Convocation Spotlight: DDS '24 grad David Hudson

DDS '24 grad David Hutson. Photo supplied.

With a keen interest in helping people and working in health care, doctor of dental surgery new graduate David Hudson knew he’d found the perfect fit when he discovered dentistry. He fell in love with the prospect of working with his hands, the combination of medical sciences and helping people and the opportunity to be his own boss and run his own practice. All of that plus the pursuit of work-life balance kept him motivated during the gruelling admission process, which saw him rejected twice before finally being accepted. 

We spoke to Hudson about his time in the program and where his journey takes him next.

What are you most proud of from your time in the program?

As I progressed through the program, I developed a passion for working with children.

During one rotation, I saw an eight-year-old girl for a filling. In her notes it said she had trouble with anesthesia and that she cried at every appointment. I put all my efforts into helping her feel comfortable and by the end of the appointment her dad remarked that this was the first dental appointment when she didn’t cry. The little girl also responded very positively and appeared to have a genuinely good time. 

I also had the opportunity to treat the pediatric treatment coordinator’s son for two appointments after he’d had a rough experience at his general dentist's office. By the end of the second appointment he told his mom, “I had so much fun getting my filling done today!” Hearing that was one of the highlights of dental school for me because I knew that I was in the right profession and possessed the skills needed to be an excellent dentist. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your degree?

It was a challenge balancing family life and school. Entering dental school I had one daughter who was one year old, and halfway through second year we welcomed my second daughter. They are now five and two and I can confidently say that while my grades suffered, my relationship with them is very strong. Typically the highlight of my days was going home and hearing them run down the stairs to greet me as I walked through the door. I know I will have to constantly work to have a good work-life balance throughout my career, but thanks to dental school I know that is possible when you prioritize, work efficiently and stay organized.  

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

My family kept me motivated. My wife was my greatest supporter and helped me so much that her name should go beside mine on my degree. Having a family to provide for and support has always been a great motivator for me, but my passion for helping others and seeing the benefits of my care has also helped me immensely. Seeing the end goal throughout the journey helped me maintain focus and understand that any tough times would eventually pass and I would be better off for having experienced difficulties. 

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program?

My biggest advice would be to ask people in the program and in the profession about the pros and cons. Current students will be able to provide program-specific advice and working professionals will provide a different perspective. I’d say even though there are aspects of this profession that you may struggle with, if you are determined and have a passion for the work you will become a great dentist. 

What have you learned about yourself?

I was given many opportunities to work with kids and I was able to grow my passion for pediatric dentistry. I know now that I want to help kids have positive experiences at the dentist and be able to advocate for themselves and take their oral health into their own hands as they grow up. I also learned that I can face challenges and monumental life events and still push forward. Having faced adversity and overcome it, I have confidence the next time things get tough I can find a way to keep going.

What comes next for you?

I was accepted into a pediatric dental residency program in Columbia, Missouri, so my family and I are moving there for two years. Once I complete my specialty training, I plan to return to our hometown of Calgary and work as a pediatric dentist there.