Pride at the School of Dentistry

Robert Springer, DDS ’19, is an associate dentist at Isles Dental in Minneapolis, and a dentist at Community Dental Care in Rochester. He sits on the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Alumni Board and is Vice-President of the Minneapolis District Dental Society. In honor of Pride Month, we spoke with Springer about his experience at the School of Dentistry and in the school’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. 

Why did you choose the School of Dentistry, and what was your experience like? 

I wanted to go to a program that fostered my abilities to provide compassionate care, hone in on my scientific and artistic abilities and impact the areas I grew up in. I enjoyed my experience at the U of M. I especially enjoyed the collaboration among my classmates and faculty while treating patients in the clinics. I also was involved with ASDA, and have fond memories going to conferences and meeting dental students and amazing leaders during those trips.

What has your experience with the school’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group been like? 

The LGBTQ+ affinity group is a great way to connect with like-minded leaders in the U of M. These groups made me feel welcomed, and I hope to emulate that feeling of inclusiveness for students at the U of M as an engaged alumnus.

What does Pride mean to you, and why is it important to you? 

Pride is important because people should feel comfortable expressing themselves. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community means being valued for who I am as a gay man. Pride is ever changing and becoming more accepting of everyone from diverse  backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender expressions. Everyone should feel included, safe, and free of judgment for who they are, things I foster as a healthcare provider.