Throughout my years working in healthcare, I have come to recognize the critical importance of preventive care. Taking a holistic approach as part of a patient’s care team has helped uncover additional factors that influence overall health. These factors often include food insecurity and limited access to health care, challenges that are especially prevalent within the Hispanic community.
I chose the University of Washington School of Dentistry because of the school’s strong commitment to community involvement and service. This aligns closely with my goal of addressing health conditions through a comprehensive approach that integrates prevention, education, and clinical care.
As a future dentist, I am committed to supporting underserved communities through both dental care and patient education. I have organized and participated in outreach events that provided free screenings and oral health education for underserved adults. In my third year alone, I contributed countless hours of direct dental care, with a focus on reducing barriers that often prevent Hispanic patients from accessing care. These experiences continue to motivate me to pursue dentistry not only as a profession, but as a platform to educate, advocate, and expand access to care for my community.