Matthew is a junior dental student at the University of Michigan, having earned a B.S. in brain behavior and cognitive science from U-M in 2006. He’s currently the vice president of the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity.
Matthew was exposed to dentistry very early on, watching his father, Dr. Dennis Ora, in his hometown of Hartland. He saw first hand that dentistry was a rewarding profession and how it truly makes a difference in peoples lives. Matthew also attributes his love for dentistry to the excellent instructors at the University of Michigan.
Matthew says, ”Many people told me that dental school would be hard, but that if it was truly what I wanted to do, then I would be able to do it. I enjoy the clinical aspect of dentistry and how dentistry allows you to be creative with your hands while providing a great service to the patient.”
He adds, “Winning the Michigan Dental Foundation John G. Nolen Scholarship has definitely helped me put a dent in the loans that I have had to take out for tuition and living expenses. I am very grateful. I hope to pursue an AEGD or GPR after graduation prior to joining my father in Hartland.”