Tooth Talk: Q&A with Cristina Troshin DMD AS 26
In our Q&A series, “Tooth Talk,” we are sitting down with GSDM students and residents to learn more about their paths to Boston University, their time at GSDM, and how they have made Boston their home.
For the latest edition, we spoke with Cristina Troshin DMD AS 26. She discussed her journey from the Republic of Moldova to the United States and her never-wavering commitment to working as a dentist.
Want more Tooth Talk? Read the rest of the series on the Tooth Talk newsfeed page.
Questions and responses have been edited for clarity, context information, and length.
When did you first know you wanted to become a dentist?
There were a couple of factors. When I was in high school, I had a best friend who was like my sister. She is from a medical family, and she told me she was going to medical school to become a doctor. I was more into math, but guess what? I didn’t want to lose her as a friend, so I told her that I wanted to go into the medical field too.
Then I was horseback riding and I fell, breaking one tooth. I went through so much pain, and I felt in my heart that I needed to be in the dental field. Finally, my sister needed an orthodontic treatment, and she was a different person afterwards. All these factors pushed me into dentistry. I was accepted right away into dental school. Someone once said if everything in your life goes smoothly in one direction, that’s your way.
What was your initial dental education and professional experience like?
I am originally from the Republic of Moldova. I did a five-year DMD program right after high school. I studied general medicine, biochemistry, microbiology, and more. It was very hectic.
Then, I did three years of a general dentistry residency and two years of an internship. I was working as a general dentist for five years in the capital of Moldova, Chișinău. And then, boom. I met my husband, and I can literally say my life turned upside down.
Why did you relocate to the United States?
I was living in Moldova when I met my husband. My friends who were living in the United States introduced us and then there was no going back because he is a very good man. He was living in States and our first date was in Rome. He grew up in the United States and is now a major in the U.S. Army, working at UMass Memorial as an CRNA (certified nurse anesthetist.) He is very knowledgeable, and he is worth the sacrifice.
Why did you pick GSDM?
I decided to come to GSDM because of the latest technology here. This is the best and the most advanced lab I’ve seen in my life. I’m very, very happy that I’m here. It’s very nice. Everything is new. It’s a nice environment. Also, now that I’m here, I realize that the teachers who are here are awesome.
Who from GSDM has been biggest influence on your dental schooling so far?
I’m very grateful for all the teachers. But, Dr. Janet Peters, clinical professor of general dentistry and faculty liaison to the Advanced Standing DMD Program, is the best ever. I thank her for my place in the program. Every time I reach out to her, she never says no and she can answer. She once told me that I’m a part of the family, and I feel that familiar feeling. I’m very happy to be one of her students. I am also grateful to Dr. Pinelopi Pani, clinical associate professor of general dentistry.
You’re now halfway through the DMD Advanced Standing program. How has your second year been so far?
Now, everything is very clear, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I started in the patient treatment center, I had questions about how Salud and SPS worked. Once you figure out what you need to do, everything else comes easily and I can start to learn. So far, it’s been intense. But I just need to be disciplined to enjoy this year. With discipline, I can organize my day to know what I need for this patient, this lecture, etc. In the beginning, everything was happening all at once and I didn’t know the flow. It took me a month or so to get the grand scheme of things.
What has been the favorite part of your GSDM so far?
GSDM gave me my dream back. Now, I’m just living my dream and that’s it.
I’m also grateful for my classmates. I have had multiple dental classes (before GSDM) and we always were so good with each other, but this time, it is something more, something stronger. With the DMD AS Class of 2026, we are from 35 countries. All the cultures and the hard road that we had to take to reach this point united us so much. We help each other. We love each other. We are like a family to each other.
You were recently a 2025 matriculation ambassador. Why did you want to be a matriculation ambassador?
When I had my Predoctoral Matriculation Week, I had the best ambassador in the world. He was so passionate about dentistry and the way he explained things helped me so much throughout my first year. I told myself that one day I want to be a matriculation ambassador and help other people.
What advice do you have for other internationally trained students who are looking for an advanced standing dental program?
Just never give up. Just go towards your dream. If you feel with your heart that this belongs to you, it’ll come. Just believe. I know many people that tried one time, tried a second time, and it didn’t work, and they just give up and now they’re not dentists. They’re doing something else but miserable inside. So never give up and believe that you are there and you’re halfway there. Every effort of yours will pay off.