I’m deeply passionate about using dentistry to make a positive impact on people’s lives, especially for those who lack regular access to care. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to The Dominican Republic with Volunteers around the world (VAW) Dental for the summer of 2026!

Just to give a little background, VAW Dental is a global organization that leads dental outreach programs aimed at providing free dental care, promoting oral hygiene education, and giving aspiring dentists like myself the chance to serve communities around the world that don’t have access to proper dental services.

For many of us, going to the dentist and learning to brush our teeth twice a day is something we’ve grown up with. But for so many families around the world, that simply isn’t the case — and the consequences can be devastating to both their health and quality of life.

This opportunity means so much more to me than just clinical experience. It’s a chance to connect with others, learn from different cultures, and grow as both a provider and a person. My goal is to bring these experiences and the cultural insights I gain into my future dental career.