Dental Student Profile

Hunt School of Dental Medicine Student Profile: Joshua Tankel

“As part of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural class, I can help set the foundation for future students from leadership and service-oriented perspectives that will last for many years to come.”

Who or what moment inspired you to go into dentistry?

After I got my braces, had my wisdom teeth extracted and a root canal many years later, I knew dentistry was my calling. I knew I wanted to help others the same way my doctors helped me.

Why is the Hunt School of Dental Medicine the best place for you?

The Hunt School of Dental Medicine provides a wealth of opportunities to learn invaluable skills early in my education.

How does it feel to be part of the inaugural class at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine?

I feel both humbled and ecstatic about being part of the inaugural class at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. I always tell my friends that I’m one of the “Founding Fathers” of the school, which sounds like a prestigious title but also comes with great responsibility to be both the roots and the backbone of the student body for generations to come.

What kind of impact do you hope to have on the community as a dental student at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine? And after?

I hope to start sustainable and impactful projects in the community that will help the community improve their oral health and increase access to oral health services and prevention techniques. Knowing that the dental school is in a statistically underserved community, I must help ensure that every person in the community receives the highest level of care possible.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to those aspiring to go into dentistry? 

To everyone aspiring to go into dentistry, make sure that you are 100% determined and ready to pursue the dream to make it a reality. Such a profession is invaluable and greatly rewarding, but it’s also a monumental life decision.

Do you have any family you would like to mention?

I would like to give my indebted thanks to my mom and dad, Allison and Scott, my younger brothers, Matt and Ben, and even my dog Scarlet, all of whom have remained by my side, instilling optimism and determination in me, both when times get tough and when times are greater than ever.

Where do you see yourself five years after you complete dental school?

I plan to pursue my two dreams of improving smiles while dedicating myself to lifelong learning. I see myself opening an orthodontics practice while actively pursuing the Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry.   

What is something about you people might not know?

People might not know that I’m Jewish and proud of my Jewish faith. I love to spread the knowledge and involvement of its cultural festivities with my friends and community. In a community where not many people observe Judaism, I’m enthusiastic at the prospect of sharing my heritage with others.

What do you like most about El Paso, or do you find unique about the region? 

I love the cuisine and scenery. The food in El Paso is unmatched compared to Austin, where I went to school for four years, and the scenery is outstanding. I’ve never lived in an area where I can hike mountains located only minutes away and feel like I’m on top of the world.