Job Shadowing (4 points)- Arielle Kinch

I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Zerita Buchanan, a dentist and proud alumna of Spelman College. The activity took place in her dental office, where I observed patient consultations, restorative procedures, and the overall workflow of a private practice. The main theme of the experience centered on patient-centered care, professionalism, and the importance of representation in healthcare. As someone currently training to become a dental assistant and pursuing dentistry as a career, this experience was both affirming and instructive. I felt inspired and motivated throughout the experience. Seeing a Spelman alumna thriving in dentistry made my goals feel tangible and achievable. What stood out most was how Dr. Buchanan balanced clinical excellence with compassion. She took time to educate her patients about procedures, ensuring they felt comfortable and informed. I was particularly interested in how she communicated complex dental concepts in accessible language. The most challenging aspect for me was observing the precision and efficiency required during procedures—it reinforced the level of technical mastery dentistry demands.