It was not until participating in the Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) that I became interested in dentistry. It all started when my best friend convinced me to join American Student Dental Alliance (ASDA) with her. Initially I was hesitant, but I wanted to try to open up and experiment with careers in college. Although I was a member, I was not as active in the organization at first. However, this all changed when I decided to attend the most promoted event of the year, TMOM. TMOM is an annual event that provides free dental care to low income residents in Texas. I observed and assisted dentists and dental students for the first time. One lady, in particular, was physically abused by her husband, and she had many missing front teeth. The dentist was able to repair her smile and give her the smile she deserved. It was an incredible experience being able to witness the transformation of a person’s confidence. TMOM was the turning point of my life because the people I encountered inspired me to pursue dentistry as a career.
Another reason why I chose dentistry as a profession is because the connection dentists build with their patients. While I was volunteering at Dentistry from the Heart, an annual event providing free dental treatments, the dentist asked me to try to calm down a crying Vietnamese girl, Ha, as he waited to finish her extraction. I wanted to keep her mind off of the pain, so I spoke to her in Vietnamese about various topics ranging from cartoons to her
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
Prior to applying for Calhoun Community College’s dental assisting program we are required to complete eight hours of dental observations. My observations were completed at Valley Smiles Dental Care in Athens, Alabama and also Limestone Smiles in Athens, Alabama. Observing the groups narrated the dynamics of two distinctly different private practices.
Through this experience, I was able to further enhance my communication skills. Through my hard work and dedication to Dr. Karkazis' clinic, I was referred to working as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant for Chicago Public Schools. I was given the contingency to screen students with fluoride, sealants and educate them on the importance of having healthy oral hygiene. Practicing on students enlightened my enthusiastic side and really allowed me to relocate the fun in
To start, I have always had an interest in the health field and knew it was where I saw my future. I came across dental hygiene and quickly became fascinated. I learned just how important it can be and how many tend to overlook it. Given the opportunity, I would like to make sure my patients understand the importance of dental hygiene and share my knowledge. I feel because I have been given an opportunity that others weren’t so fortunate to receive; it is my responsibility to give back. I come from a small community in Northern New Mexico in which I plan to return and offer my knowledge and skills. I also have plans of doing missionary work for those who are unable to afford dental care. To be accepted into the prestigious Division of Dental
Another reason why I chose dentistry as a profession is because the connection dentists build with their patients. While I was volunteering at Dentistry from the Heart, an annual event providing free dental treatments, the dentist asked me to try to calm down a crying Vietnamese girl, Hoa, as he waited to finish her extraction. I wanted to keep her mind off of the pain, so I spoke to her in Vietnamese about various topics ranging from cartoons to her
During Wednesday’s lecture we had the opportunity to hear Kathryn Trilli give us a short autobiography of her career, and introduce us to the roles of a hygienist when working in a specialty clinic. Mrs. Trilli started her career at Sheridan College in Wyoming. She received her Associates in Science in Dental Hygiene. Upon graduation Mrs. Trilli was serving tables while waiting for her license. It was at her serving job that she met her first boss, John Nabers D.D.S., a periodontist in Wichita Falls, Texas who later was the founder of the Nabers probe. After working in Nabers practice for two years she left to begin her teaching career. While teaching Mrs. Trilli obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, from Midwestern State University. After relocating to east Texas for her husband’s profession she worked at various private practices. While living in Denton, Texas for five years she taught at Texas Woman’s University. After her husband accepted a coaching position at Newman University the Trillis relocated their family one final time to where they currently call
When I was about 5-years-old, I was the only one in my Kindergarten class that was not frightened of the dentist. I was the only child for as long as I can remember who absolutely adored going to see my dentist; I thought it was better than going to the Science Center, which was a big deal for a child in my generation. Growing up, I watched people’s faces twitch with (terror, panic, dismay) as I explained that it was my ultimate dream to become a dental hygienist. “What if a child bites you?” “The human mouth is disgusting! Do you not realize the horror of this occupation?” Listening to people question and insult my dreams only enhanced my dedication to this occupation even more. I was determined to prove them wrong; to prove that this was
Towards the end of my high school year, an incident happened that costed two of my front teeth. There I was, sitting in the dental office feeling despair and helpless. But all the horrible feelings vanished after I saw the dental hygienist. The dental hygienist told me he had lost his teeth during his high school times also, and there is nothing to worry about. To make the situation better, he even showed me a picture of him smiling without his teeth. There are numerous ways to show and provide your care for other people, and that is the moment when I decided to choose dental hygienist as a major. Moving on to the year of 2015, my brother was hospitalized for his nearly-ruptured appendix. During that time, me and my parents were not able to stay in the hospital at all time due to our family business. Thanks to the nurses, they
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.
ith a weary face and sweaty palms, I walked into the gloomy dental offices as a yearly ritual. The intimidating environment of the office made me feel knots in my stomach. As a child I never enjoyed visiting dentists because I was convinced that these humans were merciless people who could not care less if I was in pain. Ironically, the lifetime career I seek for now is the career I disliked before. The decision to become a dentist developed when I had the desire to give children a better experience and a different perspective on professionals of this field. From my experience, the dentists were not gentle and did not give me time to collect myself before pulling a tooth out. Orthodontics is a profession that I am pursuing since I have consistently desired to work in a healthcare career that enables me to help people by using my interest and talents in hand motor and communication skills. I strive for perfection and work patiently, as well as diligently, which will help me throughout this profession. There are skills that I need to obtain such as shadowing or volunteering in a dental office, which is also part of the educational preparation needed for dental school. All of these talents combined are essential for a typical day in dentistry in which I need to create a safe and comfortable environment for the excessive amounts of patients daily
My interest in dentistry began when I went in for a cleaning and the dental assistant let me touch and operate each one of the dental tools before she cleaned my teeth. Even though the tools were small they each served a purpose. I also take to how a dentist can make someone's day by fixing an issue they may have with their teeth. A person's smile and teeth are among the first things others notice
Naraghi, the general dentist that I shadowed for almost a year, had always told me to follow a career path that makes you excited to get up in the morning and I would always think about dentistry at that moment. In his office, I set up the room for patients, took their blood pressure and helped them feel more comfortable. I also spent a significant amount of time with Dr. Naraghi learning about dental tools and their uses. He became my mentor and familiarized me with different responsibilities of a dentist. He shone light on how special is the bound between a patient and his dentist as you could always hear him singing when working on his patients and they seemed to love his attitude and sometimes even request songs from
Through this experience, I learned how to remain emotionally confident while performing procedures, handling different clinical situations in a timely manner, accepting feedback, and making positive changes in myself. In preparing for a dental program, I have taken certification courses like Introduction to Dental Medicine and Pre-dental Clinical Simulation Course and Caries Management by Risk Assessment. I have also had the opportunity to practice class I amalgam and composite restoration, detecting inter-proximal caries on x-rays, and tried dental high-speed instruments. Currently, I am learning intra-oral radiographic techniques. Another way I have enriched my background is by volunteering with America’s Tooth Fairy Smile Drive and visiting elementary schools around San Francisco to teach about dental risk factors and preventions. Overall, these experiences have illuminated a continued need for dental awareness and outreach throughout the
My initial interest in Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry came about due to the location of school being in close proximity of immediate family members. Having family support was very important to me and being that I have in-laws who live in Nashville and Jackson Tennessee, Meharry seemed like a good fit. However, I am seeking more than just an ideal location to pursue my dental education. In my endeavor to learn more about what Meharry has to offer their students, I considered the mission statement, watched the videos on Meharry’s YouTube channel, and spoke with current students and alumni. I noticed there was a reoccurring trait of a genuine willingness to help others. And not just helping others from a clinical standpoint with regard
“Be a leader in your field.” Professor Hirsh’s advice echoed in my head. My dream of becoming a clinician was cemented when I saw a victim of assault, holding her trembling hands as Dr. Svechota fixed her broken teeth. I noticed her transition from sobbing to smiling. After reading “critical incident” experiences from the DISC Program, I realized that forming this type of connection with my patients is something that UNC Dental can uniquely offer. UNC encourages service to not only low-income communities but also correctional facilities, mental health centers, military bases and psychiatric hospitals, all of which resonate with me as ways to change lives, physically and emotionally like Dr. Svechota. However, research will give me the edge