Serene Elbach

UConn School of Dental Medicine

I was born and raised in the Northshore area of Boston, Massachusetts. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to volunteer with the underserved in Revere, Massachusetts and Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. As a Revere COVID-19 volunteer, I came to understand what a giving and compassionate community looks like and how people’s desire to help those in need can unite them. Volunteering with Syrian refugee children in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon allowed me to understand the importance of overcoming cultural and language barriers to build trust with others. It also led me to a better understanding of the importance of service and humanitarian aid to underserved populations. I hope to bridge the gap between quality dental care and disadvantaged patients, and to help them achieve pain-free smiles!

One of the reasons I chose UConn School of Dental Medicine was because of the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars (UST/AHEC) Program. I knew from the start that as a future dentist, I wanted to focus my career on aiding underserved populations. Many people tend to neglect their oral health, especially those who experience barriers to quality dental care. I believe that the UST/AHEC program will teach me how to properly advocate for underserved patients’ dental health, and help me develop the skills I will need to successfully serve these populations.