Henriette Mambe Tago
Class Year: 2025
Program: Doctor of Dental Medicine
Rooted in resilience and compassion, graduating dental student Henriette Mambe Tagos journey to dentistry is a story of perseverance and her passion for making a meaningful difference.
Growing up in Cameroon, Mambe Tago dreamed of working in healthcare. But when she was placed in an arts and literature track instead of science in high school, she feared the less academically rigid path could impact her dream of a career in medicine.
Mambe Tago refused to let go of her passion and moved to the United States to pursue a bachelors degree in biology with a minor in chemistry at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. After graduation, memories of homewhere dental care was a last resortmotivated her to keep going.
After seeing loved ones suffer, she was determined to be part of the solution. However, her road to dental school wasnt easy. She applied three times before receiving an acceptance letter, a moment that reaffirmed her determination not to give up along the way.
When I received that acceptance letter from 窪蹋勛圖厙, I didnt think twice before accepting the offer, she recalled.
At 窪蹋勛圖厙, she found a school that not only aligned with her goals but also fostered a community of students and alumni making a tangible impact. Now in her final year, Mambe Tagos passion for dentistry continues to grow.
There is a combination of science, chemistry, physics and artistry in dentistry, and that is very interesting, she said.
But beyond the technical skills, its the human connections that drive her. She loves restoring smiles, easing fears and giving patients back their confidence.
After graduation, Mambe Tago plans to complete a general practice residency and dedicate herself to serving underserved communities. Volunteering with organizations like MedWish, MedWorks and Remote Area Medical (RAM) has only strengthened her resolve.
I have always been amazed to see hundreds of dental professionals providing free treatment with passion, and I always walk out feeling a sense of accomplishment, she said.
For Mambe Tago, dentistry isnt just about fixing teethits about changing lives. And with her passion and perseverance, shes determined to do exactly that.
Joseph DeCarlo
Class Year: 2028
Program: Doctor of Dental Medicine
For Joseph DeCarlo, dentistry is more than just a careerits a calling.
As a first-year dental student at 窪蹋勛圖厙s School of Dental Medicine, DeCarlo sees his journey into dentistry as the place where his skills and passions meet the needs of others. His perspective on the profession goes beyond the technical aspects; for him, it's about overcoming challenges and making a real difference in peoples lives.
"One of my goals in dentistry is to make people more comfortable with going to the dentist," DeCarlo explains. "There are people who have access to care but choose not to utilize it out of fear. The idea that I can combine artistic elements through science is truly special, and I hope to relieve stress for my patients while improving their self-esteem and quality of life."
DeCarlos connection to dentistry runs deephis father, an alum of 窪蹋勛圖厙s dental school class of 1988, has been an inspiring figure in his life. Watching his fathers precision, the relationships he built with patients and staff and the satisfaction of providing proper treatment, Joseph was immersed in the field from a young age.
"My father never had to tell me how great dentistry was," DeCarlo reflects. "It was shown indirectly through the work he did and the bonds he formed over the years."
The importance of family and legacy is woven into DeCarlos story. His grandfather, originally from a small town in Calabria, Italy, not only became a physician but also served as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. His grandfathers life of accomplishments and perseverance has been a meaningful source of inspiration for Joseph, teaching him the value of hard work and selfless dedication to others.
Shadowing several alumni, DeCarlo has found role models who embody the passion and professionalism he hopes to bring into his practice one day. These experiences have further fueled his excitement about the patient-dentist relationship and the lasting connections that are built over time.
"One of my favorite quotes is, 'Good, better, best, never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.' Its a reminder to always keep improving and never waste potential," says DeCarlo. "We have a limited time here, so we need to make the most of it."
With a family legacy rooted in health care and a personal drive to provide compassionate care, DeCarlo is poised to carry the torch forward as he begins his journey at 窪蹋勛圖厙s School of Dental Medicine.
Aisling Halliden
Class Year: 2028
Program: Doctor of Dental Medicine
First-year DMD student Aisling Halliden brings a unique global perspective to her journey in dentistry, shaped by her upbringing in both the United States and abroadas well as her Irish heritage.
A biology and German double major in undergraduate school, Halliden has a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and is committed to applying this worldview to her dental career.
"While I'm a true American citizen, I try to take a global perspective on how current events affect people and cultures worldwide," she shared.
Hallidens passion for dentistry stems from a desire to build meaningful relationships with patients. A key part of her career philosophy is combining lifelong learning with compassion, with her goal being to provide up-to-date dental care while fostering a supportive and stress-free environment.
I want to create an environment where patients feel confident theyre receiving the best care, Halliden says.
In choosing a dental school, Halliden was drawn to the School of Dental Medicines small, collaborative environment and its emphasis on clinical skills and patient care from the start.
"I love that well be helping the Cleveland community right away," she added.
Having worked as a dental assistant under Dr. Relle in Wooster, Ohio, Halliden learned the importance of camaraderie in a well-run dental practice and the impact of strong doctor-patient relationships.
A Navy dental hopeful, Halliden plans to serve her patients with both clinical excellence and compassion, regardless of where her career takes her. She is inspired by Taylor Swift's lyrics, "Never be so kind you forget to be clever, never be so clever you forget to be kind," which resonates with her approach to dentistrybalancing thorough care with genuine kindness.
Ananta Datta
Class of 2028
Ananta B. Dattaan incoming dental student at 窪蹋勛圖厙 School of Dental Medicine (SODM)brings with him a unique blend of interdisciplinary experience and a passion for community outreach that sets him apart from his peers.
During his undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario, Datta actively participated in collaborative projects that brought together students from diverse educational backgrounds. One notable project involved conducting a program evaluation for a women's temporary housing program.
"We interviewed current residents and staff, made recommendations to better address the residents' needs and developed a strategy to track past resident outcomes," Datta explained. "We also provided them with methods to conduct independent program evaluations in the future."
This project, which made a tangible impact on the lives of women in the community, sparked Dattas passion for community worka passion he is eager to continue at SODM.
"My community involvement during my undergraduate studies has made me really passionate about community work, and a major goal of mine is community outreach and providing dental care to underserved communities," he shared.
Dattas decision to pursue dentistry was driven by his interests in both the biological sciences and the arts. A skilled harmonium player, he found that dentistry allowed him to combine his diverse passions in a way no other profession could.
"Beyond the hands-on work, what excites me particularly about dentistry is the ability to take on a proactive role. As a dentist, I hope to inspire my patients to be active participants in their own oral health so that they can avoid any issues altogether."
Reflecting on his academic journey, Datta expressed gratitude for his undergraduate lab supervisor, Dr. Ruud Veldhuizen, who played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to research and practice.
"Not only have I learned various research techniques from him, but more importantly, he has instilled in me qualities such as critical thinking and persistence that are so critical in succeeding both as a doctor and as a scientist," Datta said.
Datta was drawn to SODM for its balance between exposure to various specialties and a strong general dentistry training program. The presence of a variety of post-doctoral programs at the university was particularly appealing to him as he seeks to explore different options within the field to determine the best fit for his career.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Datta remains grounded by a personal mantra: This too shall pass. This simple yet profound quote, which underscores the transient nature of everyday life, serves as a source of motivation during difficult times and a reminder to stay humble during moments of success.
With his unique background and dedication to making a difference in the community, Datta is poised to make a significant impact at 窪蹋勛圖厙 School of Dental Medicine and beyond.
Joanne Tan
Class of 2024
Fourth-year dental student and Vice President of Student Council Joanne Tan grew up with a strong work ethic fostered by her competitive swimming background. The discipline and perseverance she learned as a swimmerincluding early mornings and pushing through challengeshave translated into her dental studies.
Those 4:30 a.m. wake-ups were never easy, said Tan, but the sport showed me that commitment and hard work always reaps a benefit.
Her interest in dentistry deepened during a mission trip to North Philadelphia, where she witnessed firsthand the disparities in access to oral care. This experience, combined with her background in nutrition, further fueled her passion for the field.
During the trip, I was also able to see how nutritionmy undergrad majorplayed a major part in oral health, explained Tan.
With her sights firmly set on dentistry as a career, it was time to choose a dental school. 窪蹋勛圖厙 stood out to her for a number of reasons.
I really liked the early clinical experience the school provides, said Tan, and I felt the curriculum would set me up well for both general dentistry and a speciality.
Tan loves her time at the dental school, of course, but one thing rises to the top as her favorite part of Clevelandthe food scene!
Nathan Reisch
Class of 2024
For Nathan Reisch, a fourth-year dental student, dentistry has been a lifelong pursuit that blossomed as early as kindergarten. His journey reflects the power of early inspiration to achieve one's dreams.
I decided to be a dentist when I was in kindergarten after a dental appointment, said Reisch, and I have never lost the passion since.
That connection with his first dental care provider made an impression , and now what Reisch loves most about dentistry is the opportunity to interact with patients and build strong relationships with each of them.
Seeing a patient give a bigger smile after Im done treating them gives me comfort that I chose the right career, explained Reisch.
Reischs journey in dentistry has been supported by his familywith encouragement from his grandfather playing a pivotal role in steering him toward the realization of his goals.
My grandfather kept me on the right track growing up and continued to push me to strive for success, Reisch explained. Even a week before he passed away in 2013, he was telling the hospital staff how proud he was of me. That is something that will forever keep me improving as I establish my dental practice.
When it came time for Reisch to choose a dental school, 窪蹋勛圖厙 rose to the top as the clear choice.
窪蹋勛圖厙 has great exposure to different specialties in dentistry, and all the people from my hometown consider it to be an excellent school, Reisch said. I knew that the School of Dental Medicine was the perfect fit for my education.
The city of Cleveland was also a draw for Reisch.
There is always something to do in Cleveland, said Reisch. The number of parks, trails, museums and restaurants have me discovering something new each year. I am also a huge fan of the Cavaliers!
On May 18the day of the School of Dental Medicines commencement ceremonyReisch will become the first doctor in his family, a testament to the power of personal determination and family support.
Mohammad Hadeed
Class of 2026
Community engagement and involvement is a high priority for the School of Dental Medicineand it was a major draw for second-year DMD student Mohammad Hadeed when he was considering dental programs.
I was intrigued by the [Healthy Smiles] sealant program and other community outreach opportunities that we are able to participate in very early in our studies, said Hadeed. Volunteering at the Somali Community Center was very rewarding. We provided oral screening and oral health education to Afghani children and their parents.
As an immigrant himself, Hadeed said spending time with that community reminded him a lot of his own family when they first came to America.
We were unable to speak English properly, had very little money and attended free health care clinics in Michigan, Hadeed explained. To this day, its surreal to be on the other side. Helping individuals who have recently immigrated to the United States is a dream of mine and something I plan to continue throughout my life.
The desire to care for individuals through dentistry, specifically, began at a young age for Hadeedafter a particularly traumatic incident.
In the fifth grade, I broke my front tooth, Hadeed shared. Having recently immigrated from Syria, my parents could not afford to fix them immediately. I had to live with half a front tooth for a while.
That experience took a toll on Hadeed and made him realize the impact of dentistry and teeth can have not only a persons physical health, but also their mental wellbeing.
I was too scared to smile or be myself, said Hadeed. I felt forced to cover my mouth from embarrassment.
It was not until his parents were able to afford the treatment costs that he felt his confidence and outlook change for the better.
Having experienced first-hand what dental care can do for a persons mental health and self-image is why I really want to do the same for others, he said.
Scott Wang
Class of 2026
Imagine the discovery of evidence of a past civilization where some humans had extra sets of teethmore than just baby and adult teethuncovered under an abandoned amusement park. This evidence is extremely profitable and considered revolutionary to the world of dentistry, but is stolen immediately after its found. But who is the perpetrator?
That is the world created by second-year dental student Scott Wang in his recently published science fiction novel. The Replacement Scheme follows dental student Seth Lis journey to discover the thief of the relics from the revelatory excavationbut he isnt prepared for just how complicated his expedition would become.
I wrote this novel over the summer using information I learned through my coursework last year and self-published my work, said Wang. Dental anatomy, facial growth, head and neck anatomy and various biological sciences formed the basis of the main character's theory in this fictional world.
Wang is enrolled in the universitys seven-year Pre-Professional Scholars Program . Each year, approximately 10 exceptionally well-qualified high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in dentistry are offered the opportunity to begin the Doctor of Dental Medicine program after three years of undergraduate studies.
When it came time to choose a dental school, Wangs preference for 窪蹋勛圖厙 was two-foldthe School of Dental Medicine has a smaller, close-knit community and is one of the newest dental facilities in the country.
At the time of my interview, the Health Education Campus and the dental clinic were still under construction, Wang explained, but after I saw the images, I knew I wanted to take advantage of what the facilities would have to offer.
Also an artist and musicianWang has been creating studio art and playing the flute most of his lifehe chose dentistry because of its combination of manual dexterity and healthcare. He also has a desire to help people.
[In addition to my other hobbies], I developed an interest in helping others in a healthcare setting, he said. I knew dentistry was right for me.
Andrea Petrowitz
Class of 2024
The intersection of health care, artistic application and interpersonal relationships is what drew third-year dental student Andrea Petrowitz to the field of dentistry.
Serving a key role in a patients oral healthand general well-beingwhile also providing aesthetic services that address functional needs really interested me, said Petrowitz.
That kind of multifaceted care is what made the 窪蹋勛圖厙 School of Dental Medicine the clear choice for her studies.
I have found that 窪蹋勛圖厙 puts a lot of emphasis on clinical experience and comprehensive care, Petrowitz said. This results in well-rounded graduates who provide holistic care to their patients.
Providing holistic carelearning and working alongside colleagues studying other health care professionsis already a part of her dental school career. Since her first year, Petrowitz has been volunteering with the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Student Run Health Clinic (SRHC) and, just last year, was appointed the dental director.
Serving in the SRHC has allowed Petrowitz the unique opportunity to collaborate with students from the universitys School of Medicine, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences to practice interdisciplinary care.
I've been fortunate to work so closely and learn with my colleagues, developing our team skills, said Petrowitz. Being a volunteer and director has been such a valuable experience. In the long run, I think it will benefit patients to have providers that approach health care as a collective goal.
Jihan Aitelcadi
Class of 2023
Growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland, fourth-year Doctorate of Dental Medicine student Jihan Aitelcadi was very close with her family. She saw her parents work hard to provide for her and her two younger brothers, which taught her the importance of providing care for those you love.
I am appreciative of every single life experience my family and I have gone through together, said Aitelcadi. If it weren't for my family, I would not be where I am or who I am today.
Aitelcadis childhood visits to her dentista 窪蹋勛圖厙 alumignited her interest in dentistry.
I wanted to become a compassionate, thorough and passionate dentist like my childhood dentist was with his patients, she said.
In addition to dentistry, Aitelcadi also has a passion for art. She participated in many art shows and exhibitions growing up, where she showcased paintings, drawings and graphic designs.
My artistic background not only enhanced my attention to detail, said Aitelcadi, but, combined with my skills in math and science, it enhanced my desire to integrate form, function and problem-solvingall which work together in the field of dentistry.
After completing her undergraduate degree at John Carroll University, the School of Dental Medicine was an obvious next step for Aitelcadi.
Choosing 窪蹋勛圖厙 was a simple choice for me, explained Aitelcadi. Growing up, the dentists I looked up to had graduated from the School of Dental Medicine and spoke nothing but praises for the school, the professors and the curriculum.
After graduation in May, Aitelcadi plans to continue providing holistic oral care to the Cleveland community through private practice.
Alyssa Cornejo
Class of 2024
窪蹋勛圖厙 School of Dental Medicines ability to shape holistically minded dentists was central to Alyssa Cornejos decision when she began her dentistry journey.
I worked with an oral surgeon who was a 窪蹋勛圖厙 alum, said Cornejo. With his expansive knowledge, he was able to serve not only the dental needs of patients but also their general health concerns.
This kind of multifaceted careand developing meaningful relationships with the patientsis why the Class of 2024 DMD student chose dentistry as a career. And through her experiences at the dental school, Cornejo sees that she chose the right path and the right school.
窪蹋勛圖厙 educators and staff focus so much on comprehensive care, Cornejo said, which has created generations of well-rounded dentists.
Dentists are often the only medical provider a patient sees on a regular basis, and many people visit the same dentist for decades.
These relationships give dentists a unique opportunity to really understand who their patient isallowing us to meet their health goals or be the first to flag an unusual health change, said Cornejo.
After graduation, Cornejo intends to practice general dentistry in a manner that focuses on patient educationnot just treatment of present issues.
My belief is that by focusing on both teaching and treating, patients will have more autonomy and control over their dental health, Cornejo said. This empowers them to actually achieve their dental health goals.
Kevin Dobbins
Class of 2023
I've seen my classmates provide outstanding patient care, which can help patients realize that the dental office can be a place for positive experiencesnot anxiety. Kevin Dobbins
School of Dental Medicine fourth-year student Kevin Dobbins sees excellent patient care as a central focus of dentistryand its what drew him to the profession in the first place.
When I was in the eighth grade, [we were encouraged to complete] 100 hours of community service, said Dobbins. The first place I thought of was my pediatric dentist.
Compelled by how his dentist interacted with patients, Dobbins watched her calm their fears, respectfully correct any misinformation surrounding their oral care and provide a peaceful environment for children.
I witnessed patients who were just as afraid as I was when I first visited the dentist, Dobbins explained. My dentist provided adequate information to the parents without making a child scaredthat stuck with me. From then on, I decided that I wanted to pursue dentistry.
While attending a couple of pre-dental days at the School of Dental Medicine (SODM) during his undergraduate years, Dobbins had the chance to speak with some dental students about their experiences. Through those interactions, he knew that 窪蹋勛圖厙 would be a great fit for his dental education.
And, while it hasnt always been easy, Dobbins has taken note of how his time at the SODM has shaped himself and his classmates.
Dental school is a mentally tough four years, but one of the most gratifying things for me has been to see how everyone has grown over the years.
After graduation, Dobbins plans to use his strong passion for treating children and pursue post-graduate training in pediatric dentistry.
Gina DeLeonibus
Class of 2023
Even before her dental school career began, Gina DeLeonibus understood the power of dentistry to make a difference. For starters, her passion for volunteering and providing care to those who need it led her to , a Kansas City-based organization on a mission to connect oral health professionals with professional athletic organizations in order to provide life-changing dental care to underserved children in our communities.
Ive always enjoyed giving back to my community, said DeLeonibus, a member of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 School of Dental Medicine Class of 2023. When I came across a volunteer opportunity with TeamSmile, I was amazed by how dentists and specialists could take a timid child and have them smiling by the end of their dental visit. Through my volunteering, I looked forward to providing comprehensive care to patients who would then leave their appointment with a renewed sense of confidence.
DeLeonibus was also exposed to dentistryand to 窪蹋勛圖厙 School of Dental Medicine, in particularthrough her sister, Maria DeLeonibus (DEN 19), with whom Gina attended 窪蹋勛圖厙 events and visited in the dental clinic.
So when it came time for DeLeonibus to choose a school to pursue her passion for dentistry, it was an easy decision.
The sense of family, the smaller class sizes and the people drew me to 窪蹋勛圖厙, DeLeonibus said. Being from Cleveland, I felt right at home!
Being close to home also served another purpose for DeLeonibus: Her grandmother, who has since passed, had end-stage renal disease, so DeLeonibus lived with and cared for hergetting her ready for early-morning dialysis treatments, then attending classes and performing clinic work, and caring for her grandmothers needs in between studying.
The routine was challenging at times, she recalled, but I was able to spend valuable time with my grandma while pursuing my dream of becoming a dentist.
After completing her DMD, DeLeonibus plans to pursue craniofacial orthodontics and hopes to one day open a practice alongside her sister, an oral resident in Cincinnati, and her brother, a plastic surgery resident at Cleveland Clinicthe three of them teaming to provide the care DeLeonibus has long been drawn toward.
I am fascinated by how orthodontics can take a person with dentofacial abnormalities and transform their lives by gaining form, function and aesthetics through orthodontic appliances, DeLeonibus explained. In this specialty, I would get to diagnose and treat complex cases, collaborate treatment with other specialty providers while obtaining a positive life-altering result for my patients.
Gabriella Koussa
Class of 2023
In watching my mentormy fatherI have witnessed first-hand the happiness that follows when passion meets purpose.
School of Dental Medicine Class of 2023 student Gabriella Bella Koussa couldnt pinpoint the one reason or moment when she chose to pursue dentistry, but her father, Nadeem Koussa (DEN 94) played a major role in her gravitating toward the field.
Like many others, I have a mentor in my life who sparked my interest in dentistry, said Koussa. I am beyond blessed to say that my mentor is my father. He earned his dental degree in two countries, persevering while barely knowing English after immigrating to the United States.
Cleveland native Koussa says that having that kind of model of determination has helped her get through dental schoolalong with having her family close by.
I would not have made it to this point in my life without my familys endless support and encouragement, she explained. To say that I am fortunate to go through dental school with my family nearby is an understatement!
Having her family in the area wasnt the only reason Koussa chose 窪蹋勛圖厙 (窪蹋勛圖厙), however.
The reputation of the university is unmatched, she said. It was not a difficult decision to make!
Her patients are also happy that Koussa chose 窪蹋勛圖厙 for her dental education.
Nick Hanson, Carlton Road residential community director in the universitys Office of Student Affairs, recently began receiving dental care from Koussa at the SODM dental clinic.
I started working in student affairs at 窪蹋勛圖厙 several months ago and needed a pretty significant amount of dental work done, said Hanson. I have pretty bad dental anxiety and Bella is so patient, understanding and reassuring throughout the process. She takes the time to thoroughly explain everything that is going on and is always happy to answer my questions. I actually look forward to going to the dentist now!
After graduation, Koussa plans to continue serving the Greater Cleveland area by practicing alongside her father.
Jennifer Jung
Class of 2023
Third-year dental student Jennifer Jung was born hearing impaired in her right ear, but it was not diagnosed until she was in the sixth grade. Her diagnosis, and the experience leading up to it, sparked her interest in treating a patient as a whole being. It deepened her understanding of those with differing abilities, and piqued her curiosity for how those individuals complete normal tasks on a day-to-day basis.
During her time as an undergraduate student, Jung studied American Sign Language (ASL) for three years. This education opened her eyes to just how important communication is, and how many different types of communication exist.
Communication is very important to me, said Jung, and learning how each individual communicates is very important to good patient care.
Seeing the world in a new way, Jung became interested in dentistry.
Dentistry has an all around improvement in wellbeing for the whole individual. Yes, we deal with chewing, breathing, the health of the physical teeth but we also treat the emotional and mental health of a patient, Jung said. If you arent confident in your smile, chances are that you are not going to show confidence in other areas of your life.
Though she is passionate about her studies, dental school has not been easy for Jung.
It has been a humbling experience for me, said Jung. What you plan in life doesnt necessarily happen. You have to learn to adapt.
The challenges she has experienced during her time at 窪蹋勛圖厙 have given Jung opportunities for her to meet individuals and realize specific interests in the dental field she would not have discovered otherwise. These experiences led her to many research opportunities in Craniofacial Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, and Interprofessional Community Health.
Jung is active in several clubs and organizations, serving as the Co-President of the Orthodontics and Craniofacial Orthodontics Club, President of the Graduate Society of Medical Humanities, and is a part of the Graduate Student Council.
Her goal at the end of her studies at the School of Dental Medicine will be to continue her research efforts with the hope of specializing in Orthodontics.
The holistic improvement is what draws me to that speciality and providing specialized care to those who need it, she said.
Alexandra Yazdani
Class of 2023
When one thinks of dental medicine, art is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, for Alexandra Yazdani, the artistry of dentistry is what continues to draw her to the profession.
There is a lot of artistry in dentistry, the now third-year student explained. Dental medicine is aesthetic as well as scientificit uses the right brain and the left brain.
Yazdani grew up dancing competitively in all different styles: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and contemporary. She also enjoys practicing visual arts and loves to draw so its no surprise that she began studying a discipline where she could utilize her whole brain, a fusion of all her passions.
Dentistry is also a family affair for Yazdani.
My father actually went to 窪蹋勛圖厙 and graduated from the dental school.
Back home in Toronto, she spent a lot of time at her fathers private practice watching him work with patients. His skill in working with people captivated her, further sparking her interest in becoming a dentist herself. For Yazdani, it all comes down to having empathy and connecting with the patient.
The hardest thing for some people in dealing with patients is understanding that everyone is different. Not everyone has the same oral health literacy, and not everyone has the same financial status, she said.
Yazdani shared that the great thing about the School of Dental Medicine (SODM) is how the students are prepared to treat the whole patient and not just their mouths. The schools Dental Clinic provides students with real world patient experience, giving them the opportunity to interact with all different kinds of people from the community.
Some people are very anxious and I have been able to develop a lot of patience and empathy for those who need to stop and take a break or who need a little more explanation about a procedure, she said.
When she needs to decompress from the stress of studying or working with patients, Yazdani spends time with the friends she has made at the SODM.
No one else understands what we go throughwe are all in it together, and we really rely on each other. The people are what sets 窪蹋勛圖厙 apart.