Center Stage with a Student - Kristen Horstmann

Interview with D3 Student Doctor, Kristen Horstmann

Dean Krebsbach:
So Kristen, tell us why you chose dentistry as a profession?

Kristen:
I had long term jaw and TMD joint pain with headaches for years, and a dentist was able to diagnose and treat it, relieving me of the pain. I feel so much better now. I had originally started out as an Engineering Major, but this experience led me to consider dentistry as a career.

Dean Krebsbach:
You were recently awarded an ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Predoctoral Dental Students Pursuing Academic Careers.

Kristen:
It means so much to me that ADEA and Crest Oral-B have decided to help me along my journey, and I can't wait to one day give back to the dental community, my patients, and hopefully, my students. I have often thought that eventually I would teach as a part of my professional career. During a gap year between college and dental school, I taught high school geometry. When I started at UCLA Dentistry, I immediately looked for opportunities to pursue some aspects of teaching. I served as a Basic Dental Principles tutor and lecturer and managed oral health initiatives through the Dental Education Outreach program. I guess I picked up this passion from my mother who is a teacher.

Dean Krebsbach:
How do you envision teaching in a dental school?

Kristen:
I plan to practice dentistry or orthodontics and then eventually teach part-time.

Dean Krebsbach:
What do you like best about UCLA Dentistry?

Kristen:
I really like the comradery among my classmates and the support. It is a difficult program and we all band together to help us get through.