We recently connected with Shivani Tumukuntala and have shared our conversation below.
Shivani, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.
Wow, it’s hard to believe graduation is just around the corner! Looking back at my time at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, it feels like a whirlwind of intense learning, challenging moments, and ultimately, immense growth.
Those first two years were definitely the hardest as it was a deep dive into the foundational sciences. We were immersed in lectures covering everything from the intricate details of head and neck anatomy to the complexities of systemic diseases and their oral manifestations. We are one of the few schools in the country that conduct a whole body dissection. It felt like building this massive framework of knowledge that everything else would eventually hang on.
But it wasn’t all textbooks and notes! The simulation lab became our second home. We spent countless hours hunched over models, meticulously learning the art and science of tooth preparation. Carving those perfect Class II preps or ensuring ideal reduction for a crown – it was all about developing that crucial hand-eye coordination and understanding the three-dimensional aspects of tooth structure. And then there was our mannequin which endured countless simulated impression takings, and even full mouth reconstructions in our eager hands. It might have felt a little strange talking to a plastic head, but it was an invaluable, low-pressure environment to master the fundamental techniques before we ever approached a real patient. Those late nights in the sim lab, fueled by coffee and the shared anxieties of perfecting our skills, really forged strong bonds with my classmates.
The transition to third year and finally seeing patients was exhilarating, and honestly, a little nerve-wracking. Suddenly, all that theoretical knowledge and simulated practice had a real-world application. Starting with basic procedures like comprehensive exams, cleanings, and simple restorations felt like taking those first tentative steps as a clinician. There was so much more to consider – patient anxieties, communication, managing different personalities and medical histories. It was a steep learning curve, but the faculty were incredibly supportive, providing guidance and constructive feedback every step of the way. Those early patient interactions, even the ones that didn’t go perfectly, were crucial for building confidence and developing our clinical judgment.
And then came this past year – my final year – which has been truly transformative, particularly the away rotations in underserved areas. That aspect of the OSU program is something I feel incredibly grateful for. It was an eye-opening experience to work in communities where access to dental care can be limited. You see firsthand the impact that oral health has on overall well-being and the significant need that exists. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, exposed me to a wider variety of cases and patient demographics, and really solidified my commitment to providing compassionate and accessible care. From managing complex extractions with limited resources to educating patients on preventative measures, those rotations were an invaluable learning experience that went far beyond the technical aspects of dentistry.
Looking back, my training at Ohio State has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. The rigorous academic curriculum, the hands-on experience in the simulation lab and clinics, and especially the opportunity to serve in underserved communities have all shaped me into the graduating dentist I am today. I feel well-prepared to enter the profession, equipped with a strong clinical foundation, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a deep understanding of the importance of giving back. I’m excited for what the future holds, and I’m so thankful for the education and experiences as I head to Dallas, TX to start my career.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Shivani is a passionate and driven graduating dental student from The Ohio State University, bringing a unique and multifaceted perspective to the dental world. While her undergraduate journey began with a strong foundation in the sciences – holding degrees in Medical Sciences and Philosophy from The University of Cincinnati – her path to dentistry was a deliberate evolution driven by a confluence of interests. Initially drawn to the prospect of a career in medicine, Shivani’s entrepreneurial spirit and keen interest in the business aspects of healthcare began to take center stage. This, coupled with a deep-seated appreciation for the arts and the transformative power of aesthetics, led her to recognize dentistry as the ideal intersection of her diverse passions. She saw in dentistry not only the opportunity to improve health and well-being but also the potential to blend scientific precision with artistic skill to create confident and healthy smiles.
Her training at Ohio State has been rigorous and comprehensive. The initial two years provided a strong academic bedrock, delving into the fundamental sciences within the classroom while simultaneously honing crucial psychomotor skills in the simulation lab. Working with models and practicing diligently on mannequins like “Dexter” allowed her to develop the foundational techniques essential for clinical practice. The transition to third year marked a significant step, as she began treating patients under faculty supervision, applying her knowledge to real-world scenarios and developing essential patient management skills. The final year of her program culminated in valuable away rotations in underserved areas, an experience that deeply resonated with her commitment to service and provided invaluable insight into the diverse needs of different communities.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Shivani’s passions extend to exploring new cultures through travel, maintaining an active lifestyle at the gym, and actively advocating for health equity. This well-rounded approach, combined with her unique journey into dentistry, underscores her dedication to not only transforming smiles but also making a meaningful and positive impact on her community. As she embarks on her dental career, Shivani is poised to bring her distinctive blend of scientific understanding, business acumen, artistic sensibility, and commitment to service to the forefront of oral healthcare.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
talk about how I was in medicine and wanted to go to mmedical school but became a scribe in th emrgency de[aartment where I spokee with physicians and attendings and residents who all said to not go espeicaly with my communication creativity and leaaderships skills. Iw anted to usee those skillls to builld annd maiintian my own pratice
Shivani’s journey to dentistry was anything but linear, marked by a pivotal experience that ultimately redirected her path. Initially set on pursuing a career in medicine after her undergraduate studies in Medical Sciences and Philosophy at The University of Cincinnati, her aspirations took a significant turn during her time working as a scribe in a bustling emergency department. Immersed in the fast-paced environment, Shivani had the unique opportunity to engage directly with a wide range of medical professionals – attending physicians, residents, and seasoned doctors. Through countless conversations, she gained invaluable firsthand insight into the realities of the medical profession.
Interestingly, it was these very physicians who recognized Shivani’s exceptional interpersonal abilities and leadership potential, qualities that stood out amidst the demanding clinical setting. They consistently remarked on her strong communication skills, her creative approach to problem-solving, and her natural leadership qualities. Surprisingly, many of these experienced medical professionals, witnessing her unique skillset, advised her to reconsider the traditional medical route. They suggested that her talents might be better suited to a field where she could leverage her communication prowess, creative thinking, and leadership abilities more directly, particularly in the realm of building and managing her own practice.
This feedback resonated deeply with Shivani, who had also been exploring her entrepreneurial inclinations and her desire to have greater autonomy in her professional life. The idea of building and maintaining her own practice, where she could directly shape the patient experience and foster a unique and positive environment, began to take root. Coupled with her inherent appreciation for aesthetics and the tangible impact of a healthy smile, dentistry emerged as the perfect avenue to synthesize her diverse interests and utilize her distinctive strengths. It offered the ideal blend of healthcare service, the opportunity for creative and meticulous work, and the potential to build and lead a thriving business rooted in patient care. This pivotal experience in the emergency department served as a powerful catalyst, guiding Shivani towards a career in dentistry where her communication, creativity, and leadership skills would not only be valued but would also be instrumental in achieving her professional aspirations.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
My journey through dental school at Ohio State was as much about academic and clinical learning as it was about personal growth, particularly in stepping outside my comfort zone. Initially, like many, I had a tendency to gravitate towards tasks and procedures where I felt confident and in control, the things I knew I could execute well. However, the demanding and multifaceted nature of dentistry quickly taught me that true learning and progress often lie in venturing beyond those familiar boundaries.
There were countless moments where I had to consciously push myself to try things that felt daunting or where the possibility of not succeeding loomed large. Whether it was attempting a more complex restorative case in the clinic for the first time, tackling a challenging extraction, or even simply presenting a difficult case to a room full of faculty and peers, each instance required me to confront the fear of failure.
I remember vividly the first time I had to perform a specific surgical procedure. My hands were shaking slightly, and a wave of self-doubt washed over me. It would have been easy to ask for more direct assistance or to stick to procedures I felt more adept at. But I realized that avoiding these challenges would ultimately limit my growth and prevent me from becoming a well-rounded clinician. With the support and guidance of my instructors, I took a deep breath and proceeded, knowing that even if the outcome wasn’t perfect, the learning experience would be invaluable.
There were definitely times when things didn’t go exactly as planned. A preparation might not have been ideal on the first try, or a patient case might have presented unexpected complexities. In those moments, the temptation to retreat to safer territory was strong. However, the culture at OSU encouraged us to view these “failures” not as setbacks, but as crucial learning opportunities. The emphasis was on analyzing what went wrong, understanding the underlying reasons, and developing strategies for improvement.
This process of unlearning the need for constant success was transformative. It fostered resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace challenges. I learned that growth often comes from those uncomfortable moments, from pushing past perceived limitations, and from understanding that not every attempt will be a resounding success. It’s in those experiences of navigating uncertainty and learning from mistakes that true confidence and competence are forged. By the time I reached my away rotations in underserved areas, I felt a greater sense of preparedness and a willingness to tackle a wider range of cases, knowing that even in unfamiliar territory, the ability to learn and adapt was my greatest asset. This journey of stepping outside my comfort zone has not only made me a more capable dental professional but also a more resilient and confident individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tshivani98.wixsite.com/riseandfloss
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseandfloss
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-tumukuntala/
