Why Dentistry?

Since I was young, I've been exposed to dentistry. Dad would tell stories from his dental offices, bringing up topics like crowns, extractions, and root canals, leaving me in wonder of the mysteries behind the front desk. As I got older, I got to experience and gain a portion of the knowledge needed to become a successful dentist.

But why dentistry? When I think about dentistry, I picture this Venn Diagram with 3 topics, with the very center being densitry. Let me explain:

First, we have teeth, obviously, and studying all the intricacies behind them. I love how well-treated ones produce beautiful results (bright smile) but realistically, that's not the case for everyone, which is literally why I'm pursuing a career that specializes in that kind of stuff. I know I just wrote a run-on, but I get my point more easily that way. There is a need for dentists, a demand for more selfless individuals willing to sacrifice for their patients, so I'm willing to walk into those open arms. But.....

Its not that easy- obviously. It takes rigorous studying, high grades, and so many other EC's required to achieve that dream. So that's what I did. I started a non-profit called Community Oral Care (by now any reader should know) helping out elderly residents by deep cleaning dentures (will revisit soon), wrote a published research paper on the lack of denture cleaning services (yes there needs to be more!), interned at my dad's two offices (loved it there! Exposing myself to a real-life dental environment is like such a good way to become a better dentist), created an app that relieves dental anxiety, and even created a petition with 400+ signatures advocating the insurance coverage of denture cleaning services. In a nutshell, I clearly have a PASSION. Like its so blatant like no denial. And its unique to me (and my triplet siblings ofc), making it much more special. But back to the point.

Dentistry has a special place in my heart through the two other topics in the diagram: patient communication and tactile activity. I love conversing with my peers (ask my siblings!) and just emotionally bonding with coworkers at the dental offices, residents at nursing homes, and just friends in general! I view an appointment as a 40-minute -1-hour session of lively conversations and getting the teeth cleaned. It's a win-win. Dentistry is just another way to expand my social circle.

Also... I love tactile activity. When my siblings are reading books, I'm the one building large Lego sets, fidgeting with a Rubik's cube, or now even playing guitar chords. I thrive by learning with hand usage. And I'm almost certain that dentists need those skills. Just look at the multitude of tools they use every day. It's obvious that checks the box.

Combining all my interests into a Venn diagram neatly sorts out with dentistry in the middle, the core of all my passions. It isn't about all crooked teeth, cranky patients, and stress from the lack of sleep. It's about fixing teeth, being patient and transforming patients' moods, and being diligent with scheduling. However most important of them all, pursuing dentistry is my way of glorifying God. Through patient interactions and studying hard, I can bring glory to my Provider by treating others kindly and accomplishing feats only God can work through my life. I seek to honor Him and do whatever I can to represent Him. Dentistry just makes it that much easier to do so.