My Journey to Becoming a Dentist

As a practicing general dentist and pretty recent graduate, I understand that GPAs and test scores are important, but are definitely not defining factors in being a good dentist, especially clinically. I know first hand because I was one of those students. Without the perfect grades and test scores, one may think that getting accepted into dental school and becoming a dentist is impossible, but the opposite is true. In my opinion, a successful dentist is measured by qualities including good communication and technical abilities, humility, passion, decisiveness, understanding, care, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence. My goal is to share my journey from undergrad through dental school and now as a dentist in private practice. With less than a 4.0 GPA and an average DAT score, I will discuss the achievements I accomplished while in undergrad that helped strengthen myself as a dental school applicant. I will also discuss my life and the obstacles I overcame as a UF dental student and as a practicing dentist in South Florida.