Reflection Essay: Giving Back To The Community

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Giving back to the community –underserved and otherwise- and serving others is important to me. It is not simply something one must try to do, but I believe we all have a responsibility to do so as members of the human race. I volunteer in different capacities -whether its making sandwiches and distributing with Hashtag Lunchbag DC, or doing nutrition outreach with NativSol Kitchen- at least once a month. Therefore, it was important for me to find a career that would allow me to provide a service and give back to my community. Additionally, I am also a young woman who values family. I was very fortunate growing up to have a mother who was a pharmacist that returned from work every day at 4:00pm.She was able to be flexible and balanced between …show more content…

While shadowing at Dental Cosmetic Center of Piscataway and other dental offices, I learned that it is not enough to just be a good dentist. To get and keep a patient, service in addition to dentistry is what makes the difference. I observed that a patient comes back when he is greeted by name and when the receptionists are pleasant and friendly. Patients’ take notice when their time is respected; when they aren’t waiting 30 minutes past their scheduled appointment time; when the billing people aren’t making careless errors and charging them for services not …show more content…

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures volunteers do an excellent job of providing dental screenings in under served rural and urban areas. However, my only concern is that there is so much more that needs to be done. The need for quality dental care goes beyond children 3 to 12. In light of this, a career in Academic Dentistry – of which I aspire – would allow me to educate the next generation both in a traditional setting and non- traditional, research more about hypodontia and have my own private practice. Once I become an established dentist, the first and last Friday of every month will be reserved for appointments for patients above the age of 12 with little or no health insurance. Two Fridays a month dedicated to free screenings, filling cavities, health information sessions, tours of the clinic, and partnerships with advocacy groups to create awareness about oral health and overall

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