Min Son ’20

My name is Min Son ’20 (left in photo), and I am a fourth-year dental student at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). Committed to community service and healthcare advocacy, I co-founded BRIDGES at HSDM, an organization focused on bridging the gap between patients and clinicians both locally and globally. We collaborate with Y2Y Harvard Square and Boston Health Care for the Homeless to improve access to dental care for Boston’s homeless youth population. Additionally, we partner with Dentists for Humanity to create opportunities for dental students to provide free dental services in the Dominican Republic, fostering a culture of giving back.

Clinically, my primary interest is in endodontics—commonly known as root canal therapy. I value saving teeth, relieving pain, and exploring the complexities of our oral nervous system.

I have been involved in writing continuing education papers for general dentists and endodontists on the prognosis and outcomes of endodontic treatments. I’ve also co-authored a presentation on cracked teeth showcased at the Asian Endodontic Conference in Taiwan, furthering collaborative dialogue within the field.

I have also been involved in bench research focusing on neurogenic changes in the pulpal tissues of hypomineralized teeth. I am honored to have been accepted into Boston University’s MSD program in Endodontics, where I will continue my training over the next three years following graduation.

Outside of dentistry, I’ve grown to love running along the Charles River, a hobby that helps me unwind. I’ve also taken up squash and tennis and continue to pursue my passion for dance, which began during my time at Ursinus.

How did Ursinus prepare you for your future career aspirations?

Ursinus truly shaped my values and perspective that is absolutely necessary to become a competent healthcare provider. My beginning at Ursinus was the FUTURE program, where I researched with Dr. Ellen Dawley and took classes with other minority students. Being emerged in diversity, I quickly came to realize my prejudices and biases.

With CIE and UCARE, I had the opportunity to learn about the systems of oppression and to advocate for underserved communities.

With the Melrose Global Civic Engagement Fellows and the UCARE Service Fellows, I formed a habit of service that addressed local and global needs. Finally, I took advantage of the summer fellows program and the independent studies program to take my learnings about service, community, and advocacy into dental ethics.