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LaTina Emerson
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Georgia State University
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Kripa Sharma (B.I.S. ’23) hopes to one day increase access to dental care and bridge healthcare disparities.
ATLANTA — Growing up, whenever Kripa Sharma (B.I.S. ’23) had problems with her teeth, she had dentists who made her feel at ease. Their warmth and compassion inspired her to pursue a career in dentistry.
This fall, Sharma, a graduate of the Biomedical Science and Enterprise bachelor’s program in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences and the Honors College at Georgia State, will attend Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Neb. She wants to become a dentist to bridge healthcare disparities that prevent many people from receiving dental care.
“I know many individuals who are reluctant to get their teeth checked due to the high cost of dental care, including my own relatives from India, which prevents them from receiving the proper treatment they need,” Sharma said. “In many countries worldwide, visiting and receiving treatment from dentists can be expensive, and dentistry is often not valued as highly as medical care due to a lack of proper education about its importance.”
As a dental student and later a dentist, Sharma aims to participate in mission trips to provide dental care to patients and educate the public on the importance of oral health, which she emphasizes is critical to a person’s overall health and well-being.
“Ultimately, I want to increase accessibility and awareness of dental care and would also like to open my private practice one day that emphasizes these commitments,” Sharma said.
The native of Cumming, Ga., is the first in her family to pursue a career in science or medicine. She has always been passionate about science and pursuing a healthcare career.
Over the years, Sharma has shadowed many dentists and watched them gracefully perform procedures such as fillings, root canals and extractions, relieving anxious patients.
“This stood out to me because it showed that dentistry is not only about perfecting technical skills, but also about forming meaningful, trusting relationships with patients,” Sharma said. “Seeing the immediate results of the work you put into treating a patient’s mouth, their trust in you and their positive reaction is, I think, undoubtedly the best part of being a dentist.”
During her first and second years at Georgia State, the COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges. Knowing that she needed to maintain good grades to gain acceptance into medical or dental school, Sharma had to adjust to online classes and find ways to be a well-rounded candidate.
“With COVID-19 affecting my opportunities, I was concerned about how things might turn out,” Sharma said. “I pushed myself to perform to my fullest potential in academics and extracurriculars, continually exploring and seeking new opportunities to become a stronger candidate and form meaningful connections.”
Sharma chose the Biomedical Science and Enterprise bachelor’s program because she was confident it would thoroughly prepare her for either medical or dental school. She also recognized that if she decided to explore different career paths, the program’s diverse opportunities would allow her to pursue teaching, healthcare or research.
Through her studies, she gained a strong foundation in science and became aware of entrepreneurial opportunities in the field.
“The Biomedical Science and Enterprise program equipped me with the scientific knowledge necessary to excel in dental school, particularly in understanding disease mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels, helping me to understand complex oral health issues,” Sharma said. “The program also helped me prepare for dental school by allowing me to take courses in business, entrepreneurship and law, which broadened my understanding of the fundamental principles of running a successful business.”
As a student, Sharma also gained hands-on research experience in Dr. Didier Merlin’s lab, which is focused on improving the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using nanotechnology. The research team explored how tiny particles can deliver drugs directly to inflamed areas in the digestive tract, aiming for more precise and effective treatment with fewer side effects throughout the body, compared to traditional methods, she said.
“I chose to participate in Dr. Merlin’s research because the concept of targeted drug delivery using nanotechnology and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of IBD truly fascinated me,” Sharma said. “It made me wonder how nanoparticles could impact dentistry, especially in the realm of oral cancer treatment and gum disease, by delivering drugs in a manner that could minimize side effects and alleviate discomfort for patients, recognizing the mouth’s sensitivity.”
Outside the classroom, Sharma worked as an English tutor at Eye Level and volunteered at Meals by Grace and Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures to provide food to underserved communities and education on the importance of oral hygiene.
After completing her degree at Georgia State, Sharma took a gap year to shadow dentists and work in a dental lab, where she assisted with constructing invisible and permanent retainers. These experiences confirmed her interest in the field and strengthened her candidacy for dental school. During this time, she also prepared for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and broadened her network within the dental community.
As she begins this new chapter of her academic career, Sharma is grateful to the faculty of the Biomedical Science and Enterprise program.
“They are extremely dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for success and offer valuable insights into potential career opportunities,” Sharma said. “They make each student feel heard, understood and supported every step of the way.”
— Story by LaTina Emerson