Reflections

Hometown:
Montclair, New Jersey

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biological Sciences

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I run a small business designing friendship bracelets using knots to make concise patterns. My current craft project is embroidering Appa from Avatar on a t-shirt. Activities I enjoy are hiking, weight lifting, and playing with my cat Missy. Musically, I learn to play new songs on the ukulele.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry demonstrates just how much a more confident smile can lift one's self-esteem and perspective. I have witnessed many patients transform once their rotten teeth have been repaired. Dentistry is a wonderful tool that can be life-altering and affirming for any patient in need.

Hometown:
Davison, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Davidson College–BA English

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My fondest memories have been made with friends and family over good food, even better conversation, and my labradoodle trying to get a hold of the table scraps. I, myself, enjoy whipping up recipes in the kitchen and sharing the results. To balance it out, I exercise my mind and body at the gym.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines art, science and skill to solve problems that garner life-changing results. I strive to improve patient confidence with restorative dentistry and advance clinical treatment through research. I will apply and build upon my prior experience in biotechnology and ultramicrotomy labs.

Hometown:
Davison, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Davidson College–BA English

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My fondest memories have been made with friends and family over good food, even better conversation, and my labradoodle trying to get a hold of the table scraps. I, myself, enjoy whipping up recipes in the kitchen and sharing the results. To balance it out, I exercise my mind and body at the gym.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines art, science and skill to solve problems that garner life-changing results. I strive to improve patient confidence with restorative dentistry and advance clinical treatment through research. I will apply and build upon my prior experience in biotechnology and ultramicrotomy labs.

Hometown:
Herndon, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biology, minor in Global Culture and Commerce

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a 26 year old fine foods enjoyer and television sitcom consumer. I have always believed that hard work and determination are the keys to success, but to never take yourself too seriously. I love laying by the lake or ocean and enjoying the company of my friends with a cold slice of watermelon.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate from the gratefulness I receive from every patient who knows the impact we as dentists have on their overall health, and I am still passionate for each person who is unaware that our services increase their quality of life. Passion for dentistry to me means knowing you are doing good

Hometown:
Chapel Hill , North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
UNC Chapel Hill –BA in Exercise and Sport Science

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Long Island, NY before moving to Cary, NC. I also lived in Beijing for a few years with my grandparents and speak Mandarin Chinese. I have two cats, named Nora and Franklin, who I love very much. I love to cook, read, run, and spend time with my family and friends!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Both of my parents are dentists so I have been immersed in it my whole life. I am passionate about the service component of dentistry, particularly surrounding advocacy and organized dentistry. I enjoy learning about policy and I strive to become an educated advocate and provider.

Hometown:
Gainesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Emory University–B.S. in Biology & Economics

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in China and grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA. My family moved to Gainesville, VA 5 years ago and we’ve been enjoying everything Virginia has to offer ever since. I enjoy traveling, hiking, playing violin and piano, watching documentaries, and hanging out with my 3-year-old cat Dingleberry.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry combines two of my favorite school subjects: science and art. I enjoy being able to physically make artistic creations with my hands. I also greatly appreciate how dentistry allows us to be able to directly help someone regain their smile and confidence and improve their quality of life.

Hometown:
Cary, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
UNC Chapel Hill–Bachelor of the Arts

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I just adopoted two siamese cats, Nora and Franklin, who I love lots! I grow plants all around my apartment, love hiking around the river, and exploring Richmond's many restaurants. I am now stepping into the role of ASDA's president elect and am passionate about advocacy and organized dentistry.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because of its impact on the individual and society as a whole. As providers, we eliminate pain, boost self confidence, and make beautiful smiles. As a group of healthcare professionals, we advocate for access, policy, and quality care for everyone!

Hometown:
Land o lakes, Florida

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am originally from Tampa, Florida, and really enjoy sunshine, outdoor adventures, and being active! I am the youngest of six children, and feel lucky to share a mix of cultures with my Chinese mother and Arabic father. I love to travel and look forward to starting a new adventure in Virginia.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
As I grew older, I recognized the serious expenses my parents sacrificed for me to get proper dental care because we could not afford good dental insurance. After leading 2 mission trips to South America, I am determined to one day provide service for underserved communities and spread this passion.

Hometown:
Falls Church, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
-I am the first person in my family to pursue a doctorate / medical related degree -I grew up working for my family's hot dog cart business in Washington D.C -I love traveling and this summer I got to ride in a hot air balloon over the Arizona desert!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The fusion of arts, science, and lifelong learning. As a self-motivated, life-long learner, I knew this career would give me the opportunity to wake up every morning excited to educate and help patients maintain their oral health, while keeping my mind sharp with the constant evolution of science.

Hometown:
Falls Church, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
-The first person in my family to pursue a doctorate / medical related degree -I grew up working for my family's hot dog cart business in D.C -My love for dentistry has convinced my sister to join the dental field and she will actually attend the hygiene program in the fall!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
The fusion of arts, science, and lifelong learning. As a self-motivated, life-long learner, I knew this career would give me the opportunity to wake up every morning excited to educate and help patients maintain their oral health, while keeping my mind sharp with the constant evolution of science.

Hometown:
Manassas, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Tech–Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi, I'm a third year student. I enjoy cooking healthy and exercising daily to maintain a balanced lifestyle. I love working with my hands to build and fix things. Whenever I have free time, you can find me outside hiking, climbing, near any body of water or just enjoying the weather.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Just as I was entering high school I had my braces removed and was in disbelief. I knew that I wanted to impact others' lives in the same way and so I eventually stumbled into a general dentistry office and was sold. I want to help as many people achieve healthy, confident smiles as I can.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My husband & I have a precious 3 yr old daughter, Sophie. We had a Bichon dog but gave her away due to her ezcema. As a wife, mom, & dental student, I try my best to balance each role in my life. I find joy in spending time with family; recently enjoyed our 10 yr wedding anniversary in Grand Canyon!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My professional calling is to serve people through genuine trust & care by promoting health & wellness in dental care. Yet I realized what fuels and energizes this passion in dentistry is evidenced by knowing how it wakes me up with excitement each day, yet puts me to sleep with good exhaustion!

Hometown:
Williamsburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University–Bachelor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a Chinese and immigrated to the US in 1997. I am married to a wonderful husband. We have a seven years old boy. He's a first grader. We also have a big white dog whose name is Nini. I like sewing and reading at home. I also enjoy planting vegetables in my garden.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I have been working in dentistry for a long time. I am always happy to help patients in the clinic. I like to help them to get their smiles back and solve their dental problems. I am so proud to work as a dental professional, I love dentistry.

Hometown:
Vienna, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biomedical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am culturally diverse. I am an American born Chinese who grew up in my family owned Thai restaurant. I was president of the Vietnamese Student Association at VCU. My first trip alone was to visit, Vitoria and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Knowledge, art, and service are the pillars of my character.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry to me, is the ideal union between art, science, and business. The gratification of directly working with the patient and knowing that I have positively improved someone's health is highly rewarding to me. Dentistry provides me the opportunity to use my abilities to help those in need.