Nnyeko Griffiths B.S.
Born in Jamaica
Jamaican/ Afro-Caribbean
B.S. UCONN 2015
Doctor of Dental Surgery Candidate 2022
Howard University College of Dentistry ’22
Growing up in the Caribbean was always a pleasure. Insurmountable childhood experiences created memories that will last a lifetime. But if you are from Jamaica or any other Caribbean island, you will understand how fundamental education is in our culture. There is one thing your parents want you to achieve, and that is a degree. Many people have accomplished that in my family, and I am very proud. My cousin Nnyeko is one person who displays exemplary goals. She has worked her way to being a dental student at Howard University. Being a dental student is no easy job; she had to face many adversities and stand up strong to get where she is today. I had the pleasure of asking her about her experiences as a dental student and what led her to her field. I hope you enjoy reading this blog post and that it will give you hope to never give up on your dreams for anyone.
What inspired you the most to enter your career field?
As a first-generation college student and a Doctor of Dental Surgery, I gained inspiration to enter dentistry due to my previous experience with an orthodontist as a child. My teeth became misaligned due to an accident when I was a child, leaving me with malformed upper lips, teeth, and an unattractive smile deemed irreparable. I experienced firsthand the dentist’s capabilities when I got my braces in 8th grade. By the end of my treatment, I could see the dentist’s craft results visually. The results of my orthodontic treatment immensely improved my self-esteem, confidence, and oral aesthetic. This experience has led to my aspiration to become a dentist, so I can enhance my future patients’ smiles, building their confidence and addressing their dental needs.
What tips would you give others who aspire to pursue a career in your field?
• Ambitious in meeting the requirements of the program
• Committed, consistent and determined
• Trust the process (faith) even when things are not going as you planned; it will work out
• Seek mentors and ask for help if you are struggling or do not understand something.
Does your career path bring you excitement? Yes, being able to positively impact every person I work with while being a role model/ inspiration for women around the world. Especially minority women whose socioeconomic status has led them to believe they cannot achieve specific careers. This will show them that they can achieve their goals if they stay dedicated and committed to their educational/career aspirations. Also, having the ability to positively impact patients’ lives by improving their oral aesthetics and addressing their dental needs.
What are some of the skills/accomplishments that have made you a great professional? Researching my profession to help me better understand the community you serve and how I can help improve my practice as a dentist.
Being an active member in organizations such as the American Association of Women in Dentistry and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Work ethic: Having the drive and zeal to get the job always done.
What is it like being a person of color or a minority in your field? As a minority woman in dentistry, I am a health leader with the privilege of serving my community to help individuals obtain and maintain their optimal oral health. Moreover, I am a role model for younger minorities who aspire to become a dentist.
What pushes you to continue working hard? Breaking the socioeconomic generational cycle hindered families educationally or from gain opportunities to have a better life. To restore patients’ confidence through performing necessary dental procedures and maintaining their highest quality of oral health.
How did college prepare you for your career now, or will it prepare you if you are still studying? College set me on the right path through the courses I decided to take, such as majoring in Molecular Cell Biology, which helped me prepare for most of my didactic courses in dental school.
Taking advantage of opportunities during my college year, such as shadowing a medical and dental doctor and doing research projects that were scientific and community-based. These opportunities have helped me understand the healthcare system’s socioeconomic and health disparities and how they directly impact our low-income inner-city communities.
What is one memorable piece of advice you would like to share with others working to be in your profession today? Believe in yourself even when your advisors or mentors doubt you. No one knows your true capabilities except yourself; hence, if you think you can accomplish your goals, you will figure out a method to get it done. Be persistent, and do not give up.
What was one of your most memorable experiences in college? My most memorable experience in college was in the fall of 2013, when I won 4 academic scholarships in one semester. I felt incredibly proud of that accomplishment, apart graduate as a first-generation college student.
What is the change like waking up on a Monday to go to work instead of class? “I am not there yet, but I look forward to working on patients this fall when the pandemic is more normalized.”
Is there anything holding you back from your full potential? Are you hesitant in your career? Is your job stressful? The only thing holding me back from my full potential is my procrastination as I tend to do things last minute since I work better under pressure, which has given me the best results. I love what I do in school, and I know once I start working with patients, it will make my career even more meaningful. I am excited to start this journey and to work with my hands to educate and help patients to achieve optimal oral health.
