(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
AS WITH other professions, the reasons why people pick oral health as a career are as varied as the people who ultimately become dentists.
The American Dental Association (ADA) asked the current crop of dental students in the United States: Why do you want to be a dentist?
Their answers are as interesting as their fresh, inspiring insights.
“With my massive sweet tooth, I grew up at the dentist and trusted them. I want to create that relationship with my patients while educating them about prevention and oral health.” — Jenna Chun, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Class of 2024
“As I continued through high school and began college, while considering my future career, I realized that what my dad did as a dentist was very similar to what I loved about building model airplanes. He used his hands and tools to precisely turn broken, deficient teeth into a perfect recreation of what was originally there, all while giving people a reason to smile.” — Jackson Downey, University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2025
“I want to be a dentist because it provides me with the privilege to serve others in the health care field while enhancing one of the most noticeable aspects of an individual — one’s smile. Growing up in a household that valued maintaining good dental hygiene, becoming a dentist allows me to promote the importance of oral health in my community and play a part in bridging the gap in oral health disparities.” — Kynnedy Kelly, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Class of 2023
“I want to become a dentist to help people improve their health and restore their confidence in themselves. After all, the most powerful social tool we have is our smile. Also, I chose dentistry because it is one of the few fields that combines creativity, science, entrepreneurship and patient interaction.” — Rayna Means, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Class of 2025
“My decision to pursue a career in dentistry has been influenced by so many of my life experiences. I want to become a dentist because I am passionate about the health sciences — specifically, the intersection of medicine and dentistry. I care deeply about providing care to those in need and improving access to care, and I receive incredible joy and fulfillment from developing meaningful relationships with my patients, colleagues and mentors.” — John Pelton>/b>, New York University College of Dentistry, Class of 2023
“I have always wanted to be a dentist because I love working with my hands and am very detail oriented. The idea of treating patients and assisting them in protecting their oral health is a privilege to experience.” — Danielle Silver, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2023
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
