Orthodontics: A Case Study

Growing up, my five siblings and I would rush straight to the candy aisles during our weekly grocery outings. Kit Kats, Reese’s, Warheads, and bubble gum were essential sweets that never seemed to last more than a day in our household. My parents found sugar-laden confectionaries as a gateway to keep my siblings and I preoccupied, but this translated to many cavities. Up until the age of fourteen, I had stainless steel crowns on my lower left first premolar tooth and all four of my canine teeth. I dreaded talking, and I dreaded taking pictures. When I would speak to other students in school, I would get stares and questions as to why I had silver teeth, resulting in insecurities, and I would try to open my mouth as little as I could during …show more content…
With my treatments being done at the USC School of Dentistry, I was exposed to an environment where there were several doctors completing their years of orthodontic residency. I obtained an increased level of care and consciousness towards my teeth and oral health as my doctor, Dr. Shamlian, had me as one of her case reviews that she presented to the American Board of Orthodontics. During this experience, I was able to appreciate the dedication that each doctor provided towards their patient's unique cases; the care, persistence, and humanistic approach that embodied each doctor was inspiring. Once my orthodontic treatment was completed, it signified my new perception of life; I was not afraid to smile anymore. It is this journey that now motivates me to pursue a career in dentistry. I value the health and social impacts that the field of dentistry brings, and I want to provide a lasting and compassionate impression to patients who may face the discomfort and challenges that I once …show more content…
I have had exposure to these aspects from my internship at the Palomar Medical Center, where I served alongside health care professionals in various facets of the hospital, working to provide patient support. In addition, I am a member of the UCSD Pre-Dental Society, in which I volunteer at the Student-Run Free Dental Clinics. This program plays a vital role in offering quality and accessible dental care to the underserved community of San Diego. As volunteers, we work alongside dentists in providing care to our patients in order to improve their health and livelihood. Chairside assisting the doctors grants me the opportunity to interact with them whilst observing the unique procedures of each individual. One of my memorable experiences within the dental clinics was witnessing the process of a patient receiving their first set of dentures. This individual had visited the clinic on multiple accounts in order to obtain mouth impressions, and it was during these times when I was able to learn about his story and struggles. The moment the patient placed his dentures into his mouth and smiled, I was deeply moved by the happiness and genuine appreciation that he exuded. His sincere euphoria brought me back to the time in which I first smiled after getting my braces off. This episode further motivated my determination