Carson Dennis, DDS ’24, knows exactly where he’s going with his life—and he’ll be able to achieve his dreams, thanks to his education at the School of Dentistry.
Dennis chose the School of Dentistry for his studies “due to the school’s long-standing history of supplying the majority of dentists to the state of Minnesota.” In addition, “I wanted to attend a school that had all the specialty programs, so that I could get first-hand experience working with the residents.”
That plan worked well in Dennis’s favor—throughout his experiences, he discovered a love for orthodontics that shaped his future.
After he graduates in 2024, Dennis will spend four years in the Navy as a dentist, in fulfillment of his Health Professions Scholarship Program commitment.
After those four years, he hopes to pursue an advanced residency in orthodontics. “My studies at the University of Minnesota have prepared me well to conquer the daily challenges I may encounter as a dentist, and it has empowered me to serve my community to the best of my abilities,” he said.
In addition to the rigorous preparation Dennis has received at the school, he has developed lifelong, supportive friendships. “I’ve made so many close friends in dental school that have impacted my life positively,” he said. “One fond memory was attending the GV Black Tie, or dental prom, this year.”
Those friendships and the support that accompanies them have made all the difference—and he encourages prospective and current students to prioritize respect and relationships.
“My top pieces of advice for prospective dental students are to work hard and treat others the way you’d like to be treated,” he said. “Having a solid foundation with these two qualities can take you a long way in dental school and in life afterwards.”
INVOLVEMENT
Member, American Student Dental Association
President, Orthodontic Club
Student Ambassador
Tutor, Pre-Clinical Lab
HOMETOWN
Grand Forks, ND