Category: Internships and Shadowing

November 2024. I spent several days shadowing at the Vanderbilt Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The pace of the OR is different from general dentistry — more planning, less improvisation, and a much higher standard for communication across the surgical team. I left with a better sense of what draws clinicians to oral surgery and what the training path looks like. It has stayed with me as I think about specialization.

September 2024- Jan 2025. Joined the Comma Collective (Startup) as Intern analyzing clinical trial databases to identify trends affecting women’s health; findings inform a women’s lifestyle and health app. Comma is women founded. I can see how starting a company is difficult, but also very motivating and exciting. Having a mission based on personal experience is what drives Comma (plus caffeine).

I spent three days observing orthodontic practices at Lucas Orthodontics gaining exposure to patient consultations, treatment planning, and clinical workflow. I got my own braces at Lucas a few years back and I am glad they gave me this opportunity.

SOUTHERN ORAL AND FACIAL SURGERY, FRANKLIN, TN (Dec 2023)

Job Shadowing

Shadowed Dr. Young and Dr. Lewallen at Southern Oral Facial Surgery, observing implant placements with sinus lifts and bone grafting, extractions, anesthesia administration, and other surgical procedures across multiple clinical sessions. Inspired me to become an RDA!