Kyanna White’s (D.M.D. Class of 2027) interest in dentistry started early through shadowing, and grew through research focused on improving patient care. At UAB, she’s continuing to build on that experience in clinic, learning from faculty and finding purpose in the work she’s doing each day.
Where are you from, where did you do your undergraduate work, and what was your major?
I went to undergrad at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. My major there was Chemistry (Pre-Professional) with a minor in biology and mathematics. I’m from Mobile, Alabama, what I consider the other “Mardi Gras.”
Why did you choose to pursue dentistry?
My dad’s best friend, who is also my godfather, is an oral surgeon. When I was younger, he allowed me to go into the office and shadow him a lot of times, and that’s what started my interest in dentistry. As I got older and got to college, I did an internship with Colgate where I was able to do research. We were trying to develop oral health products that would be better for patients with cerebral palsy. During that, I was able to interview caretakers and dentists who treat these patients. That drew my interest even more because I was able to see there was such a disparity in treating these patients. I want to be part of the solution in the future.
Why did you choose UAB for dental school?
First off, it’s in state, so I’m closer to family. I always do my research about every school and look at the details. I was also a part of the Summer Health Professions Education Program my freshman year, so that’s when I first got to know some of the dental students here and some of the staff. That started my interest because I realized UAB is already close knit, and I felt comfortable in the environment. Then once I got into my junior year, I came here to tour and met some of the student ambassadors. They talked about how welcoming the environment is and how involved UAB is in the community. That was one of my biggest things because I want to give back to my community in the future, so the community focus here really stood out.
Are you affiliated with any School of Dentistry student organizations? If so, which ones and why?
One of the organizations I’m a part of is the Student National Dental Association, also known as SNDA. I’ve been a part of it since my freshman year because the whole point of it is to promote people who aren’t usually who you see in your dental office.
They also host Impressions Day, where we talk to students and encourage them about how to get through the process of applying to dental school and show them what UAB is about. This year I served as the co-coordinator of Impressions Day, and we just held it this week. It went really well.
We wanted to do something new. Usually we allow participants to do impressions, restore teeth, and do Tooth ID, but after evaluating past years, we realized that wasn’t always a favorite. This year we introduced suturing techniques, and we also had one of our Prosthodontics residents, Dr. Englert, come talk to the students about digital dentistry and maxillofacial prosthetics. They were very intrigued by that because it’s something you don’t typically get exposed to, even in dental school.
We also had dentists from the local area come in and do mock interviews, and we gave participants time to connect with students through panels and tours. Overall, it was a great event. It was really good getting to see undergraduates and help guide them through the process.
What has been your favorite thing about the School of Dentistry so far?
Honestly, it’s been the early clinical experience and the guidance that our faculty has to offer. The early clinic experience allows you to become more comfortable, so once you enter clinic in your third year, you feel like, “Okay. I'm used to this.” The faculty are always willing to offer a helping hand. They’re patient and understanding. They teach us things that will be useful not only in school but once we start practicing.
Have faculty or staff made an impact on your dental education?
Dr. Gummadi and Dr. Winters have made a great impact on me, especially during those early years in pre-clinical dentistry. That was a time when things weren’t always going the best, and it could be frustrating. They took the time to work with me and improve my skills. They had faith in me and reminded me that I was capable of doing it. Now I feel more confident in my abilities because of them.
How has your time in clinic been so far?
My clinical experience so far has been a variety of things. I’ve worked in the oral surgery clinic and done different types of extractions, including a surgical extraction, which was an interesting experience. As you go through these experiences, your faculty is guiding you so you’re better prepared.
I’ve also done my first R2 dentures, and I’m currently working on R2 dentures for my grandmother. I’m her only grandchild, so it’s really nice to be able to give her something that will improve her smile and her function.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far at the UAB School of Dentistry and have you thought about future plans?
The most important thing I’ve learned is to give yourself grace. When you enter dental school, it’s something you’ve never experienced before. No matter how much you’ve done before, nothing really prepares you for it. Things aren’t always going to come naturally.
Dr. McClenny would always tell us, “Fails are the first attempt at learning.” It’s about understanding that and using it as motivation. Asking yourself, “Where can I improve? How can I get better?” It gets better the more that you do it.
I’m considering applying for pediatric dentistry residency, but honestly, right now I’m just looking forward to learning everything that I can while I’m in school. We have so much experience in our faculty, and there’s a lot I can learn from them. I want to take in as much as I can before I go into practice and continue getting better.
Student Voices is a Q&A series highlighting the experiences and perspectives of UAB School of Dentistry students. Explore our Student Excellence news feed to read more Student Voices stories.
Curious to hear more Student Voices? Visit our Student Excellence news feed for more Q&As with UAB dental students.