ATSU-ASDOH provides strong community for students, lasting relationships with peers

ATSU-ASDOH provides strong community for students, lasting relationships with peers

For A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) student Inga Ishu, D2, the decision to become a student ambassador was personal.

"During my interview at ATSU-ASDOH, Austin, the student ambassador, embodied everything an ASDOH student should be: kind, caring, honest, and supportive. After I was waitlisted, a stressful and uncertain time in my application process, Austin continued to be there for me. He kept in touch, offering guidance, support, and encouragement, and even prayed for me until I received my acceptance," Ishu said.

"Austin's support showed me the values that ASDOH students embody, inspiring me to choose ASDOH and eventually become a student ambassador myself. I wanted to give back to the next generation of applicants and offer them the same support I received," she said. "Reflecting on my role, I am proud to have helped applicants by providing advice, guidance, and words of encouragement. It's incredibly rewarding to see them get into dental school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of their journey."

It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that people are Ishu's favorite thing about ATSU-ASDOH.

"My favorite aspect of being an ATSU student is connecting with the people who make ASDOH special. From students and faculty to staff, I cherish seeing everyone daily," she said. "ASDOH fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where we all work together toward common goals. It feels like a family here, and despite only being together for only two and a half years, the relationships I've built are deep and enduring. I can't imagine not seeing these wonderful individuals after graduation. At ASDOH, I've formed meaningful friendships with classmates, faculty, and staff - each contributing to the unique sense of community that defines our school."

Ishu is from Glenview, Illinois, and was originally interested in ATSU-ASDOH due to its outstanding clinical experience, comprehensive curriculum, and early patient exposure that sets it apart from other dental schools.

"ATSU-ASDOH places emphasis on student-centered learning, providing students with tools and the latest technology to enhance their educational experience. ATSU also gives students the liberty of treating patients independently and on their own with faculty guidance and support, allowing hands-on experiences very early in the curriculum. This approach ensures that students will be well-prepared for real-world dental challenges," Ishu said.

In addition to serving as a student ambassador, Ishu is president of Healthcare for Hunger, program liaison to the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary with the American Dental Education Association chapter, and member of the ASDOH Association of Women Dentists, Students United for America's Tooth Fairy, and Orthodontic Specialty Club.

"ATSU-ASDOH has instilled in me the importance of comprehensive care and meticulous treatment planning for patient care," Ishu said. "Orthodontics plays a crucial role in general dentistry and comprehensive treatment planning by addressing malocclusions and contributing to overall oral health and functional efficiency. Proper teeth alignment can prevent or mitigate a range of dental issues, including uneven wear, tooth decay, and gum disease. By improving bite function and alignment, orthodontics can enhance chewing efficiency, reduce jaw strain, and alleviate issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, provided the treatment is executed with the broader picture in mind.

"I aspire to be an orthodontist who prioritizes comprehensive treatment plans over mere aesthetics. ATSU-ASDOH has taught me the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Beyond ASDOH's robust and detailed curriculum covering all aspects of dentistry, ATSU has offered me numerous research opportunities to engage in projects related to orthodontics. Additionally, I have access to unlimited opportunities for shadowing and volunteering in the orthodontic clinic, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the specialty and gain invaluable hands-on experiences."

Outside of class, Ishu enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, drawing, and sewing. Nature is also a big inspiration, and she enjoys finding beauty in it, especially flowers. Spending time with family is also incredibly important to her, and she said she cherishes every moment they have to share.

"Cooking is another passion of mine," she said. "Moving to Arizona and having my own space has been a great experience, giving me the chance to delve deeper into my culinary interests and try out new recipes. I love experimenting with new flavors, making the most of my love for cooking and creativity."

Ultimately, Ishu would like to become a skilled and exceptional orthodontist, dedicated to improving her patients' oral health and enhancing their quality of life.

"Unfortunately, orthodontists are often dismissed as actual dentists by the profession itself, based on the misconception that they solely focus on aligning teeth," she said. "While some orthodontists concentrate on aesthetics alone, my goal is to offer a more holistic approach. I am committed to becoming a provider who emphasizes comprehensive care."