by Grace A. Curcuru, D.D.S.
The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents Daniel Armstrong as a recipient of the 2007-2008 Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award.
Armstrong, from Grand Rapids, is a third-year dental student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I had the opportunity to chat with the recipient and would like to shares some of his thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:
1. Where do you go to school, which schools have you attended on your journey to becoming a dental professional?
Prior to dental school, I was home-schooled by my mother until college. I attended Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College (associate’s degree in science, April 2003), and Grand Valley State University (bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, April 2005).
2. Why did you want to become a dental professional?
I originally wanted to become a dental professional because I thought it would suit me well. I enjoy interacting with people, working with my hands, and medical sciences, and I thought dentistry would provide a good income for a large family, and allow me the freedom to pursue hobbies.
3. Who inspired/mentored you along the way?
My father, Alan M. Armstrong, an internal medicine doctor, and my brother, Michael M. Armstrong (D.D.S. 2008 candidate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine). Also, my family dentist, Michel M. Wicksall (University of Detroit Mercy alumna) who practices in Grand Rapids.
4. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?
The training is hard, but you get used to working hard.
5. What advice can you give to students thinking about pursuing a career in dentistry?
Practicing as a dental professional is a wonderful opportunity in which a significant positive impact can be made on people and communities.
6. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?
I most enjoy making a positive difference in the life of a person.
7. Can you share a story about dental school, which made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?
Growing up I did not have any special relationship with my dentist. A younger brother, however, ended up chipping a tooth after falling off of a bicycle. After a failed root canal and subsequent extraction of a front tooth, his dentist fabricated a prosthesis that has allowed him to appear and talk normally. Now in my third year of dental school, I have been providing care to patients. I enjoy my opportunities to treat patients — opportunities to relieve pain, improve oral function, improve self-esteem, and generally encourage healthy behavior. I’m not certain if dentistry per se is "right" for me, but I know I am interested in helping others and I am incredibly enthused by the complexity and wonder of the human body.
8. Is there one procedure you enjoy the most?
I presently enjoy exodontia the most.
10. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?
Winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship will help slow down the rate at which I am going into debt. I entered dental school with essentially no savings or assets, and I have been steadily accumulating debt ever since.
11. Where do you see yourself in six months after graduation?
Six months after graduation I hope to be in a one-year residency program (GPR probably, but perhaps an AEGD).
12. Where do you see yourself in three to 10 years after graduation?
Three years after the completion of my training I hope to be repaying a large portion of my debt, either with a community health clinic or in association with another dentist. Ten years post-training I hope to be working with the underserved either in a foreign country or in Michigan.
13. Do you see yourself participating in national, state or local level organized dentistry, or serving on a committee? If so which one interests you?
I do see myself participating in organized dentistry. I have a major interest in prevention, but I do not have specific ideas yet as to a particular committee or its scope.
14. What do you like to do beyond dentistry? Any hobbies, talents, etc?
Other interests include singing and playing drums with a family band at churches and homeless shelters. I have enjoyed computers since childhood, and I also enjoy computer and video games. I’ve had minor roles in drama productions and have been involved in home video making. I donate blood often and I enjoy it because I know there are many who need it more than I do (I reached the 2 gallon mark on Dec. 26, 2007).
Thank you for a glimpse into the life of a Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship recipient. Your hard work and efforts are clearly demonstrated. You will be an asset to the dental profession.
The Michigan Dental Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional oral health professionals. All scholarships are given to Michigan residents attending Michigan universities and colleges. The Michigan Dental Foundation is devoted to becoming the philanthropic leader of the oral health community in order to fund student scholarships, provide oral health initiatives and access to care.
Smiling future start here!