Giving Patients the Transformative Power of a Healthy Smile

Growing up, Daniel found himself spending more time at the dentist than most as he dealt with cavities, root canals and braces. “All of these factors severely affected my self-esteem but once I received the necessary dental care, I truly understood the transformative power of a healthy smile. The dentist helped me feel comfortable and confident in my own skin, which had an enormous positive effect on my mental and emotional well-being,” Daniel explains.

This realization solidified Daniel’s desire to pursue dentistry. “Choosing dentistry is an opportunity to combine my passions and my personal experiences to help others in a unique way. My vision has always been to help people achieve their best smile and feel truly confident in it, bridging the gap between aesthetics and emotional health,” he says.

Daniel chose Touro for his undergraduate education, attending its New York School of Career and Applied Studies (NYSCAS). “I’ve seen how well Touro prepares individuals for their careers,” he says. “Touro cares about their students and the personal attention and genuine interest in their students' success were clear from the start. This, combined with Touro’s alignment with my religious beliefs, made it an easy choice for me. This sense of belonging and validation is why I stayed in the Touro family for my dental studies.”

Now a student at Touro College of Dental Medicine, Daniel has enjoyed the same attention and mentoring from dedicated faculty. “The professors want us to grow and excel, which is incredibly motivating. I feel like I am surrounded by family. Every day, I’m thankful to be part of a community that not only educates, but also cares deeply about each student’s well-being and helps you grow, succeed and feel like you truly belong. Knowing I have this support allows me to focus more on becoming a skilled dentist, as well as a compassionate and empathetic one who truly understands and cares for patients.”

Daniel also appreciates how Touro Dental is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring students are learning the most innovative and cutting-edge dental practices, from digital dentistry to 3D printing. In a field that is constantly evolving, staying updated is key to providing patients with the best care, Daniel acknowledges. He especially values his time in the lab. “Lab is hours of hands-on practice where I really get to perfect my dental skills. It's also my chance to absorb as much knowledge as I can from our professors. I’ll often ask, ‘How can I improve this technique?’ or ‘What can I be doing differently?’ They’re right there to show me the ropes. It’s this kind of direct feedback that’s helping me grow,” he says.

Looking ahead, Daniel hopes to use his education at Touro Dental to specialize in orthodontics, a field he is particularly passionate about, given his own experiences growing up. “When I received orthodontic treatment, I was suddenly more confident and open to opportunities, which greatly improved my social interactions and personal growth. I would like to bring similar positive changes to others. It's not just about cosmetic improvement; it's about enhancing their overall quality of life,” he says enthusiastically.

Making people laugh and putting them at ease has always been Daniel’s forte. “It plays a key role in my approach to dentistry. I aim to fill my practice with humor and warmth, so patients leave with healthier smiles as well as lighter hearts. My goal as a dentist is to attend to the physical aspects of my patients, and also to uplift their spirits, making them laugh and smile with confidence.”