Hannah Bahlhorn, of Rochester, Mich., is a senior dental student at the University of Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Oakland University but decided in high school that dentistry was going to be passion.

“While in high school, I had the privilege of working for Dr. Philip Badalamenti,” she said. “His personal satisfaction in helping others, his gratification in seeing the results of long treatment and goals, and his home life reflect a lifestyle that encompasses the things I feel are most important in life: respect, service, and family. Not only did I immediately realize my passion for dentistry, but shadowing other professionals in the dental field confirmed this was the right career choice for me.”

With the support and encouragement of Dr. Badalamenti, her parents, Karen and Gary Budzinski, and also her husband Gabriel, she is now on the verge of completing her goal. She encourages new dental students to work hard early on in their undergraduate studies so they can become part of such a respected profession.

Bahlhorn said she reflects fondly on the lasting relationships with families and friends throughout her studies. It’s these relationships that Bahlhorn said appealed to her about a career in dentistry.

“Even as an assistant in orthodontics — and even more so as a young dentist — the trusting relationships with my patients mean the most to me,” she said. “Being able to get to know my patients on a personal level and have them trust me with their care is such an honor.

What does the future yield for Bahlhorn? Her immediate goal upon graduating is to secure an associateship in her hometown. Ideally, Bahlhorn said she will be working in a group practice because she’s always enjoyed the idea of working with other professionals in a peer driven practice.

Aside from her love of dentistry, Bahlhorn said she enjoys running, tennis, rollerblading, biking, and hiking. She’s also a big fan of writing journals, and is an activity she plans on increasing after graduation.

After attending an MDA Annual Session and a Macomb District Dental Society meeting, Bahlhorn said becoming involved in organized dentistry is also in her plans. An active member of the American Student Dental Association, even serving as president of the local chapter, Bahlhorn said she would be interested in serving one day on the MDA on the Special Committee on the New Dentist.

 “A Biblical principle that I have always aspired to live to is ‘Whatever I do … I do it with all my might,’” she explained. “I am so excited about the endless possibilities in dentistry!”

Hannah Bahlhorn, of Rochester, Mich., is a senior dental student at the University of Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Oakland University but decided in high school that dentistry was going to be passion.

“While in high school, I had the privilege of working for Dr. Philip Badalamenti,” she said. “His personal satisfaction in helping others, his gratification in seeing the results of long treatment and goals, and his home life reflect a lifestyle that encompasses the things I feel are most important in life: respect, service, and family. Not only did I immediately realize my passion for dentistry, but shadowing other professionals in the dental field confirmed this was the right career choice for me.”

With the support and encouragement of Dr. Badalamenti, her parents, Karen and Gary Budzinski, and also her husband Gabriel, she is now on the verge of completing her goal. She encourages new dental students to work hard early on in their undergraduate studies so they can become part of such a respected profession.

Bahlhorn said she reflects fondly on the lasting relationships with families and friends throughout her studies. It’s these relationships that Bahlhorn said appealed to her about a career in dentistry.

“Even as an assistant in orthodontics — and even more so as a young dentist — the trusting relationships with my patients mean the most to me,” she said. “Being able to get to know my patients on a personal level and have them trust me with their care is such an honor.

What does the future yield for Bahlhorn? Her immediate goal upon graduating is to secure an associateship in her hometown. Ideally, Bahlhorn said she will be working in a group practice because she’s always enjoyed the idea of working with other professionals in a peer driven practice.

Aside from her love of dentistry, Bahlhorn said she enjoys running, tennis, rollerblading, biking, and hiking. She’s also a big fan of writing journals, and is an activity she plans on increasing after graduation.

After attending an MDA Annual Session and a Macomb District Dental Society meeting, Bahlhorn said becoming involved in organized dentistry is also in her plans. An active member of the American Student Dental Association, even serving as president of the local chapter, Bahlhorn said she would be interested in serving one day on the MDA on the Special Committee on the New Dentist.

 “A Biblical principle that I have always aspired to live to is ‘Whatever I do … I do it with all my might,’” she explained. “I am so excited about the endless possibilities in dentistry!”