Jennifer Hunter, D.D.S., didn’t always know that pediatric dentistry was her calling. Now, as she prepares to complete her residency and step into the role of an assistant professor of pediatric dentistry, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve learned to never say never and be open to any opportunities,” Hunter said. “When I graduated from dental school eleven years ago, I said I was never going back to school. But here I am on a new and exciting journey as a pediatric dentist and an educator.”

Hunter graduated with her B.S. from Howard University in 2011 before venturing to the University of Michigan to earn her D.D.S. After working in private practice for several years, she decided it was time to go back to school and specialize in pediatric dentistry. And her decision led her to VCU School of Dentistry.

“I had a great impression of VCU after attending an open house,” Hunter said. “It gave me the opportunity to talk with faculty and current residents and get a feel for what VCU was about. Everyone seemed like a family, and I was also drawn to how diverse the school was. It felt like a homecoming when I got in.”

Even before her residency, Hunter saw early on the importance of education and reaching out a hand to provide others with opportunities. Although she had an early interest in the profession, Hunter first began to truly envision herself as a dentist and take the first steps by participating in dental exploration programs while in high school and undergraduate studies.

“While I was in high school and early college, I really took every opportunity to immerse myself in different experiences and learn more about dentistry,” Hunter said.

She recalled the pivotal moment of participating in the Summer Medical and Dental Educational Program (SMDEP) at Rice University in Houston, Texas. The six-week program allowed Hunter to learn clinical skills in the simulation lab and dive deeper into the application process and requirements for dental school. It was also an opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals and form connections that would last a lifetime. 

“It was an introduction to what a career in dentistry could be,” Hunter said. “It gave me the motivation and certainty that I needed to know I was on the right track.”

Hunter also participated in a dental career exploration program at the University of Michigan called Profiles for Success, which she said solidified her desire to be a dentist. Her experience in the program led her to ultimately attend dental school in Michigan. It was a full circle moment for Hunter, as it allowed her to also serve as a mentor and motivator to students on the same path that she traveled.

She spent nearly a decade in private practice, where she found fulfillment in providing patient care and seeing her work make a difference in people’s lives. Slowly but surely, she began to gain more interest in pediatric dentistry and eventually pursued a residency. It was during her residency that she also began to gain more interest in teaching.

“I had the opportunity to teach third-and fourth-year dental students during my residency and that really set the stage for me,” Hunter recalled. “I found fulfillment in passing on wisdom and knowledge.”

The journey at VCU continues for Hunter, who will be transitioning from resident to faculty at the start of the fall semester. She is the first pediatric dentistry resident at VCU SoD in 12 years to make this transition, and she follows in the footsteps of her program’s director. 

Tiffany Williams, D.D.S., M.S.D., M.Ed., FACD, serves as the director of the pediatric dentistry residency program. Over the past two years, she worked closely with Hunter, and saw early on that she had great potential as an educator. Williams also transitioned from resident to faculty.

“I have seen incredible growth in Dr. Hunter in these last two years and it was evident early on that she was a budding leader and role model,” said Williams. “I often jokingly encouraged her to pursue academics. It made me incredibly happy when she inquired of the faculty position.”

Along with Williams, Hunter cited both her parents and fellow pediatric dentist and associate professor, Paula Coates, D.D.S., M.S., as significant motivators and influences. Coates served as Hunter’s principal investigator and was the one who interviewed her prior to starting her residency. Their combined support that saw her through the challenges of completing her residency.

"Throughout these past two years, I have watched Dr. Hunter evolve into the strong leader that she is, ready to embark on her career in academia," said Coates. "She transformed from an observant, cautious first year resident into an effective, successful, organized and strong Co-Chief Resident during her second year. And now, she will continue that positive trajectory as faculty."

Now, it’s her time to pay it forward and be a mentor and motivator to students and residents at VCU School of Dentistry as a faculty member.

As a faculty member, Hunter hopes to instill a level of confidence in her students.

“I remember what it was like being a student,” Hunter said. “Especially when it comes to treating children, it can be challenging. I know confidence grows over time, but my goal is to help guide them and help them be as prepared as they can be.”

As an individual, one can hope to help as many people as they can. But an educator gives others the skills to help others and make an even greater impact, according to Hunter.

“I may not be able to reach and help every child in need,” Hunter said. “But through my teaching, I’m able to have a bigger outreach because those students are going to go on to treat more and more individuals. Having a hand in their education and their drive to help others is the most rewarding part.”