‘I Want to Join the Service’

When I walked into the Navy recruiter's office 20 years ago, I stated, ‘I want to join the service, but only if I can be a dental assistant, because one day I want to be a dentist.”

Joining the Navy allowed me to experience diversity among dentists for the first time. While serving on active duty, I was privileged to work alongside male and female providers and dental assistants of various backgrounds, creeds, colors, and religions. Growing up in the inner city of Coconut Grove, Florida, I did not have the privilege to experience diversity among dentists, so my exposure to this new environment in the U.S. Navy shifted my perspective; I realized that it didn’t matter where I was from or how I grew up; the opportunity to become a dentist was also available to me.

My military service has been transformative. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive knowledge and training and developed essential leadership skills. It has helped shape the woman I am today—one who sets goals and achieves them despite personal fears and adversities.

Although my journey to dentistry has been a long one, every experience has equipped me to connect with those who may feel overlooked and meet people where they are while helping them develop their natural skills and talents.

My goal as a dentist is to become a community advocate for underserved populations and serve as a positive role model for black and brown youth to see worldwide. I hope to serve my patients and community through servant leadership, just as I have served my country.

—Kentoya Bryant is a third-year student at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She was formerly a dental assistant in the United States Navy, and is a 20-year veteran of the Navy.

Our Tufts is a series of personal stories shared by members of the Tufts community and featured on both Tufts Now and Instagram.