Dental Veterans Spotlight
June 2021
Recently I connected with Emily, a first year (D1) dental student at the University of Washington. We had a great discussion about managing a full time command position with taking prerequisite courses, balancing family time studying and how COVID has affected her education. Due to the pandemic she has been navigating the rigorous D1 requirements with remote learning. She is going to school on the HPSP scholarship and will return to active duty in the Army Dental Corps!
“Knowing how to work with others, make decisions, and more importantly be accountable for your actions has provided me with a solid foundation during my time at school.”
Dental School: University of University of Washington
Military Service: Medical Service Corps
Brief Bio: Emily graduated from West Point in 2014, with a bachelors in Kinesiology. She went onto to serve six years on active duty with her first assignment at Fort Wainwright, AK. Working as a Medical Service Officer with C Co, 25th BSB, 1SBCT, she completed her platoon leader and executive officer positions while also serving in Battalion operations. After leaving Alaska, Emily moved to Ft. Meade, MD where she assumed the position of Chief of Logistics for Public Health Command Atlantic. After graduation from Dental School, Emily will return to Active Duty as an Army Dentist.
Zoom meeting with Emily discussing her D1 year
What ultimately led you to transition into the profession of dentistry?
Working around and with Medical professionals, I knew I wanted to pivot my career into healthcare. Having my undergrad in Kinesiology, my first thought was physical therapy. After spending time in the clinic, I didn’t feel the connection to the field as I had hoped. Luckily, the Dentist who I oversaw within the Brigade Clinic encouraged me to come and shadow with him and gain an insight into all that Dentistry offered. From there I spent as much time as possible shadowing him and learning about the various specialties. I was even lucky enough to observe him in the field, as we set up our Dental Clinic in our field hospital during an NTC Rotation. It was from here that I knew I wanted to make this my career.
How has serving in the military contributed to your success in the dental profession?
I believe my service has helped me tremendously; Knowing how to work with others, make decisions, and more importantly be accountable for your actions has provided me with a solid foundation during my time at school. I also believe these traits will be paramount as I start my career out of dental school.
What was the most difficult part applying to dental school as a non-traditional application?
Completing the pre-requisite courses and the DAT. As I was several years out of undergrad, I had to find ways to complete the required courses for the application, while balancing a full time job and a personal life. Everything I needed to complete, had to be done on my own time. Time and expectation management was vital.
How did you choose what schools to apply to and why did you ultimately choose UW Dentistry?
I am originally from Washington state, and after living so far from home over the last few years I wanted to get as close to home as possible. I applied to the majority of the schools on the west coast and in the southwest. After gaining acceptance, the decision to attend UW was easy to make. I was very impressed with the campus, the professors, and the progressive curriculum which focuses on implementing cutting edge technology and techniques, while also imparting a strong emphasis on community outreach and involvement.
What advice do you have for vets that are considering dentistry?
Army HPSP
What advice do you have for vets that are considering dentistry?
Be true to yourself and never give up. There were several points, where I questioned if I would get it and would all the time and effort I put forth be worth it. But ultimately, if Dentistry is what you are passionate about, don’t let anything stop you.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
Commission as Dental Corps Officer and see where the Army sends me!