Next Gen of the Month is a monthly Q&A with a dental student or new dentist where we ask them about their experiences and accomplishments thus far in their dentistry journey. This month we are featuring Athena Zhong, a fourth year DDS student at the University of Toronto. Athena has displayed leadership and professionalism by participating in a number of initiatives throughout her dental school journey, such as SPEA, and shares how she plans to continue to contribute to the dental profession after graduation.
What leadership roles have you held, and how have they shaped your journey in dentistry?
I currently serve as Co-President of the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA) chapter at the University of Toronto and represented our school at the 2024 ADEA Student Diversity Leadership Program, where I interact with peers to lead events and engage in meaningful discussions on ethics and professionalism.
As the class representative of the Dean’s Wellness Initiatives Working Group, a member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group, and a student representative on the Social Media Guidelines Subcommittee, I have had the privilege of sharing my voice and collaborating with faculty leadership to drive positive change.
Additionally, as a Co-Founder of the Gifts That Smile initiative and through my community service project providing relief for Sjögren’s Syndrome patients, I have worked directly with my community, distributing over 500 care packages and creating lasting impacts on peoples’ lives.
These experiences have taught me that by working on different scales, whether with peers, faculty, or community members, I can gain diverse perspectives enabling me to make a more meaningful impact in dentistry.
Can you speak about your SPEA involvement and what it has meant to you?
Through SPEA, I have had the opportunity to organize events on important topics including Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, RCDSO Complaints and Investigations, and Ethics Evening workshops. It has been a pleasure to engage closely with the American College of Dentists and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on professionalism and ethics in dentistry. I am grateful that, even as students and new graduates, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our profession.
What do you think set you apart for the International College of Dentists scholarship?
I believe it was a combination of leadership, a commitment to ethics and professionalism, and a desire to serve others. These core values inspired me to actively seek opportunities to spark meaningful conversations about the code of ethics and to engage in community service initiatives. I am deeply grateful to have been recognized with this scholarship, as it highlights the importance of these values in our profession.
What accomplishment are you most proud of as a dental student, apart from receiving the International College of Dentists scholarship?
My proudest accomplishment is learning to prioritize my mental and physical health. In my first year of dental school, the realization that my mother had Sjögren’s Syndrome led to a shift in my entire family’s perspective. We came to understand that without good health, we cannot achieve anything. I am motivated to make a difference, and by balancing nutrition, sleep, exercise, and time outdoors, I feel more equipped to reach my goals. Overall, maintaining my health enables me to provide the best care to my loved ones and my patients.
How do you balance academic excellence with leadership and extracurricular activities?
I maintain balance by carefully organizing my commitments using a detailed calendar. This approach helps me prioritize tasks and dedicate time to studying, leadership responsibilities, extracurricular activities, socializing with family and friends, and personal downtime. I have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy staying active through activities like horseback riding, hiking, and canoeing. By ensuring I make time for each of my interests, I stay motivated and focused on my work, and I can be fully present in the moments when it is time to relax and rejuvenate.
What areas of dentistry or community service are you most passionate about pursuing after graduation?
I am passionate about improving patients’ oral and overall health, with an emphasis on community outreach. It has been incredibly rewarding to provide care packages to underserved populations, including seniors, homeless youth, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Dentistry has given me the opportunity to make a profound impact by equipping me with the skills to relieve pain and improve a patient’s quality of life.
I have had the honour of volunteering at local dental clinics such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Yonge Street Mission, and Mount Sinai Hospital. This summer, I participated in the 1000 Smiles Dental Project, where I provided free dental care to residents of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, performing endodontic, restorative, and oral surgery procedures. One unforgettable moment was connecting with a patient to ease her anxiety. She shared her love for traditional Jamaican dances and even taught me a few dance moves. Though I am not a dancer, we laughed together as others joined in, creating a bond I will always remember.
What I love most about dentistry is that every person has a unique story, and our profession creates opportunities to connect with others even across cultures and borders. I look forward to continuing my involvement in dental outreach initiatives, making meaningful connections, and spreading smiles within my community and around the world.
How do you see yourself contributing to the dental profession in the next 5-10 years?
In the coming years, I see myself making meaningful contributions by continuing to engage in community service, committing to lifelong learning, promoting ethical practices, and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
I have cherished every opportunity to attend courses and conferences, where I am always inspired by the dedication of the leaders in our profession and their willingness to share their wealth of knowledge. Engaging in initiatives with organizations like the American College of Dentists, Ontario Dental Association and its Component Societies, and the American Dental Education Association has fuelled my passion for growth and service.
It has been a privilege to meet influential individuals who have generously shared their insights and experiences, thus shaping my journey. In the future, I hope to mentor aspiring dental professionals and foster their growth with the same support that I have been fortunate to receive.
Please feel free to find me on Instagram (@athenazhongdentistry), X (@AthenaZhong), or LinkedIn (Athena Zhong). I would be happy to connect!