Aysha Hoang

UConn School of Dental Medicine

I was born in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up just across the Mystic River in Chelsea, Massachusetts. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics with a minor in studio art from Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts.

I have worked as a dental assistant at a private practice in Dorchester, Massachusetts that primarily works with immigrants from Vietnam and Cape Verde. I sought out work in this community of Boston in particular for its large Vietnamese population; what I desire most is to contribute to and learn more about the health of underserved communities like the one I grew up in. As a dental assistant, I observed how socio-cultural and socio-economic factors affect health outcomes and patient relationships. I have also volunteered as a counselor on Planned Parenthood’s Sexual Health Hotline, where I supported and empowered callers with the information they needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

I want to join the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars (UST/AS) Program in order to learn how I can best serve and uplift marginalized communities as a dentist, and tackle the unique challenges they face alongside other healthcare professionals. I believe that interprofessional education and teamwork are crucial to providing patients with holistic care, and I hope to foster those skills through the UST/AS Program’s curriculum, mentorship, and clinical exposure. I believe that being a part of this network of like-minded students and clinicians will inspire me and keep me grounded throughout my dental school experience at UConn.