Taryn Weil, of Marine City, is a third-year dental student at the University of Michigan, whose culmination of my life experiences made her realize that dentistry was “the perfect fit” for her.
Unhappy with teeth and a smile that made her very self-conscious, Weil spent much of her childhood visiting dental offices. Surgeries, extractions, and braces eventually led to the smile she always wanted and a deep appreciation and respect for the profession.
“I now have a beautiful smile that I am proud of and that gives me the confidence to conquer whatever I choose to address,” she explained. “I knew that I wanted to be able to do for other people what many dentists had done for me: restore my confidence.”
Weil describes herself as dedicated, personable and passionate about her work, and dentistry, she says, meshes well with her personality and goals in life.
“I think I’ve found the perfect fit,” she said. “I enjoy putting together the pieces and figuring out the best way to provide treatment for a patient with their best interests in mind.”
Another main motivation for Weil came from her youngest brother, Tyler, who was diagnosed with autism in 1996. Her family’s struggle with the disorder has inspired Weil to dedicate her life to raising awareness about the disorder.
“I knew that raising awareness about the disorder was something that I needed to accomplish in my life,” Weil explained. “I also knew that I wanted to provide care for these patients who may have difficulties accessing dental care because of the characteristics that define the disorder. I really want to make a difference in dentistry, and I think that advocating for patients with special needs is the place for me to do it.”
In the operatory, Weil said she foremost enjoys educating patients on the significance of dental treatment and the relationship between oral and systemic health, while also explaining to patients exactly what a procedure, how it is going to make them better, and making them feel at ease with their treatment.
“I don’t think that many of our patients really understand how important their oral health is, and I love to help them finally make that connection,” she said.
Weil said she is honored that the Foundation leaders believe in her and her abilities enough to award a scholarship. She said the scholarship will help put a dent in the student loan debt she’ll face upon graduation.
While Weil admits that she has no idea what the future has in store for her, she hopes to be in an advanced education in general dentistry program somewhere furthering her education in general dentistry. She is also considering completing a pediatric residency and one day opening a practice specifically addressing the needs of exceptional children
“Although challenging, I am passionate about linking medically compromised or neurologically handicapped children with dentistry,” Weil explained. “Hopefully at this point in my career, I will be able to start working towards this goal. I am very dedicated to ensuring that these patients, like my brother, can receive the care they deserve, and that they are treated by loving and competent practitioners.”
Taryn Weil, of Marine City, is a third-year dental student at the University of Michigan, whose culmination of my life experiences made her realize that dentistry was “the perfect fit” for her.
Unhappy with teeth and a smile that made her very self-conscious, Weil spent much of her childhood visiting dental offices. Surgeries, extractions, and braces eventually led to the smile she always wanted and a deep appreciation and respect for the profession.
“I now have a beautiful smile that I am proud of and that gives me the confidence to conquer whatever I choose to address,” she explained. “I knew that I wanted to be able to do for other people what many dentists had done for me: restore my confidence.”
Weil describes herself as dedicated, personable and passionate about her work, and dentistry, she says, meshes well with her personality and goals in life.
“I think I’ve found the perfect fit,” she said. “I enjoy putting together the pieces and figuring out the best way to provide treatment for a patient with their best interests in mind.”
Another main motivation for Weil came from her youngest brother, Tyler, who was diagnosed with autism in 1996. Her family’s struggle with the disorder has inspired Weil to dedicate her life to raising awareness about the disorder.
“I knew that raising awareness about the disorder was something that I needed to accomplish in my life,” Weil explained. “I also knew that I wanted to provide care for these patients who may have difficulties accessing dental care because of the characteristics that define the disorder. I really want to make a difference in dentistry, and I think that advocating for patients with special needs is the place for me to do it.”
In the operatory, Weil said she foremost enjoys educating patients on the significance of dental treatment and the relationship between oral and systemic health, while also explaining to patients exactly what a procedure, how it is going to make them better, and making them feel at ease with their treatment.
“I don’t think that many of our patients really understand how important their oral health is, and I love to help them finally make that connection,” she said.
Weil said she is honored that the Foundation leaders believe in her and her abilities enough to award a scholarship. She said the scholarship will help put a dent in the student loan debt she’ll face upon graduation.
While Weil admits that she has no idea what the future has in store for her, she hopes to be in an advanced education in general dentistry program somewhere furthering her education in general dentistry. She is also considering completing a pediatric residency and one day opening a practice specifically addressing the needs of exceptional children
“Although challenging, I am passionate about linking medically compromised or neurologically handicapped children with dentistry,” Weil explained. “Hopefully at this point in my career, I will be able to start working towards this goal. I am very dedicated to ensuring that these patients, like my brother, can receive the care they deserve, and that they are treated by loving and competent practitioners.”