Tooth Talk: Q&A with Elyse Mansfield DMD 26
In our new Q&A series, “Tooth Talk,” we are sitting down with GSDM students and residents to learn more about their paths to Boston University, their time at GSDM, and how they have made Boston their home.
We are starting with Elyse Mansfield DMD 26. She spoke about her roles as member of the GSDM Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee (DEIBAC), Student National Dental Association (SNDA) treasurer and 2024 Matriculation ambassador—as well as advice for future dental students.
Questions and responses have been edited for clarity, context information, and length.
When did you first know you wanted to become a dentist?
I remember being in kindergarten and we had to do a poster project on an occupation. I remember choosing to be a dentist. I remember brushing my dad’s teeth on the couch, like having him as my patient and asking him if I could brush his teeth and floss. I was always drawn to dentistry.
What brought you to Boston and GSDM?
I’m from a town called Flossmoor, Illinois–a suburb of Chicago. I went to undergrad at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). I knew I wanted to get out of the Midwest and go to a completely different place that I had never been to. I started looking at schools and stumbled upon GSDM and thought this school is really for me. I reached out to some current students when I was applying to get a feel for what the school was like and how their experience was. I liked the different kinds of opportunities that GSDM gives students early on in their career and in school.
What has your time at GSDM been like so far?
Every year has been completely different. This year (third year) is probably the hardest year so far just because we’re trying to balance our clinical work with schoolwork, lab work, and just trying to keep our sanity together. It has been hard, but it’s been rewarding because we have been working for two years to treat patients. So, to actually be able to put everything I’ve learned in the classroom to a real-life application has been very satisfying.
You are a member of the GSDM Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee (DEIBAC). How did you get involved with DEIBAC?
I joined DEIBAC in 2024. I connect pretty often with Dr. Larry Dunham, assistant dean for diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging, and he thought that I would be a good student to be on this committee. I think having a student on the committee gives [committee members] a different perspective because a lot of them did go to school here, but it was years ago, and the environment changes every year. It’s an honor to be able to represent the younger generation and for the new incoming dental students.
You are also the treasurer for Student National Dental Association (SNDA). What do you do in this role?
I have been a member of SNDA since my first year, but I have just become a part of the executive board this past year. I help plan events and fundraisers, like the candygram event for Halloween. It’s nice because I get to deal with the financials, but then I also can dabble in doing different events throughout the year. It doesn’t limit me to doing one thing.
You were also a matriculation ambassador in 2024. What was that like?
It’s kind of a camp counselor energy. I gave tours, made sure people got coffee/food, and tried to answer any questions. I always say I’m appreciative of the people who came before me to answer my questions. Now, I’m getting to that position where people are asking me about GSDM or general dentistry and I’m always open to answering. People did it for me and I know how helpful it was. People still continue to do it for me. So, why wouldn’t I do that for the next generation to come?
If you could give advice to either a pre-dental student or someone who is interested in GSDM, what advice would you give them?
I would say to reach out to people, find somebody on Instagram who you can direct message. That’s literally what I did: I was a senior in college, and I directed messaged someone who is my current friend now. I said ‘Hey, I know this is weird. We don’t know each other, but would you be open to having a conversation?’ And she said sure. I would say get out of your comfort zone and reach out to current students.
Getting familiar with Boston is one of the many perks of being part of the GSDM community. To end our conversation on a fun note, what is your favorite local Boston activity?
I really like trying new restaurants. I know it’sso corny. I’m sure a lot of people say it, but I’ve never really lived in a city before. Now that I live in the city, it’s just nice to go try new thingsand have everything accessible either walking or by the T. My favorite thing is just finding things to do:going to a newrestaurant, doing a pottery class or doing yoga classes.