Jefferson Umana, B.S.D.H.

What is your hometown?

My hometown is Leesburg, VA, and I was born and raised in El Salvador.

What made you interested in the field of dental hygiene?

I always knew from a very young age that I wanted to be in the dental field. However, the idea of taking college-level science classes scared me because I was not very good at science in high school. I would sometimes get frustrated because I found the concepts hard to understand. I also spent a good amount of my childhood in my home country, in and out of dental operatories, because I had braces.

Dental hygiene was not a career I knew existed until my freshman year of college. One day, I saw one of my dorm friends wearing scrubs, which led me to ask where she got them. She smiled and said, “I’m in dental hygiene school. You should join.” That was the moment my interest really sparked.

Why do you feel this career will be rewarding?

I feel this career will be rewarding because of the number of people I will be able to help throughout my career. Whether I am working in a private practice, answering questions over FaceTime for friends and family, or talking to strangers in everyday life, I know I will be able to use my knowledge to make a difference.

Why did you choose WVU for your education?

I originally chose WVU because I was planning to do AFROTC while earning a degree in criminology. I later realized that I wanted to work more with my hands and challenge myself in a different way. After my first semester, I quickly learned that college is all about time management and discipline. Once I understood that, it became much easier for me to study and understand science concepts.

What would you tell a prospective student about the program and your experience at the WVU School of Dentistry?

It is not easy, but it is awesome. The community is very supportive and connected because we are all either going through the same experiences or have already been through them. Because of that, you never really feel alone.

Who has had the biggest impact on your college experience?

I would say my girlfriend has been one of my biggest sources of support throughout my college experience. Being a fifth-year student and watching many of the people I started this journey with graduate has not been easy. However, having her by my side, even through a screen, has helped me push through the hard times and made the easy times even more memorable.

Tell us about experiences during your time in the WVU School of Dentistry that you particularly enjoyed.

I really enjoyed lunch during finals week, fun lab activities, and the adrenaline rush of cramming random information with my classmates just minutes before an exam during lunch hours.

Tell us about your rural rotation experience.

My rural rotation took place in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It gave me confidence and a feeling of success because it showed me that I am good at what I do. I loved every interaction I had with the team I worked with and the patients I saw. I also learned how important it is to communicate well with patients and be a strong team player.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on moving back home with my two dogs and my parents. I have accepted a job in my hometown, and I will continue to further my education by finishing my prerequisites and applying to dental school in the near future.

As a soon-to-be graduate, what advice would you give to your freshman self?

This is not a joke: please take all your classes seriously and get a board book your freshman year. Start reading it now. You’ll thank me later.

Anything unique or interesting about yourself that others might not know?

I love to exercise, whether that means walking, lifting weights, or playing sports. I also love spending time with my girlfriend, family, and friends. I love sleeping with my dog, listening to music, and anything Game of Thrones-related.