ATSU-ASDOH preparing students to handle complex dental cases as professionals

ATSU-ASDOH preparing students to handle complex dental cases as professionals

A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) student Taylor Felton, D1, finds inspiration for her future around every corner.

"My favorite part about being an ATSU student is getting to meet all of our amazing faculty," she said. "Each faculty member I have met has followed a unique path to their respective health science careers. We are fortunate to be constantly surrounded by people who are committed to shaping our futures as health care professionals."

Felton is from Long Grove, Illinois, and has a bachelor's degree in exercise science from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

"I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of its commitment to caring for patients with complex medical conditions," she said. "This is a topic near and dear to my heart and I feel lucky to be part of a program that makes care for patients with complex medical conditions accessible and a priority."

Felton is highly involved as an ATSU-ASDOH student. She's a member of the social media committee for Arizona Oral Cancer Walk, costumes & carnival committee for Give Kids A Smile, and a student ambassador, in addition to serving as a member of the American Dental Education Association, Special Care Dentistry Association, American Student Dental Association, and Students United for America's Toothfairy.

"I joined these organizations because I have a big passion for each of the populations they relate to. Coming into dental school, I knew I wanted to be active within the pediatric population, the special care population, and the pre-dental population," she said. "I was inspired to become a student ambassador by the group of ambassadors who volunteered to participate in the Q&A session and campus tour on my interview day. As a pre-dental student, it was so nice to spend time with current dental students and be able to ask them what dental school was really like. Now that I am a D1, I wanted to have the opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of pre-dental students."

In her free time, Felton likes spending time with her dog, trying new coffee shops, and going on long walks with her husband. Prior to becoming a dental student, Felton was a competitive figure skater and member of the Israeli National Team, so she also enjoys putting in work at the local ice rink.

But most of her time is focused on becoming the future clinician she wants to be, one who leads with compassion.

"ATSU places a big emphasis on whole person healthcare and I interpret that as looking out for my patients beyond just their oral healthcare needs. I look forward to putting what I learn at ATSU into action throughout my career in dentistry," she said.