Kathleen Nguyen

KATHLEEN NGUYEN

1) What is your role in Pre-Dental Society? What are your duties?
President. My role is to conduct and organize meetings/events, delegate tasks, and raise the awareness of Pre-Dental Society on campus.

2) Tell us about yourself
I've been a freelance graphic designer for many years now. I am also a part of Kappa Gamma Delta the Pre-Health Sorority on campus, an Intern at Santa Cruz Dental group, and a Kaplan Student Brand Ambassador. In my free time I thoroughly enjoy hiking, crafting/arts, and photography.

3) Why Dentistry?
Oral health and dental care are neglected in the lifestyle of many individuals, and over the years I’ve witnessed this first hand. My parents were both immigrants from Vietnam and given its state of poverty, their oral health did not receive the attention that was needed. My mother was left with only four of her real teeth, this translated into her having dentures since my birth. As I grew older, I became more aware of how poor oral health could inflict so much pain on an individual; not only physically and mentally, but the effects it had on their self-confidence and daily living. From my experience at CDA Cares, I learned to live for the moments when the patients got to wear their brightest smile. Seeing the pains lifted from their faces was the most rewarding. So why Dentistry? It gives me life. Providing emotional support to others can greatly improve their quality of living. This profession would allow me to utilize my experiences to empower those around me, practice compassionate care, and to provide myself as a resource to alleviate their physical and psychological pains. My belief is that restoring a smile can be easily overlooked, but it truly makes a difference in the way for them to lead a strong and happy life. I enjoy everything & anything dental, and nothing can excite me more than helping others for the rest of my life.

4) Your favorite motto or advice to other Pre-Dents?
"Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny." You will have infinite opportunities to grow in your college career. Everyone is equipped with talents that are unique to their own, so stay positive and keep pursuing your aspirations despite of any adversities you may experience along the way!