My path to dentistry began in the humble setting of an automotive repair shop. My father immigrated to the United States with nothing and has worked his fingers to the bone to provide for our family as a mechanic. When I was sixteen years old, I began observing my father at his shop everyday after school. His ability to work with his hands has always fascinated me, especially when his respectable service led to the immediate happiness of his customers. I started to learn about the basics of an automotive engine and the physics of how a vehicle moves. We worked on a project car for the next two years, building a 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible from scratch. Our work involved vast levels of mechanical complexity that allowed me to visualize every detail needed to create this masterpiece. This project helped me develop a skill set that will translate into my career as a dentist. My desire to pursue a career, in which I could help others, grew greatly during my time at the University of California, Irvine. A major in Public Health Science gave me an insight into the hardships that people in underserved countries go through on a daily basis, which motivated me to assist them the best way I knew how. In March 2014, I attended a service trip with Global Dental Brigades to Tegucigalpa, …show more content…
In order to solidify my interest in dentistry, I shadowed Dr. Pishya Chamkasem at Smile Solutions Dental. I immediately noticed his exquisite skill level while he treated his patients. He taught me how to do cleanings, composite fillings, and crowns. While observing him, I envisioned myself in his shoes. I knew that, under the right guidance, I could perform dental procedures and deliver honest service. As a dentist, I would respect each patient in order to provide a sense of contentment and immediate satisfaction, which I observed while interning at Smile Solutions in addition to working with my
At the conclusion of her high school academic career, Claire Keller planned to enter a field far from that of dental hygiene, one perhaps centered on the natural world. She even began an internship at a fish and wildlife park in order to explore related career opportunities. It wasn’t until a friend of hers told her that she was going into dentistry that she was reminded of her many positive experiences in dentist offices throughout her early life. She has always received her dental work at the Wakarusa Family Dentist Office in town and always felt welcomed and encouraged there.
With my early trips to the dentist and the natural loss of my baby teeth having sparked an interest in dentistry before I really knew what being a dentist meant, I began shadowing to further explore the profession. As I watched a tooth take shape from a blob of acrylic under the experienced hand of the dentist I was shadowing, I was filled with the same awe and satisfaction that I gain from the piano. Dr. Aboud repeatedly positioned the temporary crown in the patient’s mouth, checked his bite, and painstakingly continued to adjust the crown until the fit was just right. Though I have wanted to be a dentist for almost as long as I have played the piano, my interest in dentistry grew
The more I shadowed, the more enthusiastic I became. Working as an assistant to a dentist, I witnessed each procedure clearly from an up-close perspective. The amount of precision required in dentistry intrigues me. Whether it be a restoration, crown, root canal, or implant, meticulous attention to detail is required. Manual dexterity is also important, and looking back to all my extracurricular activities through the years, whether it was woodworking as a volunteer at the church, tying knots as a scout, sculpting as an art student, or playing piano and guitar, all of the activities improved my manual dexterity.
Many invaluable experiences helped me decide my path to dentistry, starting from my swim competition, to voluntary activity, and to a dental assistant. I became captivated by healthcare professional careers ever since I realized that it involve creativity, technical and scientific expertise and helping others. I was pursuing a career that will make me feel satisfied, challenged and rewarded, then I concluded, the dentistry was a great fit. From my first swimming competition, I gained an inexplicable satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. I was swimming like it was a matter of life and death until my hands hit the wall.
My whole life, it has been apparent to those around me that I would be a dentist. I am highly inquisitive, passionate, compassionate, experienced, and I love teeth. I remember getting so excited to have my teeth cleaned as a child because my trips to the dentist were so much fun! At a young age, my mother instilled the importance of oral hygiene care. To this day, I wonder if it was the dentist, dental hygienist, or just the dental office ambiance that had me engaged as a young child. Almost immediately after graduating high school, I went to school to become a registered dental assistant and at that point, I figured out that I possess good manual dexterity, which is a fundamental skill to be efficient in the dental field. At the same time, I unlocked the key to my calling, passion. Six years later, I realized I had the potential to
At the age of thirteen, I decided that I wanted to become a dentist. I have since read countless dental textbooks explaining everything from anatomy to treatment of oral diseases. My junior year of high school, I entered the Dental Assistant program at the Clark County Skills Center. Through the program I gained the knowledge needed to become a dental assistant. The Skills Center further strengthened my decision to become a dentist by teaching me how the dental world truly functions. In December of 2105, at the age of 16, I became a Certified Dental Assistant and began working at Design Dentistry. Working at Design Dentistry with Dr. Wenzinger has inspired me to continue my education, and I plan to further my education to become a dentist.
Dentistry offers the ability to apply my interests in science whilst having the opportunity to communicate with people and to make a positive contribution in their lives. I developed my interest in dentistry during my regular check-ups where I got to know my dentist and build up a relationship with them. I believe that with my dedication and work ethic alongside my extensive volunteering, I have the ability to become a reputable dentist. An aspect of dentistry that I enjoy is the ‘hands on’ experience obtained and the teamwork involved alongside the mentally and physically challenging demands of the profession.
Sitting at the kitchen table, looking up at the family portrait of myself and our five children, my husband and I reflected on why I chose to leave the military. As we spoke, I reminded him that I wanted a career that I genuinely enjoyed and offered stability; although I was pursuing a degree in Accounting at Thomas Nelson Community College, I was not motivated in truly making it a career. My husband’s response was candid yet, simple and encouraging: “You love teeth and oral hygiene, go be a dentist!” As a consequence of that life-changing conversation, I have made strides towards dentistry as a profession, one which as has been filled with uncertainties, challenges, gratification, and growth. I eagerly look forward to embarking the next phase in achieving my goals of becoming a dentist by obtaining my Masters in Medical Science from Hampton University.
Since my interest first peaked, I have continued towards my goal to become a dentist, not only through high academic achievement, but with life experience. I obtained my dental radiography license and worked as a dental assistant during high school and was provided with the opportunity to observe a variety of dental procedures. I also gained exposure to the additional responsibilities of a dental professional ranging from the billing process to dealing with insurance companies. I got a glimpse of the organizational skills necessary to run a small business. I continued gaining experiences upon entering
Dentistry appeals to me as it combines a high level of patient interaction with the chance to use practical skills and scientific understanding in order to improve people's oral health being not only mentally stimulating but also practically challenging. As a dentist I will be able to make a positive contribution to my local community, and as a genuine caring person with the determination to thrive in my studies.
I knew I was passionate about helping and influencing people; however, I was still finding my interest. Yet, my experience has allowed me to direct my interest towards a career in dental hygiene.
Dental hygiene plays an important role in oneś life, from infanthood to elderhood oral health is a visual into healthy bodies. Throughout one’s life annual dentist visits are a need to keep a mouth fresh and disease free. Looking back into my own childhood and the first visit, I was happy to be there. In fact, I found this new adventure in the dentist office better than being in a doctor's. Being a small child and coming into the office for a check up, the first face I saw was a dental hygienist. That meeting later motivated me to do all my studying to become one myself.
‘Randi, why would you want to look into someone’s mouth?’ is a question I frequently am asked when I tell someone of my future aspiration of becoming a dentist. Every time I am asked this question I cannot help myself but to chuckle a little because to me becoming a dentist is so much more; to me being a dentist is about becoming a contributing member of the community as well as an advocate of compassion, mentorship, and social justice. Becoming a dentist will allow me to utilize my creative and academic abilities while servicing others. I am fortunate to have the ability to understand complex concepts, ideas, and theories and can simplify them for others, so they may gain their own basic understanding. On the other hand, I am motivated to give thanks for this ability and to offer my service as a dental professional to assist in the health needs of those served and underserved in my community.
Through all these complications, I learned to appreciate dentistry and how it can change a person's self-confidence. Recently, my boss, the dentist, even let me assist in performing operations. I realized it combined the two things I was looking for: getting to know my patients and working hands-on. It gave me a new sense of purpose. My passion in becoming a dentist is fueled by the desire to help people maintain their oral health in rural areas and boost their self-esteem, just like I had received myself.
My life has truly been transformed by Dentistry; it has boosted my confidence and aligned me with the career path of my dreams. Early on in life, every aspect of Dentistry captured my heart. Learning to cope with my embarrassing smile inspired me to want to help others by giving them what they always dreamed of. Knowing I have the power to make someone's dreams come to life is the reason I wake up each morning with a drive and desire to achieve my goals. While striving with a strong focus, packaged with confidence and sincerity, I will pursue my passion through demanding training. I not only plan to be a hardworking, determined and ambitious student, but with my skills as an orthodontist, it will further my ability to be an active member in