Dental Student Profile

Hunt School of Dental Medicine Student Profile: Rhea Neycheril

“I think the biggest impact I’ll have as a student at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine is being able to serve the Borderland region where so many are lacking dental care.”

Tell us a little about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

I grew up in Missouri City, Texas, a suburb of Houston. My family is from South India and now lives in Houston. I went to undergraduate school at the University of Houston and majored in nutrition.

Who or what moment inspired you to go into dentistry?

Both of my parents work in the medical field, so I was exposed to the health care environment growing up. In high school, I shadowed physicians, but I didn’t really enjoy that. When I shadowed a dentist, I realized I did enjoy dentistry. I like the combo of health care and business relevant to dentistry.

What aspects of the unique curriculum are you most looking forward to?

I like how we’re learning Spanish. I learned some Spanish in middle and high school, and I enjoy speaking it, so this exposure to clinical Spanish is exciting. I’m also looking forward to gaining the dental skills I need. Starting as a student, you aren’t sure what skills are needed to improve. The unique thing about dental school is learning dental procedures by practicing them. You find a skill set you didn’t have before.

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

Sometimes when I’m going through something initially, I don’t realize how historically significant it is. In this case, I know when I look back 10 years down the road, I’ll be amazed that I was part of the first class at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine and helped pave the way for other students. This is a unique experience and opportunity.

Have you received any life-changing support you would like to mention?

The unconditional love and support from my parents, Thomas and Deepa, and my sister, Rachel, have been life-changing. They always encourage me and have high hopes and dreams for me.

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

Pre-dental and dental students need to have a growth mindset and be comfortable with the uncomfortable. We’re used to studying for exams, but in dental school, we start from the bottom and learn from scratch. It’s a long process to excel at these skills, and you need humility to accept you won’t be great at it right off the bat.

What challenges have made you who you are?

Every challenge I’ve faced played a role in shaping me into who I am today. More than my challenges, it’s seeing my mom and dad’s challenges and how much they sacrificed to give us a good life. They gave me these resources and showed me it’s up to me to use those resources to empower myself.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I like spending quality time with family and friends. I enjoy making people happy and laughing with them. It’s the simple things that mean a lot.