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"What are you so happy about?"

I have to admit, she had a valid point. Here I was in the emergency room at two in the

morning and suffering from acute appendicitis. Surgery was still a few agonizing hours away.

Yet there I was, smiling at the nurse as she monitored my vitals. With each visit, she would

regard me with the same mixture of surprise and curiosity. Her colleague later explained how

rare it was to see an ER patient in high spirits. All I could say was that I acted on instinct. I have

always been a naturally positive person. Even now, at my worst, I felt so appreciative for the

hard work and care of the hospital staff. This is why I would find a career in dentistry personally

and professionally fulfilling. I enjoy working with people, and I feel it is my purpose to provide

that same level of care and support to a diverse range of patients.

For me, a comforting and professional bedside manner is paramount. It is no secret that

many people live in fear of the dreaded "dentist appointment." The dental chair can often be

associated with a number of common fears; the fear of pain, needles, confined spaces and loud

noises. I see this as an important issue to address, as anxieties can prevent many from receiving

the oral care they require. For this reason, I feel my outgoing and patient temperament make me

a suitable candidate for the dental profession. There is nothing I enjoy more than working with

people, and I want my patients to leave feeling happier and more content than when the arrived.

This was certainly my experience during my time in the ER. By the time I was discharged, I

came to see my caregivers as friends. They put me at ease, and treated me with both kindness

and respect when I felt most vulnerable. I want to provide that same level of care to others.

While my experience in the ER inspired me, it was my time as a volunteer at the Allan

Saxe Dental Clinic in Arlington, TX that cemented my resolve. I worked actively at the clinic,

which provides free dental care for people in need, for 5 years, and often witnessed the positive

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effect a dentist can have on a patient. It was rewarding to watch as people were relieved of their

pain, or regained confidence in their smile. During this time, I came to see the hygienists, staff,

and dentists as mentors, and admired their commitment and dedication to service. It is the same

dedication that I feel in my current position as a dental assistant. Passion has always motivated

me over profit. In fact, I plan to return to that clinic after completing my DDS, and continue my

work there as a trained professional.

Among my experiences at the Allan Saxe Clinic, I am particularly proud of my work to

initiate, plan, and host a "new patient day." After consulting the clinic director, I worked hard to

organize the first of these events on April 15

th

, 2015. Those months of planning paid off, as we

were able to to provide a total of over $4,500 worth of care to 14 new patients. After this initial

success, I planned a second such event on April 24th, 2016. We could not provide the treatment

we previously offered, but were still able to screen new patients and refer them to a local clinic.

By helping schedule appointments, we were able to address the concerns of a number of these

patients and register them in the system. I particularly look forward to hosting events similar to

these in the future. With each new experience, I have learned valuable lessons, which have in

turn helped me improve as a professional.

In addition to my time as volunteer, I also have 2 years of experience as a research

assistant at the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX. During this time, I had the privilege

of working under the supervision of Dr. Venu Varanasi and Dr. Azhar Ilyas. It was my work on

their publications introduced me to the material and engineering aspects of dentistry. Our most

exciting project involved working with a 3D printer to print scaffolds with a custom biomaterial

we synthesized in the lab. This biomaterial was designed and harnessed to treat bone defects and

promote bone regeneration. My work as a research assistant taught me how hard work and

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innovative thinking can be applied to find solutions to current issues. I also learned to anticipate

obstacles, and use them as an opportunity to explore new theoretical paradigms, new ways of

thinking and adapting.

As a volunteer, researcher, and a dental assistant, I believe in the power of a smile. The

value of a good smile cannot be overstated. It affects us in so many ways; ways we often take for

granted. A smile can offer confidence, assurance, and validation. It can initiate bonds between

strangers. In the world of business, a good smile can go a long way towards securing

employment, and inspiring ones colleagues. Between a dentist and a patient, a smile can be the

first step towards building a long and rewarding professional relationship. It all begins with a

smile.