across the country and hiking in the beautiful national parks. If I am not traveling I am back home helping and visiting my family or on the lake fishing.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to use my hands while being creative. I always strive to master skills with my hands and dentistry gives me the opportunity to do this while helping those in need.

Hometown:
Rocky Mount, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Minor in Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from the small town of Rocky Mount, VA and a 2019 graduate of UVA. Some of my hobbies include running especially in "The Fan" and trying to improve my golf game. Also, I love to play different organized sports such as basketball, softball, and dodgeball.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry provides a unique opportunity to have a profound impact on an individual's life and perception of self with their smile. Also, enabling me to develop long-lasting patient relationships through continuous care and seeing families grow all while avoiding a "corporate feel".

Hometown:
Clover, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Lynchburg –Bachelor degree in Biomedical Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
A little about myself, I have numerous hobbies which include anything that involves the outdoors (fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc.) I have a pet cat and four pet dogs. I played a lot of golf and baseball growing up, with playing golf at the collegiate level.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because I feel like it is a good career choice to give back to the community by communicating and keeping them healthy. Also it allows me to have a good family life once I graduate from school to spend time with my family and my future kids.

Hometown:
Lynchburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Liberty University –Biomedical Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have worked since I was in undergraduate courses and have been a lifeguard, certified pharmacy technician, and a dental assistant. I love time spent outside exploring Richmond and running races. I have been moved around a lot since I was little due to my dad having financial/career changes.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Growing up the oldest of 4 siblings showed me how to be devoted to people when they need me especially when mom had health problems. Serving others in the health field has always been my passion. I have found that dentistry is what I am good at and where my heart is devoted.

Hometown:
Lynchburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm the youngest of four and I've got a big, wonderful, loud family that I'm proud of. We've always been active and love being outside especially on the water floating, fishing or kayaking. I love all animals but especially my cat, Dory. If I'm not outside, I'm napping or watching Netflix.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I really love this profession and even after being in clinic for only a week, I can confidently say this is where I belong. I like being able to find a problem and be able to manually fix it. Dentistry combines healthcare, art and human interaction which is what I have always wanted in a career.

Hometown:
Hiwassee, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Radford University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I hail from Pulaski and Montgomery Counties of SWVA. I fell in love with that region from an early age due to the natural beauty it holds in its great outdoors. My life thus far has revolved around my family, the outdoors, and my education. I am beyond excited to practice dentistry back home.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I realized how important dentists were in our community when I was 8 years old. An accident caused me to fracture #9 so my parents drove me 30 minutes to our dentist. She restored both my flawed appearance and confidence that day. Ever since, I have aspired to do the same for others.

Hometown:
Gretna, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of William & Mary–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Growing up on a farm, I was born with a love for the outdoors and the ability to find peace and joy in the simple aspects of life, such as taking a walk to see the cows, sitting on the front porch reading a fantasy or historical fiction novel, or playing in the yard with my niece, nephew and dogs.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry affords me the opportunity to enter into someone's life to provide them relief for a specific problem and maybe for a short while, as they sit in my chair, an interaction with a community that can offer them respite from whatever else is happening in their life.

Hometown:
Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–B.A. Biology & Religious Studies

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Big Stone Gap, Virginia nestled within the Appalachian Mountains. By virtue of my upbringing I love spending time outdoors whenever possible. I enjoy crocheting, crafting, hiking, and writing about Appalachia and Virginia State Parks. I also enjoy exploring Richmond!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it is the only career in which I can combine my passion for community, science, and art. Dentistry allows me to interact and care for my community on a daily basis while providing me the personal enjoyment of not only being creative, but employing science.

Hometown:
Danville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biological Systems Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from Danville, Virginia and I pride myself on being someone who loves to have fun and enjoy my time in dental school no matter how stressed things get. I am a huge Hokie Football fan, a proud member of my church here in Richmond, and love creating and editing videos in my spare time.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it combines my engineering background of solving problems and critical thinking through treatment plans with my love for people and community. Dentistry also provides leadership opportunities in the community, making Dentistry a perfect fit for me.

Hometown:
Janesville , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
East Tennessee State University–BS Health Science with Concentration in Microbiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from a small town in Southwest Virginia and have been happily married for 13 years. I practiced dental hygiene prior to returning to dental school and have a beautiful six year old daughter. My family enjoys kayaking and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it is a profession that not only allows me to provide for my family, but also allows me to become a part of the community where I will be working and give back to those in need. I look forward to going back to Southwest Virginia to practice after graduation.

Hometown:
Haysi, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The University of Virginia at Wise–B.S. Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Tyler Davis and I am a rising D3 student. I am currently single with no children. My hobbies frequently include outdoor activities, like fishing and golfing. When I'm not fishing I'm enjoying spending time with my black Labrador Retriever, Max.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because of the satisfaction and happiness it can give patients. Not only does it combine my love for art and science, it also allows me a way to provide a needed service in my community.

Hometown:
Berryville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I love spending time with my family and cat Honey bun, my favorite place to be is the beach, I enjoy cooking and preparing new recipes to share with my boyfriend, and in my spare time I enjoy tap dancing.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Ever since the age of 10, I told my parents I was going to be a dentist so that I can help improve others lives through their smiles. I love that every day I wake up with the opportunity to continue to pursue my dream, and I know this passion will continue to drive me throughout my career.

Hometown:
Jonesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
The University of Virginia–B.A. Biology; Minor in Religious Studies

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a third year dental student from Lee County, Virginia, the most southwest county in the Commonwealth. I started ballet when I was 5 years old, and continued dance classes throughout high school and college. More recently I have enjoyed hiking, especially back home in the Appalachian Mountains.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I lost my front tooth in a baseball accident when I was 7 years old, which required many trips to the dentist. He made sure I always left the office happy with my smile. He was patient, compassionate, and had such a positive impact on my life. He inspired me to be a dentist with the same qualities.

Hometown:
Salem, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–B.S. Kinesiology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a 25 year old rising D3 from Salem, VA. I went to UVA (go hoos!) for undergrad and love playing tennis, painting/refurbishing furniture, cooking (mostly desserts) and hiking. I'm hoping to adopt a puppy from the SPCA my D4 year (once I have more time!)

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love the challenges and attention to detail dentistry requires. As I start my clinical years, I’m most excited about putting into practice all that we’ve learned in the classroom. My greatest fulfillment so far has come from helping patients & knowing the work I did can make such a difference.

Hometown:
VA, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Washington and Lee University–B.A. Geology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was a geologist working for a private geotechnical engineering firm for six and a half years prior to entering dental school. My wife and I live with our two cats in downtown Richmond. We enjoy the outdoors, sailing and camping. I play old-time mandolin as my hobby and for relaxation.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I enjoy working with patients and having tangible evidence of a hard day's work. I have always enjoyed working with my hands, whether it be sailing/fixing boats or playing mandolin, and now practicing dentistry. I enjoy the medical science behind dentistry and the daily patient interactions.

Hometown:
Mechanicsville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
AAS ETSU; BSDH ODU–Bachelor Science Dental Hygiene

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 23 year (this month!). We have 3 nearly grown kids, 1 in college and the baby finishing his Jr year of high school. We have 3 dogs and a cat, and a horse that lives at Grandmas. I enjoy reading, running, the beach, and our almost empty nest.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Despite growing up in rural SW Va and practicing there for some time after hygiene school I have never grown used to young people so freely ext teeth. It takes a few min and tons of compassion to educate and motivate, but seeing it prosper and cont in the next generation is my 2nd greatest pleasure