Jerek Petrous, of Farmington Hills, is a third-year dental student attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, who chose dentistry in order to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. He credits Dr. Gregory Elliott for providing the inspiration to become a dentist, for serving as an important mentor to him while in dental school and for helping him grow as a person.
“He not only took care of my teeth, but he allowed me to work for him as an assistant during the summers leading up to dental school.” Petrous explained. “I have a lot of respect for him and appreciate all of the time and advice he has given me over the years.”
After watching Dr. Elliott transform a full mouth of broken, decayed teeth into one with a confident, beautiful smile, he said it inspired him to one day be able to provide the same treatment for other patients in need.
“I truly enjoy being in a profession where you get to know your patients on a personal level and become a part of their lives,” he explained. “This aspect of the profession makes dentistry so much more rewarding because of the personal relationships that develop over the years. I especially enjoy diagnosing and treatment planning.”
Following graduation, Petrous said he hopes to enter an orthodontic residency program, and eventually, work in private practice in Michigan and possibly teaching part-time.
Like many Foundation scholarship winners, Petrous has been active in the American Student Dental Association and has attended many of these meetings throughout the country. He also attended the past three National Dental Student Lobby Days in Washington, D.C., and the past two American Dental Education Association annual meeting, as well as a meeting of the Macomb District Dental Society. He said attending these dental meetings was extremely beneficial.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to meet students from all over the country that share the same passion for organized dentistry that I do,” he said. “I also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the difficulties and challenges that our profession faces and the ways that we can make a difference”
Petrous said he hopes to one day becoming more involved with organized dentistry at various levels. But until that time, he’s content with spending time with his family and friends, being involved with his church, and playing a variety of sports such as ping-pong, basketball, and tennis.
Petrous said he’s “very grateful” to the Foundation for selecting him as a scholarship recipient because it lessens the burden of the overwhelming debt dental students face upon graduation.
For anyone considering a dental career, Petrous recommends spending as much time as possible volunteering or working in a dental office to get a feel for what dentistry entails. He also encourages interested students to get as much hands-on experience as possible before making a career decision.
Jerek Petrous, of Farmington Hills, is a third-year dental student attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, who chose dentistry in order to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. He credits Dr. Gregory Elliott for providing the inspiration to become a dentist, for serving as an important mentor to him while in dental school and for helping him grow as a person.
“He not only took care of my teeth, but he allowed me to work for him as an assistant during the summers leading up to dental school.” Petrous explained. “I have a lot of respect for him and appreciate all of the time and advice he has given me over the years.”
After watching Dr. Elliott transform a full mouth of broken, decayed teeth into one with a confident, beautiful smile, he said it inspired him to one day be able to provide the same treatment for other patients in need.
“I truly enjoy being in a profession where you get to know your patients on a personal level and become a part of their lives,” he explained. “This aspect of the profession makes dentistry so much more rewarding because of the personal relationships that develop over the years. I especially enjoy diagnosing and treatment planning.”
Following graduation, Petrous said he hopes to enter an orthodontic residency program, and eventually, work in private practice in Michigan and possibly teaching part-time.
Like many Foundation scholarship winners, Petrous has been active in the American Student Dental Association and has attended many of these meetings throughout the country. He also attended the past three National Dental Student Lobby Days in Washington, D.C., and the past two American Dental Education Association annual meeting, as well as a meeting of the Macomb District Dental Society. He said attending these dental meetings was extremely beneficial.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to meet students from all over the country that share the same passion for organized dentistry that I do,” he said. “I also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the difficulties and challenges that our profession faces and the ways that we can make a difference”
Petrous said he hopes to one day becoming more involved with organized dentistry at various levels. But until that time, he’s content with spending time with his family and friends, being involved with his church, and playing a variety of sports such as ping-pong, basketball, and tennis.
Petrous said he’s “very grateful” to the Foundation for selecting him as a scholarship recipient because it lessens the burden of the overwhelming debt dental students face upon graduation.
For anyone considering a dental career, Petrous recommends spending as much time as possible volunteering or working in a dental office to get a feel for what dentistry entails. He also encourages interested students to get as much hands-on experience as possible before making a career decision.