The spark for dentistry began for Huntsville native Josh Chansa (Class of 2027) with family inspiration, and has been shaped through hands-on experiences at UAB, where he’s learned the importance of treating patients as more than just a set of teeth. Today, he’s active in student life as vice president of the Student National Dental Association, co-president of the Periodontology Student Interest Group, and a Student Ambassador, welcoming future Blazers to the program.
Why did you choose to pursue dentistry?
My grandfather was a dentist in Ethiopia and my mom planted that seed and told me about the work-life balance and what he did for the community. I thought that I related to that a lot, and so when I came into undergrad, I started shadowing dental professionals, and then COVID happened. That instilled a time in my life where I was like, do I still want to do this? But then, when we came back to campus I went back to shadowing dentists. It wasn't really until I got into dental school, as crazy as it is, that I really found the passion for dentistry. When I came here, I began to discover how truly exciting dentistry can be. It’s rewarding to help people and to understand how teeth and your oral health are very important.
Why UAB for dental school?
I came here due to another planted seed, from my cousin. When I was in middle school, he had mentioned UAB as an option, and then he also talked about how the dental school here was amazing. From then on it just was somewhere I thought of always going to.
What has been your favorite part of your dental education so far?
Interacting with patients. There's a lot of things that I've liked, but I think my favorite thing has been interacting with patients. When you're able to explain something to them that they may have been misinformed on, and then they understand it. It's a very rewarding moment for me, as well as for them.
Has any faculty member made an impact on you?
Yes, Dr. Maninder Kaur. I do want to specialize in periodontology because I'm really interested in that specialty. Dr. Kaur was one of the professors that taught periodontology in my D1 year, and she just stood out. She’s who inspired me to want to pursue periodontology.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
One of the first treatments I did on a patient was one who was considered a class two, which is usually difficult the first time. A Class II is hard because you don’t have great visibility to access the areas you need to get to. Dr. Augusto Robles is my Bay leader, and he gave me wonderful tips and tricks to navigate this difficulty. The first time I did it, it was good. And then, the second time I did it, it was even better. To me, it was a huge accomplishment to have improved so much.
What are you looking forward to as you continue your education?
Talking with patients, educating them, and helping them better understand their oral health.
Do you plan to specialize?
Yes - I would love to do a periodontology residency here.
What advice would you give prospective students?
As soon as you find an interest in something you’ve learned about regarding dentistry, go and shadow those areas. It's really an open door here at UAB. So, if there's anything you're interested in, even in the slightest, just go up to the clinic, just ask them for advice, try and assist, or anything just to get your foot in the door for any opportunities that may come up.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Go Blazers!
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