A high-pitched whining filled the air as I gingerly held a high-speed handpiece for the first time. While drilling away at a typodont, a familiar sensation quickly enveloped me. I found myself transported to the mini woodshop I built in my garage, where I forge bamboo cutting boards and meticulously polish wooden rings with various power tools. My eyes lit up as I discovered the exciting parallels between my woodworking hobby and dentistry. I was thrilled by the aspect of visualizing and patiently crafting a final product both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
My interest in dentistry took off in a time of turbulence and uncertainty. After graduating from college, I began working to support my mom in gaining financial independence …show more content…
Attending University of California, San Francisco’s Global Oral Health Symposium exposed me to the challenges facing dentistry, including the oral health disparities prevalent among local communities and the need for mid-level providers in underserved areas. These issues were highlighted through my interaction with a 48-year-old edentulous patient at CDA Cares, a free dental clinic. She had driven over three hours and waited in line overnight for a chance to regain her smile. The lack of dental providers in her county, coupled with financial struggles had left her without teeth for over a decade. After her final denture fitting, she looked in the mirror and flung her arms around the dentist, her voice strained as she expressed her gratitude. Her grandkids would finally see her true smile for the first time. This experience further influenced my desire to dedicate myself in service to at-risk populations and to spread oral health awareness by educating patients starting from a young …show more content…
A common thread linked them: their obligation to serve and provide outstanding care to all patients. While assisting at Dr. Joshi’s office, I noticed how she wins over the trust of patients by listening with undivided attention and witnessed how dentists can make a life-changing impact on not just the oral health of patients, but also on their self-confidence and systemic health. As a future dentist, I aspire to provide my own patients with the same high level of care and commitment as my mentors have shown
My interest in dentistry took off in a time of turbulence and uncertainty. After graduating from college, I began working to support my mom in gaining financial independence …show more content…
Attending University of California, San Francisco’s Global Oral Health Symposium exposed me to the challenges facing dentistry, including the oral health disparities prevalent among local communities and the need for mid-level providers in underserved areas. These issues were highlighted through my interaction with a 48-year-old edentulous patient at CDA Cares, a free dental clinic. She had driven over three hours and waited in line overnight for a chance to regain her smile. The lack of dental providers in her county, coupled with financial struggles had left her without teeth for over a decade. After her final denture fitting, she looked in the mirror and flung her arms around the dentist, her voice strained as she expressed her gratitude. Her grandkids would finally see her true smile for the first time. This experience further influenced my desire to dedicate myself in service to at-risk populations and to spread oral health awareness by educating patients starting from a young …show more content…
A common thread linked them: their obligation to serve and provide outstanding care to all patients. While assisting at Dr. Joshi’s office, I noticed how she wins over the trust of patients by listening with undivided attention and witnessed how dentists can make a life-changing impact on not just the oral health of patients, but also on their self-confidence and systemic health. As a future dentist, I aspire to provide my own patients with the same high level of care and commitment as my mentors have shown