Name: Joey Tuyen Tran

Medical Title/Credentials: Dental Student

IG: @joeydentistry

School/Program: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry class of 2024. I graduated from the University of Irvine in 2019.

Favorite Hobby: Anything that allows me to utilize my artistic skills and creativity, photography, and going to the beach.

Why did you choose this profession? My love for dentistry started from my early interest in makeup, and I realized that working with people and making them feel beautiful and uplifted is what I want to do. The vision I have for myself in dentistry is to not only provide patients with the best treatment, but also to create a positive impact on their lives.

Biggest Inspiration: My biggest inspiration is my family. We were immigrants coming from Vietnam in 2010, and although my parents speak hardly any English and had to accept low-paying jobs, they value education and constantly work hard to provide my sister and I with so many opportunities in our lives. 

Current Passion Project: My dental instagram blog @joeydentistry and CampMed at UCI – a non-profit educational-enrichment program that influences the younger generation to pursue a higher education and to follow their dreams.

Fun Fact: Before dental school, I went to a modeling casting in LA for the experience, and I got booked for a photoshoot.

Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field? Be yourself and know yourself. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses gives you a better understanding of who you are as an applicant.

Any other piece of advice, motivational quote, or message you would like to share? “All Roads Lead to Rome” – There are many different ways of reaching the same goal. So, no matter who you are and what your abilities are, don’t be afraid to keep trying and getting to the finish line.