Callaway Anderson, D.D.S.
“The summer after sophomore year of college at my dental cleaning, my dentist randomly asked me if I wanted to shadow her. I shadowed her for a week and could envision myself in dentistry. I fell in love with the idea that dentistry could help me to live out my purpose in life!”
Hometown
Austin, Texas
Undergraduate degree
B.S. in biology from West Liberty University
What made you want to earn your dental degree?
I come from a family of accountants, so I’m the first dentist in my family. I think it was a “God wink” that I decided to pursue dentistry. I had always known that I wanted to pursue a career that served others but struggled to find the perfect fit for what would feed this passion. The summer after sophomore year of college at my dental cleaning, my dentist randomly asked me if I wanted to shadow her. I shadowed her for a week and could envision myself in dentistry. I fell in love with the idea that dentistry could help me to live out my purpose in life and never looked back!
What surprised you about your dental school experience?
Even though I did all my research in undergrad with shadowing and working at my dentist’s office, dentistry is not what I thought it was. It’s hard to describe, but dentistry is its own little world, with its own language and unique skillset that no one can understand until they’re in it. But it’s the best world!!! I am definitely right where I need to be.
Explain a dental school experience you will never forget.
My rural rotation experience. Anytime I think of it, I am awestruck by the clinical opportunities that were given to me as a student! It was the most incredible experience I could have ever dreamed of, truly life-changing. I left feeling more excited than ever for my future in the career of dentistry. I left feeling so empowered. I left feeling that dentistry is exactly where I’m meant to be and what I should be doing.
What do you take most pride in from your career as a dental student?
I take pride in the confidence I have going into the real world due to the clinical experiences I had at WVU. I think the level of experience we get at WVU is unmatched!
What would you tell someone who is considering WVU School of Dentistry?
Do it! Apply! WVU Dentistry is a hidden gem!!! Most people I know back in Texas don’t even know about it, and I feel bad for them. I am blessed that God had plans for me here!
What are you excited for next?
I will be serving in the Army and completing a Prosthodontics residency at Ft. Gordon in Augusta, GA. I am excited to serve in this capacity while pushing my limits and gaining expertise in a field that I have enjoyed immensely!