Xavier Turner

Hello, my name is Xavier Turner, and I am currently attending Oakland Community College. I am trying to finish my courses with the aim of transferring in the summer of next year to Oakland University. I am currently studying Business Administration and completing the prerequisite courses for dental school. These do not always come easily, but I know that each one is bringing me that much closer to the career that I have chosen and the impact I will be able to have in the years to come.
I have chosen to become a dentist, and the reason for this choice lies in very personal circumstances. When I was growing up, I had issues with my self-confidence levels due to my smile. I recall being self-conscious in photos or while talking and not always feeling free to smile and show my teeth. Fortunately, I was eventually able to get braces. Initially, the treatment seemed lengthy and at times frustrating—there were visits, pain, and numerous adjustments to my lifestyle. But when the braces were ultimately removed, I felt a transformation that extended far beyond straight teeth. My confidence grew exponentially, and I was happy to smile once again. That sense of relief, joy, and restored self-esteem has remained with me to this day.

It was from this personal experience that I started to consider how profound dentistry can be. A dentist does not simply clean teeth or fill cavities; a dentist can actually transform a person's life by returning their smile, enhancing their health, and providing them with a sense of pride. I would like to be a part of that process for other people. I would love to utilize my training and education to provide others with the same confidence boost that I have already received. It is this motivation that pushes me through late study nights and challenging coursework.

The second significant reason I want dentistry is due to individuals in my life—my friends and family. Most of them have lacked access to continuous or quality dental care. Some of them experience dental problems that erode their confidence, health, and even life opportunities. Watching individuals I care about face those difficulties gives me even more motivation to work even more diligently on a daily basis. I would wish to be able to offer them some help in the future, whether by offering them affordable treatment, educating them on oral hygiene, or simply being somebody they can count on.

I am also attracted to dentistry since it is a science, an art, and a service. From the scientific point of view, there is a lot to learn in the form of anatomy, oral hygiene, and new techniques of dental practice. On the artistic side, there is creativity in smile designing, tooth sculpting, and making everything look natural and beautiful. And on the service side, there is the great satisfaction of knowing you are improving someone's quality of life. All these put together make dentistry the perfect fit for my interests and goals.
Knowing that I can make a difference in other people's lives is what pulls me through the days my schedule appears to be overwhelming. Taking business administration courses in addition to science prerequisites is not an easy feat. There are days when I am worn out from back-to-back classes, assignments, and exams. But when I look ahead—when I think about the patients I will help and the smiles I will rebuild—I find the strength to carry on. I just keep telling myself that every challenge I am overcoming now is making a stronger and better future dentist.

Looking towards the future, my aspiration is to be able to bring about a real change within my community. Many people in our communities cannot afford basic dental care. Some people fail to visit the dentist because of expense, fear, or just a lack of confidence. My aspiration is to demolish those obstacles by delivering compassionate, affordable, and quality care. I would want my future clinic to be one where people feel comfortable and respected, regardless of their background or finances.

The difference I wish to make extends beyond the patient. A healthy smile can open the doors to education, career, and social life. If one is confident, they will more likely venture out for opportunities and engage in deeper connections with others. By assisting individuals in my community in maintaining their dental well-being, I feel that I can be a part of a ripple effect of kindness. Healthier individuals create healthier families, and healthier families create healthier communities.

Finally, my profession and education are not just a matter of personal fulfillment—but using my abilities and blessings to assist others. Dentistry is not just a profession for me, but a calling to make individuals feel good about themselves, relieve pain and suffering, and repay those individuals who have assisted me along the way. I know that the path to getting there will be difficult, but I am willing to work hard and remain committed because the reward will be well worth it. In total, it is my aim to go to Oakland Community College, transfer to Oakland University, and ultimately attend dental school. I have chosen dentistry because of how it has impacted my own life and because of my desire to provide for my family, friends, and community. My education will allow me to bring confidence and care to those who need it most, and my career will give me the means to make a lasting, positive impact on those around me. That dream is what wakes me up every morning.