Class Year: 2028
Program: Doctor of Dental Medicine
Ananta B. Datta—a first-year dental student at the School of Dental Medicine—brings a unique blend of interdisciplinary experience and a passion for community outreach with him to Case Western Reserve University.
During his undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario, Datta participated in collaborative projects that brought together students from diverse educational backgrounds. One assignment required the team to evaluate a program for a women's temporary housing program, interviewing residents and staff, making recommendations to better address residents' needs, developing a strategy to track outcomes and providing methods to conduct future evaluations.
The project, which made a tangible impact on the lives of the residents, sparked Datta’s passion for community work, which he is eager to incorporate in his career as he seeks to focus on community outreach and care for underserved communities.
"Beyond the hands-on work, what excites me about dentistry is the ability to take a proactive role,” he said. “As a dentist, I hope to inspire my patients to be active participants in their own oral health so they can avoid issues altogether."
Datta was drawn to the CWRU dental school for its combination of exposure to a variety of specialties and a strong general dentistry training program. The postdoctoral programs at the university were particularly appealing as he explores options within the field to determine the best fit for his career.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his education, Datta remains grounded by a personal mantra: This too shall pass. For Datta, that simple quote underscores the transient nature of everyday life, motivates him during difficult times and serves as a reminder to stay humble during moments of success.