Get to know CDA’s March Student Spotlight, Pouya Ansari from Western University College of Dental Medicine class of 2022.  

What has been your favorite dental school moment or experience so far?
My favorite dental school moment was my first prophy patient. I was assisting an upperclassman and the opportunity presented itself. Between the electronic records and treating my first patient, I was nervous. As we got going, I was surprised at my abilities and I gained a ton of confidence from that moment. 

What has been the most surprising thing about dental school? 
The most surprising thing has been the composition of students and faculty. Going into school, there is a great deal of uncertainty about who you will work closely with. In any health care environment, the team that is collectively treating patients is really important. Not only are my classmates extremely supportive but they all have different backgrounds and experiences. The collection of those experiences makes us a strong unit. 

What made you interested in dentistry?
I became interested in dentistry after growing up around my uncle and aunt who are dentists. They always had articulators and models around their home, and I was curious about their work as a kid. When I got older and started shadowing, I loved how artistic, structural and medical dentistry could be ― all in one profession. 

What’s one thing about dental school you wish you could make your friends who aren’t in dental school understand?
The biggest challenge of dental school has been managing time. Managing time to become a great clinician but also balancing my outside life with family and friends. Sometimes I wish they’d understand how much time it takes to study the didactics but also fine-tune the hand skills outside the normal school hours. 

How do you relax after a long day at school? 
After a long day at school I like to relax by playing basketball. It definitely takes my mind away from everything and allows me to have a singular focus. I also love that it tricks my mind into getting cardio for the sake of the game.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is lasagna. Especially when the cheese on top browns and crusts over while the inside is tender and soft with ricotta cheese. Yum! 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would go to the gym more and also read more books leisurely. Those are two things I wish I had more time for. 

Why are you #cdaproud?
I am #CDAproud because in my biased opinion, California is the best state and I believe that the association follows that standard. I look forward to contributing even more as my career progresses.