September 2026

My interest in dentistry first developed through my own experiences growing up as a patient. Spending a lot of time at both the dentist and orthodontist gave me an early look into the profession and made me curious about the work they were doing. I had always enjoyed science, but I wanted a career where I could also work with my hands and directly interact with people. Dentistry stood out to me because it brings all of those things together. What I especially appreciate about the field is how tangible the impact can be. Whether it is getting someone out of pain or helping them feel more confident about their smile, there are many times when you can see the difference you made before the patient even leaves the chair. Being able to provide that kind of immediate and meaningful improvement in someone's life is one of the things that continues to make dentistry rewarding to me.

I previously interned at the North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative during undergrad. From there, I drew interest and wanted to continue that type of work. As I came to the University of Pennsylvania, I hoped to continue engaging in that work in the state of Pennsylvania.

One of the biggest challenges in dentistry is making sure patients are actually able to receive the care they need. Even when patients want to prioritize their oral health, factors such as insurance coverage, cost, and access to providers can make receiving treatment difficult. Insurance limitations can sometimes restrict treatment options or create additional barriers for patients who are already struggling to find affordable care. As a provider, it can be frustrating to know what treatment would benefit a patient while also having to consider whether that treatment is financially or realistically accessible to them. I think improving access to dental care and helping patients navigate these barriers is an important part of improving oral health overall.

Improve access to care for everyone and allow patients to receive orthodontic treatment more readily with their insurance.

What I find most meaningful about dentistry is the impact we can have on people, both through direct patient care and through the profession as a whole. Even a procedure that may feel routine to us can make a significant difference in a patient’s comfort, confidence, or daily life. At the same time, I have been inspired by seeing dental professionals advocate for better oral health and serve their communities beyond the clinic. It has shown me that dentistry is not only about treating individual patients, but also about being part of a larger community working to improve oral health for others.

Basketball, pickleball, hanging out with friends and family, and working out.