Dental Student Blends Art and Science on TikTok

USA: Karsen Springfield, a first-year dental student at the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry, is following in the footsteps of her parents while carving out her own unique path in the field. Springfield’s parents, both graduates of the same institution, have instilled in her a passion for dentistry that combines her love for art and science.

“I like science and art, maybe it’s dentistry,” Springfield reflected, explaining her decision to pursue the profession. “It was the only thing that blends my two interests.”

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Social Media as a Platform for Education and Inspiration

Springfield has taken to TikTok to document her journey through dental school, sharing her experiences and insights with a growing audience. Her account, “Karrrsen,” has amassed over 32,000 followers, with her first dentistry video garnering an impressive 15 million views.

The content spans a wide range, from demonstrating dental wax-ups to offering advice on the Dental Admissions Test. Springfield’s approach is not only entertaining but serves a deeper purpose:

“I thought I will start posting more advice about how to get in and what we’re doing throughout the day-to-day,” she explained. “Just making sure that people who look like me or people who might not be as fortunate as I was to be handed so many resources to get where I am, can still have a fighting chance.”

Highlighting the Artistic Side of Dentistry

One of Springfield’s key motivations is to showcase the often-overlooked artistic aspect of dentistry. She believes that highlighting this dimension could attract more talented individuals to the field:

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“I think if more people knew that, then it could be better for our field in general, because there’s so many people that would be so good at this, but maybe they don’t want to pursue it because they don’t really know what it’s all about,” Springfield remarked.

Balancing Studies with Extracurricular Activities

Despite her social media presence, Springfield remains deeply committed to her studies and professional development. She is an active member of several organisations, including the American Student Dental Association, where she was selected as a D1 representative for the District 4 Annual Conference.

Springfield also serves as treasurer on the D1 class executive board and participates in The Thrive Project, a student organisation focused on the well-being of dental students. Her involvement extends to community service, recently participating in a winter clothing donation event at the Memphis Union Mission.

Global Perspective and Family Influence

Springfield’s family background has given her a unique perspective on dental care globally. Her uncle, who runs the Haitian Christian Mission, has opened her eyes to the disparities in dental care around the world:

“My uncle will tell me, ‘All we do is extractions and fillings because we don’t have all the equipment to do other complex things,'” Springfield shared. This insight has made her appreciate the advanced technology available at her institution while also considering the broader challenges in global dental health.

Looking to the Future

As Springfield continues her journey towards becoming a general dentist, her innovative approach to sharing her experiences is not only demystifying the field for potential future dentists but also highlighting the intersection of art and science in dentistry. Her story serves as an inspiration for those considering a career in dentistry, demonstrating that with passion and creativity, one can make a significant impact even while still in training.