Describe your summer experience. What is a typical day like?

This summer, I am interning at Westfield Pediatric Dentistry. I am able to shadow dentists while they perform procedures and help dental assistants prepare exam rooms and instruments. Each day, I follow a different dentist throughout their appointments to understand how they interact with patients, parents and staff, as well as how they perform procedures. It has been such an amazing experience to understand how a dental practice runs.

What inspired you to take on this particular experience?

I chose to pursue this opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of pediatric dentistry. I have always loved working with kids, but I didn’t truly understand what this meant in terms of dentistry, which is why this opportunity appealed to me. It has been amazing to learn how the dentists interact with (young) patients and help them feel safe and comfortable.

What skills have you been able to learn or practice through this experience?

Through this experience, I have learned so much about interacting with children, specifically those with special needs or just complex behavioral challenges. Most children fear the dentist, so it’s important to take the time to make sure they are calm and feel safe. I have learned how to build trust with a patient, which is vital when children are nervous.

What have you found most interesting or surprising about this experience?

How the dentist changes their approach to different patients in order to improve their experience. I find it so fascinating how the doctors can read the patient in seconds and understand what they need to feel comfortable. I also have very much enjoyed learning how doctors help children with special needs and those who can’t afford dental care.

How did F&M's pre-dental advising program help you with this experience?

The F&M pre-dental program has helped me so much throughout my college experience, specifically to gain experience and understand the necessary steps to achieve my goals. The pre-dental program helped me find opportunities in Lancaster. I have been volunteering at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic since the fall of my first year thanks to the F&M advisers. From that opportunity, I fell in love with helping others through dentistry. 

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

I chose to attend F&M because of the strong community. Everyone here, including students and faculty, are here to support one another. At F&M, you're never alone. There is always someone who wants to help and cares about your success.