by Grace A. Curcuru, D.D.S.
The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents Scott Snyder as a recipient of the 2007-2008 Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award.
Snyder, of Byron Center, Mich., 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?
Currently, I am a third-year student at University of Michigan School of Dentistry, I graduated from Wheaton College with a biology degree.
2. Why did you want to become a dental professional?
I wanted to join the dental profession because it allows me to build lasting relationships with families and a community. Having the ability to help relieve pain, enhance a person’s confidence and serve others in my community and abroad has also inspired me to join the profession.
3. Who inspired/mentored you along the way?
My parents (Steven and Linda Snyder) have mentored me throughout my life and my father has helped in dental school in particular. He is a general practitioner in Byron Center and has been an inspiration through his works and deeds. He is an active member in the community and an excellent representative of the dental profession. He has also been a great mentor with my clinical skills and teaching me how to serve others.
4. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?
"Success comes in terms of relationships; we must realize there is a bigger purpose to our lives than our individual hopes and dreams.We must strive to create a better world through our actions and live a life focused on others."
--Joe Ehrmann (paraphrased from "Season of Life")
5. What advice can you give to students thinking about pursuing a career in dentistry?
Make sure your joining the profession for the right reasons. Compensation and lifestyle should not be the first reasons on your list. Entering the profession with that mindset will not be conducive to providing the best patient care and may hinder your ability to enjoy this remarkable profession.
6. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?
I enjoy the wide scope of practice and the opportunity to own and manage your own business. I also love the patient interaction and relationships built with families and the community.
7. Can you share a story about dental school, which made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?
I was on my oral surgery rotation this past fall and a patient came in with swelling and severe pain secondary to an infected mandibular molar. The opportunity to relieve pain and enhance a person’s confidence and health are reasons I enjoy dentistry; but the attitude of the patient made me realize that dentistry was the right profession for me. The patient was very friendly and grateful going so far as to send a thank you note to the school weeks after the procedure thanking us for how he was treated.
9. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?
It could not have come at a better time; I just got married on Dec. 29, 2007. The scholarship will definitely help by decreasing my debt and will indirectly help in paying rent and other living costs.
10. Where do you see yourself in six months after graduation?
Six months after graduation I would like to be in an AEGD residency or possibly a GPR.
11. Where do you see yourself in three to 10 years after graduation?
Three to 10 years after graduation I plan to be in private practice as a general practitioner, most likely working for/with my dad in Byron Center.
12. Have you attended any local, state or national dental meetings?
Yes, I attended this past fall meeting for the MDA’s Committee on Governmental Affairs. I’ve also attended the Chicago Mid-Winter Meeting on numerous occasions.
13. If so, what did you enjoy about attending the meeting?
The Governmental Affairs meeting was very informative, and it was very evident that there needs to be such groups and committees to represent dentistry and the patients we serve. The intensity of the meeting demonstrated the pressing needs that are facing dentistry right now. I enjoyed the learning experience and now have a greater appreciation for those who are active in organized dentistry.
14. Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee on either a national, state or local level? If so which one interests you?
Yes, I plan to participate in organized dentistry as a member and possibly in the local/state level as well.
15. What do you like to do beyond dentistry? Hobbies, talents, etc.?
Beyond dentistry, I enjoy golfing, soccer, bowling, spending time with my new wife and relaxing with friends.
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 futures start here!