Oral Health Month Student Spotlight

April is Oral Health Month! The School of Dentistry is excited to recognize the importance of maintaining good oral health. Here, dentistry student Elyan Jawhari (DDS ‘24) shares why she chose dentistry as a profession and the importance good oral health care plays in maintaining our systemic health.

What got you interested in dentistry or dental hygiene?
I always knew I wanted to be involved in health care. Dentistry is a beautiful health-care career that really allows us to get to know our patients and create amazing bonds with them while providing crucial care for them.

What does oral health care mean to you?
A couple months into dental school was enough to teach me how important oral health is when it comes to our systemic health. Our oral cavity is the gate to our bodies, so it’s important that we take care of it and protect it. That includes adopting healthy habits and good oral hygiene.

If there is one tip or piece of advice you could give your patients, what would it be?
Brush and floss every day! Happy mouth = happy teeth and gums = better health.

What do you love about your profession the most?
Interacting with patients and my colleagues. I love the happy environment! And most of all, I love the teamwork!

What does leading with purpose mean to you?
Leading by example. Practice what you preach. If I’m going to give oral hygiene advice to my patients, it’s important I follow it too.