Beyond Medicine: Building Smiles & Connections

Meet Shivani, a driven dental student whose journey into dentistry is as inspiring as it is unique. Her path didn’t start with a direct focus on dentistry but rather a broader exploration of healthcare.

Shivani started in the pre-med space, considering a career in medicine. While working as an emergency room scribe, she frequently spoke with doctors who questioned her desire to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD), which is a postgraduate professional degree that qualifies an individual to practice as a physician. Their advice to explore other healthcare options led her to discover dentistry. Shivani wanted a career that allowed her to interact with patients while maintaining control over her own path. Encouraged by an MD to shadow a dentist, she quickly fell in love with the profession. “I loved the personalized interactions and the ability to manage my own schedule,” she shares. More shadowing and then working as a dental assistant solidified her decision. “Being a dental assistant gave me hands-on experience and showed me what a fulfilling career dentistry could be.”

As a dental student, Shivani has found the experience both rewarding and challenging. One unexpected hurdle was juggling the rigorous academic schedule with the development of hand skills. “Theoretical knowledge can be mastered with practice, but hand skills vary day to day,” she explains. “It’s tough seeing others excel while you feel like you’re putting in so much effort, but I’ve learned to focus on my progress rather than compare myself to others.”

Shivani’s advice for aspiring dental professionals reflects her growth. “Explore passions outside of dentistry,” she emphasizes. “I wish I had taken classes in business or finance because so much of dentistry involves managing a practice. Those skills are crucial for success.” Despite her background in medical sciences and philosophy, Shivani now recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to her career.

Dental school comes with its own set of unique challenges, including the close-knit nature of small class sizes. “It can feel like high school all over again,” she admits. “Imposter syndrome is amplified in this environment, but I’ve learned to focus on my own skills and daily improvements rather than what others are doing.”

Balancing personal life with the demands of dental school has also been a journey. In her first semester, Shivani struggled to make time for herself and her loved ones. “I let my personal life take a backseat, and it caught up to me,” she recalls. She now uses time-blocking to prioritize activities like calling her family, going to the gym, and staying grounded. “Blocking out time in my calendar for self-care has made a huge difference in maintaining my happiness and well-being.”

Looking to the future, Shivani is passionate about giving back to the dental community. Having received mentorship during her transition from medicine to dentistry, she’s committed to helping pre-dental students navigate their paths. “Mentorship made all the difference for me,” she says. Shivani also advocates for unity within the dental field. Through her roles in the American Student Dental Association, she has seen the impact of advocacy and community building. “I want to help create a sense of community in dentistry, where we’re all working together rather than isolated in private practices.”

Shivani’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference—both in the lives of her future patients and the dental community as a whole. Her journey is a testament to the power of following your passions and embracing new opportunities.