When Anh Ngo moved to Minnesota from California, he didn’t know much about dentistry—but when he found the University of Minnesota, he knew he’d found home.
Ngo decided he “wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” so he looked to the University of Minnesota to see if he could find a community and a way to pursue dentistry. He found a caring and collaborative environment, filled with people who wanted him to succeed. “I felt so fortunate to have Naty Lopez, PhD, MEd, show me, a stranger, how to obtain financial aid and plan out my prerequisites.”
That sense of belonging, and of being part of something greater, continued as Ngo pursued his studies. He recalled his first year of school, when he decided he’d like to pursue advanced training and realized he lacked the appropriate research experience for it.
Rachel Uppgaard, DDS, clinical assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, helped him out. “She took me in to work on one of her research projects, and guided me on how to apply for an externship,” he said. “People here really care, and they go above and beyond to help you succeed.”
Partially because of the sense of community he felt, and partially because of his enrollment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ngo knew he wanted to have the chance to serve and use his expertise for good. “From my own experience of being a first-generation immigrant, I somewhat understand the difficulties preventing underserved communities from accessing quality care,” he explained. So he began working with the Medical Reserve Corps-COVID-19 Response Team, assisting with vaccine distribution. He also joined a diversity, equity and inclusion subcommittee and partnered with Union Gospel Mission to better understand the oral health care needs of people experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities. “I look forward to learning all the dental services and benefits I can offer my patients when I start my clinical experience this summer,” he said.
Ngo hopes that, when other prospective students find their way to the University of Minnesota, they learn what he soon did: “You’re looking at the right place.”
“I chose the School of Dentistry because of its caring, supportive and inclusive culture, where I feel I belong,” he said. “Just stop by and you’ll understand. I can’t wait to see you here!”
INVOLVEMENT
Board Member, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club
Student Ambassador
Member, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Community Outreach Subcommittee
Volunteer member, Medical Reserve Corps-COVID-19 Response Team, University of Minnesota
HOMETOWN
Hanoi, Vietnam