Student Spotlight: Meet the Class of 2021
Every student from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine has a unique story—where they came from, what they’re doing here, and where they’re going next. The Class of 2021 is no exception. Out of about 200 predoctoral graduates, we chose nine students—a diverse group who came to Boston from all corners of the world to dental school for different reasons—to feature for a series of profiles.
Arjun Chawdhry DMD AS 21
Arjun Chawdhry DMD AS 21 grew into the dental profession—from one role to another.
As a high school student in New Zealand, Chawdhry, who comes from a family of healthcare professionals, first found a job as a receptionist at a dental practice; he later trained to be a dental assistant.
“That’s where my passion for dentistry began to awaken,” Chawdhry said. “I worked on the weekends and evenings, basically watching the interactions between the dentists and patients, and the multiple possibilities on how patient care can be delivered. The “hands-on” aspect, both as a one on one with patients, and the technical aspect of the dental profession really appealed to me.”
Chawdhry later took an opportunity to study dentistry in India, which he said he thoroughly enjoyed. “Being able to relieve patients of pain, restoring function, and being able to make them smile again was truly a gratifying experience,” Chawdhry said. “Dentistry involves dealing with people in a professional manner and keeping them calm when they are distressed.”
Eager to grow his skills, Chawdhry decided to study dentistry in the United States. “I was told that American dentistry is the gold standard in the world,” he said.
During his time at GSDM, Chawdhry represented the DMD AS class in student government, serving as treasurer for two years, and during the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s (CODA) site visit in 2019 for the school’s re-accreditation.
“I enjoyed the leadership roles I took on,” Chawdhry said. “During my time, I’ve seen the school evolve and grow….and I’ve [also] grown as a professional.”
After graduating, Chawdhry plans to practice dentistry in the United States and New Zealand—and he’d also like to maintain his connection with GSDM.
“I’d like to return to GSDM later in life— maybe to pursue a residency program or even work as a faculty member,” he said.
Morgan Glaze DMD 21
For Morgan Glaze DMD 21, late evenings in the old Simulated Learning Center (SLC) with her fellow classmates have been some of the most memorable parts of her time at GSDM.
“We would be there all night and through the weekends, playing music, exchanging feedback, and helping each other,” Glaze said. “It was different, having everyone outside the scope of the classroom.”
For Glaze, GSDM was a pleasant surprise; as a master’s student studying Biomedical Science at Barry University, she can remember researching dental programs and feeling drawn to GSDM.
“The students are out in their community, active and involved—it’s not just a passive learning process,” Glaze said.
During her time at GSDM, Glaze has been involved with the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) and the Student National Dental Association (SNDA), holding the role of social chair for both organizations at times.
“Anything that involves bringing people together, I want to be a part of,” she said.
Glaze, whose postgraduate plans include doing a general practice residency with Cambridge Health Alliance and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, cited Impressions Day, an annual event organized by the SNDA that introduces pre-dental students to the dental profession through presentations and panel discussions, as one of her favorite events.
“To see younger generations of students coming in—asking the same questions I had, and having that kind of mentorship interaction…I loved that.”
Lilivette Gomez DMD AS 21
Lilivette Gomez DMD AS 21 became a dentist in order to make an impact in her community.
“I grew up in an impoverished area where there was limited health care,” Gomez said, who grew up in the Dominican Republic. “Due to the lack of resources, I was moved toward a career where I could make a difference ….by making smiles. Being able to provide dental services to the people of my community, which I am very proud of, is one of the main reasons for pursuing this career.”
From a young age, Gomez participated in community service—during her college years, she provided free dental care to individuals—particularly children— who lived in different sectors of Las Matas de Santa Cruz, a city in the Dominican Republic.
“I believe that a fundamental mission for us as human beings is to serve others,” Gomez said. “To be able to help people……is very rewarding.”
During her time at GSDM, Gomez has participated in food drives, packaged personal care items for Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter in the South End, and volunteered through Cradles to Crayons.
Gomez, who was inducted into the GSDM Lambda Mu Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society (OKU) on May 10, is planning to return to New Jersey, where her family lives after graduation, to continue singing in her church choir and work in an underserved area before applying to an orthodontics residency. She cited her family and friends as a source of support during her time at dental school.
“This journey would not have been possible without God, family, and friends,” she said.
Gomez said that the faculty support and mentorship is a memorable aspect from her time at GSDM.
“Before starting school [at GSDM], I hadn’t practiced for a few years,” Gomez said. “The faculty were very dedicated to helping [us] improve our hand skills—even through those long sessions in the SLC, faculty members are there to guide you to succeed.”
“I am proud of being part of the GSDM community,” Gomez said. “This is an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Eung Jun Im DMD 21
After completing his PhD at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, Eung Jun Im DMD 21 moved to the United States to continue his research in HIV vaccine development.
However, as his career progressed, his perspective on research as a career started to change.
“I was finding myself spending more time at my desk writing and reading research articles, than at the benchtop, where I enjoyed hands-on work,” Im said. “The initial spark I had in research started to fade.”
He decided to make a career change—to dentistry, which he said he found fascinating due to the mixture of science and art.
“I have always believed that age is never an obstacle to setting another goal,” Im said. “The hardest part is taking one’s thoughts into action and making it happen.”
Im chose to apply to GSDM due to its focus on community outreach and digital dentistry. He cited Dr. McManama’s lectures, as well as time in the SLC and the group practice model, as his favorite parts of dental school.
“Dr. McManama’s lectures were awesome,” Im said. “I don’t think I’ve had a better learning experience before, and will not see one better in the future.”
Im also said that he enjoyed spending time with his fellow classmates in the DMD Class of 2021.
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and study with a bunch of smart, brilliant-minded classmates,” he said.
In addition to being a dental student, Im is also a father to two “wild” – in his words – boys.
“As soon as my ‘student’ duties were complete, I had to go straight back home to continue my duties as ‘dad,” Im said. “After a hard day’s work at school, going home to see my kids was an absolute joy.”
Im said that his wife’s help as he completed dental school was paramount to his success.
“My transition into dentistry could not have been possible without my wife’s sacrifice and support,” Im said.
After graduation, Im plans to work at a private dental office in Massachusetts while spending part of his time as a dental officer in the US Army National Guard—and he has a few more skills to acquire.
“I’m hoping to start my own practice—and find time to get a pilot’s license and study architecture,” Im said. “Life just seems too short!”
Thomas Jennings DMD 21
Thomas Jennings DMD 21 has always been interested in helping underserved populations – that’s one of the reasons he went into dentistry. He worked toward this goal during his time as a dental student at GSDM, volunteering at the Engagement Center on Newmarket Street, which provides an indoor space for individuals in need to spend time during the day.
“Treating the underserved population is something I want to [continue] doing in the future,” Jennings said. “I want to host free clinics in underserved areas.”
Jennings decided to become a dentist after getting his braces off as a middle schooler.
“I remember having the biggest smile on my face,” Jennings said. “Smiles are like a universal language—from the very beginning, I wanted to provide that to everyone I could.”
One of his mentors, a family dentist involved in outreach and volunteer work, was another inspiration.
In addition to the Engagement Center, Jennings was involved with GSDM’s Asian Dental Student Organization (ADSO) and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) chapters. He also served as a teaching assistant for Removable Prosthodontics and tutored other students through ADSO and GSDM’s chapter of American Dental Education (ADEA)’s help sessions.
Jennings, who is moving to San Francisco after graduation to do a general practice residency, cited the faculty as one of the things that stands out to him from his time in dental school.
“I’ve just learned so much over the years,” Jennings said. “It’s crazy to think where I started because when I came into dentistry, I didn’t know a thing…thinking about where I was and where I am now, and it’s in huge part to the faculty who imparted their wisdom.”
Jessica Jorge DMD 21
Growing up in Boston, Jessica Jorge DMD 21 used to see GSDM students on externship at the community health center in East Boston.
“I remember seeing the dogs on their scrubs,” Jorge said. “I’d always ask them questions, [because] I wanted to go there—when I got in, I was very excited because it was one of my top choices.”
Jorge said that she was drawn to dentistry because it offers a stronger connection with the patient.
“I knew I wanted to be a dentist and have that follow up with the same person—someone whose face you remember,” Jorge said. “You see them every six months instead of every year, so you build more of a connection and I believe it is essential for dentists to build relationships with patients to encourage oral health.”
“You help patients show their smiles—you do the littlest thing, a filling on their front tooth or you do a crown and they’re able to eat something, and leave so much happier and more confident than they came in, “she added. “It’s so nice that we’re able to make so much of a difference in someone’s life.”
Jorge, who plans on staying in the Boston area and working in private practice after graduation, said that she empathizes with many immigrants who have struggled to seek health care due to communication barriers. “As an East Boston resident, I want to serve underprivileged communities with diverse immigrant populations,” Jorge said.
She cited the faculty she’s learned from as one of the most memorable aspects of her time at GSDM. “My group practice leaders (GPLs) are really amazing,” Jorge said. “When you work with certain faculty, you can get a lot of experience because they all have a different backgrounds —some are prosthodontists, endodontists, some are periodontists, and you can see things in different ways and learn a lot from their expertise.”
A first generation college student, Jorge said that her family and friends have been a source of support during both her undergraduate and dental school years. “I am extremely grateful to my parents and close family and friends who have supported me and helped me —not only to get my baccalaureate degree but also my doctoral degree,” she said.
Nikita Naumowicz DMD 21
As president of the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Class of 2021 for the last four years, Nikita Naumowicz DMD 21 has represented a class whose four years in dental school have overlapped with the GDSM Addition & Renovation Project and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been a wild ride; I feel like our four years have been especially crazy,” Naumowicz said. “It’s definitely pushed me to be a better leader.”
As president, Naumowicz presides over student government meetings and serves as liaison between her classmates and the administration. This year, she also served on a graduate student advisory board, which consists of representatives from all 16 graduate schools at BU.
In addition to serving as president of her class, Naumowicz co-chaired the BU American Student Dental Association (ASDA) newsletter committee and served as a teaching assistant for physiology.
Naumowicz said that one of the highlights of her time at GSDM has been seeing the newly completed spaces. “It’s been really amazing to see the new patient treatment center come to fruition, we are working in a digital dentist’s dream operatory now,” she said.
She also cited working with faculty member Dr. Ana Zea, director of Community-Based Education, to do outreach in the Boston Public Schools as another highlight.
Naumowicz’s work with Dr. Zea ended up influencing her post-graduation plans: “When we went into the classrooms I didn’t expect to be blown away by the children, I realize how rewarding it is to work with young patients now and influence their oral hygiene,” Naumowicz said. “It opened my mind to the type of patient population I’d like to work with. After graduation I’m planning on working at a community health center.”
Aman Singh DMD AS 21
When Aman Singh DMD AS 21 was 14, an orthodontic treatment set him on the path to dentistry.
“It’s not the most comfortable thing to do—you walk into high school, and you’re the brace face,” Singh said. “But two years later, when they were finally off…I never would have thought they would have changed my life. I just couldn’t stop smiling.”
Singh, who is from Queens, New York, moved to India to attend dental school. After graduating in 2015, he returned to New York—and went back to high school, in a way.
“I taught 11th and 12th grade [math and science] during my application to dental school,” Singh said. “I come from a family of teachers…I was working as an assistant and my mom suggested teaching, so I did my licensing exams for teaching and worked in a high school.”
During his time at GSDM, Singh has been involved in student government, serving as vice president of the DMD AS 21 class, and has also been an active member of GSDM’s Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) chapter and the South Asian Student Dental Association (SASDA). He also found time to serve as an admissions ambassador and an orientation ambassador.
“Orientation…is nothing less than magic,” Singh said. “You’re starting off as strangers, and looking back now, the same people you have photos with from two years ago—you’re so close to them now. I feel like I’ve been blessed to find such great colleagues and friends.”
Singh, who plans to move back to New York and hopes to open his own practice someday, said that his experience teaching has carried over to his time in dental school.
“If I feel like I get something, even just 5 percent, I like to share that,” Singh said. “I like to help people, whether it’s just clinical or didactic. I feel like teaching is innate in me, genetically passed on…if someone’s struggling, I’ll always lend a helping hand.”
Leslie Wolford DMD AS 21
When Leslie Wolford, a member of the Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Standing (DMD AS) Class of 2021, moved to West Virginia with her husband, an American she met visiting family in the United States, she told him that she couldn’t see herself doing anything but dentistry. Even though Wolford was already a practicing endodontist in Peru, she would need to earn another degree from a U.S.-based dental school in order to practice in the U.S.
“[Growing up], I was really involved with art and doing things with my hands,” Wolford said. “Before moving to the United States, I was a professional dancer in my country [Peru]—doing the national dance, the Marinera Norteña. Dentistry fits perfectly in my life, because it’s science and art together.”
The fact that Dr. Herbert Schilder, a world-famous professor and practitioner of endodontics who both taught at and helped found GSDM, piqued her interest.
“My husband saw me get so emotional, so happy about it—he looked at me and said, ‘You are going to move to Boston for the next two years,’” Wolford said. “I hadn’t applied yet, but he knew.”
At GSDM, Wolford joined the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) during her first year. During her second year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wolford took on the role of president of the Endo Study Club.
“I thought that would be a way to keep everybody connected—via Zoom, but connected,” she said. Wolford also served as a peer tutor in the pharmacology program and was inducted into the GSDM Lambda Mu Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society (OKU) on May 10.
Wolford, who will be starting a master of science program in Endodontics back in West Virginia, where her family lives, after graduation, said that from the beginning, the most memorable part of GSDM has been the people.
“The people at BU…makes a difference,” she said. “That’s something I noticed for the first time during my interview. People are happy to be here…faculty, friends, dental assistants—everybody is so nice and they care about you.”