Healthcare has always appealed to me because it combines science, service, and human connection in a way that few other professions do. I chose to pursue a career in dentistry because it allows me to make a direct, meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, confidence, and quality of life. Through my background as a dental hygienist, I have already seen how much trust patients place in the professionals who care for them. That experience has inspired me to continue my education and pursue a dental degree so that I can expand my ability to serve patients and contribute to the profession in a greater capacity. Working as a dental hygienist has given me a unique perspective on healthcare. In hygiene, you often spend significant time with patients, educating them, listening to their concerns, and helping them understand how oral health impacts the rest of their body. These conversations have shown me how powerful patient education and compassionate care can be. Many patients arrive feeling anxious, embarrassed about their dental health, or uncertain about treatment. Being able to support them, guide them, and watch their confidence grow as their oral health improves has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. As I pursue dentistry, I am also motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the growing presence of women in the field. Although dentistry has made significant progress, it is still historically male-dominated, and currently only about 40 percent of dentists are women. While this number is increasing, many female dentists still face stereotypes and biases that can affect how they are perceived by colleagues, patients, and even within the profession itself. Women in dentistry are sometimes unfairly labeled as being overly emotional, moody, or difficult when they demonstrate the same confidence, decisiveness, and leadership qualities that are often praised in their male counterparts. Having worked closely with both male and female dentists, I have seen firsthand how capable and skilled women in this profession truly are. I believe representation matters. When patients see women in positions of leadership within healthcare, it helps challenge outdated assumptions and encourages future generations to pursue careers they may not have previously considered. As a future dentist, I hope to contribute to an environment where female professionals are recognized for their expertise, professionalism, and leadership rather than judged by stereotypes. My background in dental hygiene has also shown me the importance of mentorship and support among women in healthcare. Many of the female providers I have worked with have been strong role models who demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and compassion while navigating demanding careers. Their influence has motivated me to pursue dentistry and reinforced my desire to support other women entering the field. Ultimately, my goal as a dentist is not only to provide excellent clinical care but also to create a welcoming and empowering environment for both patients and colleagues. By pursuing this path, I hope to help challenge stereotypes, encourage more women to pursue careers in dentistry, and contribute to a profession that values skill, compassion, and leadership regardless of gender.

When I first began working in dentistry, I believed that most patients avoided treatment because they simply did not prioritize their oral health. I assumed that if someone had access to dental coverage and was told they needed treatment, they would naturally return to have the work completed. Early in my career as a dental hygienist, I learned that patient behavior is often far more complex than it appears on the surface. One particular experience challenged my assumptions and reshaped how I approach patient care. Early in my career, I encountered a patient whose chart immediately caught my attention. She had an extensive treatment plan, with decay present on nearly every tooth. What surprised me most was that she had a state insurance plan that covered all of the necessary procedures. Despite having full coverage, she had repeatedly failed to return for treatment. Several coworkers warned me about her before the appointment, describing her as difficult and unkind. Additionally, there was a note in her chart stating that she had consistently refused to have her blood pressure taken during previous visits. Going into the appointment, I expected the interaction to be challenging. However, when I met her, I decided to approach the situation with curiosity rather than frustration. Instead of assuming she was being difficult, I simply asked her why she preferred not to have her blood pressure taken during her visits. Her response completely changed my perspective. She explained that several years earlier, she had been having a cavity filled at a dental appointment shortly after her husband had passed away. During that visit, her blood pressure was taken and it was extremely high due to the emotional stress she was experiencing. In the middle of that appointment, she suffered a stroke. Since that event, she had developed a deep fear of dental visits and medical procedures. Even something as routine as a blood pressure cuff triggered anxiety because it reminded her of that traumatic experience. Listening to her story made me realize how easily healthcare providers can misinterpret patient behavior. What appeared to staff as rudeness or noncompliance was actually fear rooted in a traumatic medical event. Rather than pushing her to immediately move forward with treatment, I reassured her that her concerns were valid and that we could proceed at a pace that felt comfortable for her. I explained each step of the appointment and made sure she felt in control of the process. By the end of that visit, something important had shifted. She told me that she felt heard and respected, which had not always been her experience in healthcare settings. Because of that interaction, she scheduled appointments to begin completing the treatment that had been delayed for years. This experience was a turning point for me as a healthcare professional. It challenged my initial assumption that patient behavior is simply a matter of motivation or responsibility. Instead, I began to recognize that many patients carry personal histories, fears, and life experiences that shape how they interact with healthcare providers. As I continue my journey toward becoming a dentist, this lesson remains central to the kind of professional I want to be. Technical skill and clinical knowledge are essential in dentistry, but empathy and understanding are equally important. Patients are not just clinical cases; they are individuals whose experiences influence their health decisions. This encounter taught me that sometimes the most important part of patient care is not performing a procedure, but taking the time to listen. To build trust and create an environment where patients feel safe enough to receive the care they need.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life is the one I have with my fiancé, James. While many relationships shape a person gradually, this one fundamentally changed the way I communicate, handle conflict, and build relationships with others. Growing up in a household where yelling was the primary way people expressed their feelings, I learned early on that strong emotions were communicated through volume and intensity. It was normal for disagreements or frustrations to escalate quickly into raised voices. For most of my childhood and early adulthood, I did not question this dynamic because it was the only model of communication I knew. In my family, yelling was not necessarily meant to hurt others. It was simply how people expressed themselves. If someone was upset, they raised their voice. If someone wanted to make a point, they said it louder. Over time, this became my instinctive reaction as well. When emotions ran high, I responded quickly and strongly, believing that expressing my frustration immediately was the most honest way to communicate. While I cared deeply about the people around me, my reactions could sometimes come across as harsh or confrontational, even when that was not my intention. Meeting James introduced me to a completely different way of communicating. His family operates in almost the opposite way from what I experienced growing up. In his household, people rarely raise their voices. Disagreements are handled calmly and thoughtfully. Instead of reacting immediately with anger or frustration, they pause, talk through the issue, and try to understand each other’s perspective. The first time I experienced this dynamic, it was honestly a major adjustment for me. I realized that my instinct to react quickly and emotionally was not the only way to handle conflict. At first, it was uncomfortable. When I became frustrated or upset, my natural reaction was to respond the way I always had. But James approached situations differently. Instead of escalating the situation, he remained calm and encouraged discussion rather than confrontation. Watching how he handled difficult conversations forced me to reflect on my own behavior. Over time, I began to recognize that responding with anger right away often made situations worse rather than better. Because of his influence, I started working intentionally on how I react to conflict. I learned to pause before responding, to listen more carefully, and to think about how my words might affect others. Rather than raising my voice immediately, I try to communicate my thoughts calmly and clearly. This shift did not happen overnight, but the example James set made it possible for me to see that change was both necessary and achievable. This relationship has not only changed how I communicate with him but has also positively influenced the way I interact with others in my life. Professionally, this growth has helped me build stronger relationships with coworkers and patients. As a dental hygienist working in healthcare environments, effective communication and emotional control are essential. Patients often come in anxious or uncomfortable, and responding calmly and patiently helps create trust and reassurance. Learning to manage my initial reactions has allowed me to create more positive interactions in these professional settings. Personally, this change has improved many of my relationships as well. Friends, family members, and colleagues respond better when conversations remain respectful and calm, even when disagreements occur. By choosing not to react with immediate anger, I have found that conversations become more productive and understanding grows on both sides. The relationship I have with James has helped me become more self-aware and intentional in the way I communicate. It taught me that the way we learn to express emotions growing up does not have to define how we interact with others for the rest of our lives. Through patience, reflection, and the example set by someone who communicates differently, I have developed healthier ways of handling conflict and building relationships. Ultimately, this experience has shaped the way I approach both personal and professional connections. It reminds me that strong relationships are not built on who speaks the loudest, but on who is willing to listen, understand, and grow.

Cancer has reshaped my understanding of resilience, healthcare, and family in ways I never imagined. Over the past years, my family has faced two devastating diagnoses. My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and my mother a brain tumor. Experiencing both at the same time has been overwhelming, but it has also taught me lessons about perseverance, compassion, and the realities many families face when navigating serious illness. My father is currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. His diagnosis came suddenly and changed our lives almost overnight. Medical appointments, treatment plans, and long and tiring days because of the radation became a part of our routine. Watching someone you love face such a serious illness forces you to confront how fragile life can be. My mother was also diagnosed with a brain tumor. After careful discussions with her doctors, she made the difficult decision not to pursue surgery because of the significant risks involved. Instead, the tumor is being closely monitored. Living with that uncertainty is challenging. Every scan brings anxiety, and every appointment carries the possibility of new developments. What has impacted me most throughout this experience is witnessing the strength and determination of my parents. Both of them are in their late fifties, yet despite their health complications, they continue to work full-time. The reality is that they cannot afford to stop working because their health insurance depends on their employment. Their ability to continue showing up every day, even while managing cancer treatments and medical monitoring, has shown me an incredible level of resilience and sacrifice. Seeing this firsthand has opened my eyes to a difficult truth about healthcare in America. Many families must continue working through serious illness simply to maintain access to the care they need. Illness does not pause financial responsibilities, and many people face the added burden of worrying about insurance and medical costs while trying to focus on healing. As a dental hygienist, I have always valued the opportunity to care for patients, but my parents’ experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the human side of healthcare. Patients often come into a dental office carrying far more than dental concerns. Behind many smiles are stories of stress, illness, financial challenges, and personal struggles. These experiences have strengthened my empathy and reinforced the importance of treating every patient with compassion and understanding. My goal of attending dental school has become even more meaningful during this time. Dentistry allows providers to build long-term relationships with patients and become trusted members of their healthcare support system. I want to create an environment where patients feel cared for not only clinically, but personally. Healthcare providers have the power to ease anxiety, provide reassurance, and support patients through difficult moments. Most importantly, my parents have taught me the value of perseverance. Despite everything they are facing, they continue to work, support our family, and maintain hope for the future. Their strength motivates me every day to keep pushing forward in my own goals. Cancer has challenged my family in profound ways, but it has also given me clarity. It has strengthened my compassion, deepened my appreciation for healthcare providers, and reinforced my commitment to pursuing dentistry. I hope to carry the lessons my parents have taught me, resilience, empathy, and determination, into my future career so that I can positively impact the lives of my patients just as others have supported my family during this difficult time.