Student Leader Inspires Change in Fellow Students, Community

With a heart for service and a commitment to excellence, dental student Genie Ochi has emerged as a true leader at UT Health Science Center, leaving a lasting impact on both the College of Dentistry and the community.

Ochi, the third of four siblings, was born to Nigerian parents and raised in Nashville. Growing up in a family rooted in culture, resilience, and ambition, she quickly developed a strong sense of leadership and balance. From an early age, she excelled in both academics and extracurriculars, demonstrating her ability to thrive in multiple areas.

Starting as a cheerleader at age 10, Ochi not only perfected her skills in rallying her team, but also rose to the role of captain, consistently leading with poise and determination. Those skills grew with her.

Ochi always knew she loved to make people smile. In high school, she began providing hair services in her free time. "I loved seeing how a simple change could uplift someone's spirit and help them see themselves in a new light," she said. "That joy of making a tangible impact on someone's confidence stayed with me."

Though Ochi loved to impact others through her talents for hairstyling, she knew she wanted to do more.

"I knew I wanted to pursue a career in health care, where I could merge my fascination with science and my passion for connecting with and helping people. Dentistry became the perfect fit, blending artistry and science in a way that resonated deeply with me."

Shadowing a dentist during high school solidified her choice to pursue dentistry. She was amazed by the way he treated his patients and how he eased their fears with such kindness and professionalism.

"I realized I wanted to create that same kind of impact to not only care for people's oral health, but also help them feel seen, valued, and at ease in a setting that can be intimidating," she said.

Following high school, Ochi attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she became a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a youth summer league cheerleading coach, and a YMCA weekly volunteer to read and tutor elementary students. She continued to excel as a leader and a student, graduating early with cum laude honors.

"I've always envisioned starting my dental career in Tennessee, and this felt like the perfect place to lay that foundation."

Genie Ochi

Ochi was accepted into multiple dental schools. Choosing UT Health Science Center was an "intentional and heartfelt decision," she said.

"UT Health Science Center stood out because of its top-tier clinical training and reputation for preparing students to excel in real-world practice," she said. "Its proximity to home was also important; staying close to my support system while pursuing a rigorous program was invaluable. I've always envisioned starting my dental career in Tennessee, and this felt like the perfect place to lay that foundation."

During Ochi's first year as a dental student, she joined the Student National Dental Association (SNDA). From the moment she joined, she knew she had a strong purpose among the UT Health Science Center chapter. She worked her way through the chapter from a general member to president.

Through her determination and innovative leadership, she and her team revitalized the SNDA chapter. She introduced new service initiatives, mentorship programs, and community outreach efforts that not only reconnected students, but also made a tangible difference in the local community. Under Ochi's leadership, the UT Health Science Center chapter was recognized nationally in 2024 as one of the top three medium chapters at the 52nd Student National Dental Association National Convention in Las Vegas.

During Ochi's time in the College of Dentistry, she completed more than 500 community service hours.

Johannah Valentin, a first-year student (D1) and SNDA representative, said, "As a D1 entering this year, I was nervous about meeting new people and settling into my role as a student. With Genie's guidance and support, I was able to become more comfortable and confident in my ability to serve my community. She was so quick to make me feel at home here, and her leadership within SNDA has encouraged me to do more as I continue my journey towards becoming a dentist."

This story was initially published in the winter 2025 issue of the College of Dentistry Magazine.