Describe your experience as a dental student during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s definitely harder than it was with the pre-COVID classes. We entered the school in the middle of the pandemic, so it took us so long to get familiar with the faculty and our classmates. But one brilliant idea that came up because of COVID was to use intraoral cameras and Zoom meetings to evaluate our preps at home, which is a really good way to learn from each other.

What has been your most memorable dental school moment or experience so far?

Seeing my first patient in the clinic. It’s a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety, yet the patient is so nice and trustful.

What has been the most rewarding thing about working on patients?

My patient’s son told me that ever since I taught his mom how to brush and floss, she has been spending much more time daily in front of a mirror to brush and floss her teeth. That’s the most rewarding thing for me.

What’s one thing about dental school you wish your friends who aren’t in dental school could understand?

I wish they could understand why the first thing I notice when I meet someone is their teeth. 

What made you interested in dentistry?

Dentistry fascinates me because it is a combination of science and art, mindwork and handwork, management and finance. Another big advantage is that I don’t have to stare at the computer all day long as with many other jobs.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Vanilla ice cream. I always brush my teeth well after eating it.

What’s your favorite guilty-pleasure movie or TV series?

For me it’s the series of documentaries where survivors of disasters and accidents are interviewed and the stories are played out with actors and actresses.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Cooking and watching horror movies.