Jennifer Tang, a third-year student at the UW School of Dentistry, has been named to the 2023 cohort of the University of Washington’s Husky 100, the university announced.
The Husky 100 annually recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses who are making the most of their time at the UW. Students are evaluated on the basis of applying what they learn to make a difference on campus and in their communities, as well as their capacity for leadership and commitment to an inclusive community.
The Seattle native graduated in 2015 from the UW with a Bachelor of Science in biology (molecular, cellular and developmental) and a minor in global health. After receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health-Dental Hygiene from Seattle Central College in 2020, Tang enrolled in the School of Dentistry that summer.
“UW has helped me grow from a pre-dental student to a leader in the dental field,” said Tang. “Becoming a member of the Husky 100 has provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my Husky experience while sharing the impacts I have made in my community.”
Tang currently serves as co-president of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Interest Group, pre-dental co-chair for the UW chapter of the American Student Dental Association, president of Husky Health Bridge, media manager for the UW chapter of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD), and a student lead for the School of Dentistry’s outreach at Seattle Union Gospel Mission’s dental clinic, where she volunteers regularly as a dental hygienist during her school breaks.
“My leadership positions have allowed me to use the knowledge from my undergraduate and graduate courses to create effective dental outreach events and an impact on my community,” said Tang.
“Throughout her schooling Jennifer has continuously volunteered her time to alleviate suffering in others,” said Dr. Sue Coldwell, Associate Dean for Student Services and Admissions, who nominated Tang for the Husky 100 award. “Jennifer is resilient and focused on a long-term educational trajectory. She intends to make a difference.”
The combination of her leadership activities and what she’s learned in school are helping pave the way to her future success as a dentist, a goal she can envision clearly. Tang’s dental journey sparked her desire to be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
“My dentist sparked my childhood dream of becoming a dentist,” said Tang. “I was inspired by the way he was able to diagnose and treat pain related to the eruption of molars. I was fascinated by the way a tooth could have such a significant impact on a person’s overall health. My experiences with assisting with wisdom tooth extractions ignited my love for oral and maxillofacial surgery.”
Upon graduating, Tang plans to enroll in an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. “I also plan to continue my volunteer work with Seattle Union Gospel Mission’s dental clinic,” she said. “After a few years, I would like to participate in the WSDA mentor program in order to support future dentists.” The Washington State Dental Association program pairs practicing dentists with dental students to give the students the benefit of real-world insights.
Tang, now engaged in her endodontic clerkship clinical rotation at the school, also enjoys exercising and competing with the Husky Wushu (a performance-based martial art) team, where she’s won several awards.