Learning new skills is just one part of becoming a dental professional. Putting those skills to work by giving back to the community is another important piece of the puzzle. For Charlie Brimacombe, DDS ’26, committing to volunteer work has become a cornerstone of his dental education. “Throughout my time in school, I’ve found meaningful ways to give back, from organizing community events to leading Give Kids a Smile,” he said. “The community outreach we do here aligns with my core belief that oral health is a vital part of overall health, and access should never be a privilege, but a right.”
Brimacombe counts his volunteer stints with Give Kids a Smile and Hope Dental Clinic as some of his most significant time as a student. “I have learned firsthand about the barriers many people face in obtaining care, which strengthened my commitment to reducing those disparities,” he said. “These experiences have motivated me to approach dentistry not only as a science, but as a service to my community.”
After graduation, Brimacombe plans to pursue a residency in pediatric dentistry. “I want to focus on providing compassionate, comprehensive care to children and families in underserved rural communities,” he said. And he is grateful for the solid academic foundation he’s received to help meet his career goals. “My studies have prepared me well, through rigorous clinical training and also through opportunities to lead, teach and engage with diverse patient populations. The combination of academic excellence and community involvement here has equipped me with the skills and empathy needed to make a meaningful impact in my future practice.”
Looking back, his decision to choose the University was an excellent fit . “It offered the perfect blend of rigorous academics, incredible clinical experience and just enough of an annual snowfall to keep me humble,” he said. “The sense of community here is unmatched—from supportive faculty to classmates who double as study partners. Plus, where else can you learn operative dentistry while watching hockey highlights in the lounge?”
During stressful moments during schooling, he’s relied on an athletic pursuit that provides a great sense of balance—literally. “My favorite way to de-stress is to get out on the water to waterski,” he said. “It forces me to be present, let go of stress and just enjoy the moment. There’s something about being on the water, surrounded by community and laughter, that reminds me the whole point of life is to enjoy what you’re doing and help bring joy to others.”
Community is clearly valuable to Brimacombe, who mentioned “late-night study sessions, clinic chaos and shared victories that have turned classmates into lifelong friends.” And, since he also met his fiancé at the University, he added, “Dental school didn’t just shape my career—it brought me my people, my purpose and even my future life partner.”