Tooth Talk: Q&A with Rodica Grosu 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 next edition, we spoke with Rodica Grosu DMD AS 26. She discussed her dental journey from Moldova to Massachusetts and what it was like giving birth during the second week of her program.
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Questions and responses have been edited for clarity, context information, and length.
When did you first know you wanted to become a dentist?
In my home country of Moldova, my mom was a dental assistant. One day, I went to her office and I saw a quote in the waiting area that said something like, “I make people smile.” That impressed me. I asked one of the dentists how they make people smile, and they said people are coming to the office in pain. By taking them out of pain and helping restore their teeth, that makes people smile and gives them confidence. I went home and thought about what the dentist said. I told my mom that I wanted to make people smile. She told me it wouldn’t be an easy path, but she would support me.
What was your initial dental school experience like in Moldova?
I was half an hour away from my hometown. Being away from my family was scary in the beginning and it was challenging because it was intensive. It wasn’t just school; it was a university with lots of subject exams. But I started to like it and felt like I was in the right field. When I started to practice with real patients in my third year, my first patient was my mom, and I knew it was right for me to stay and study.
What was your journey like from finishing school in Moldova to moving to the United States and eventually coming to GSDM?
I did a general dentistry residency for three years. After that, I moved to Bucharest, Romania, where I worked for five years as a general dentist. I came to the United States in 2011 to see my cousin on Cape Cod. I started having dental pain and I was recommended to a Russian dentist. She fixed my tooth pain, and we talked about being a dentist in the United States. She told me about limited licenses and advanced standing programs. I first took a dental assistant license and after that I applied for a limited dental license.
I worked with a limited license for the Harbor Health Community Center on Cape Cod for four years. I still didn’t feel like the United States was my final home, but then I met my husband, and we decided to make a life here. He supported me going back to dental school.
I took the dental boards and passed. Boston University was my first choice because I have a lot of friends from Romania and Moldova who graduated from Boston University, and I saw their successful paths. I always heard so many good things about Boston University and how happy students are here and how much they learn from professors.
What has your time at GSDM been like so far?
I have one– year– old baby girl. My husband and I wanted to get pregnant either before or after starting school, but plans don’t always work the way we want. I delivered our baby in August 2024, two weeks after I started. I took five days off. I had a C-section and I came back.
It was challenging and it’s still challenging. She still doesn’t sleep the full night. She wakes up almost every two to three hours. But, when you have a goal and a good dream, you just do it because you see the light at the end of the tunnel. You’re doing it for your family and the future of your child.
You are now working in the Patient Treatment Center. Have you been enjoying being with patients?
It’s nice because I have some practice. I’m not scared of doing things because I know how to approach patients. But, at the same time, you are afraid to make mistakes. You want to do the best work for these patients. Having the support of our group practice leaders is a big help. If you are unsure about something, you can ask your group practice leader and they’ll guide you.
You were a 2025 matriculation ambassador. Why did you want to be an ambassador?
When I came into the program and had matriculation week, I was so afraid because I was pregnant. I didn’t know what to expect or how I’ll be able to manage. I had so many questions. The ambassador with our group assured me that I wasn’t the first pregnant student, or the last one. They told me to do my best and if I need help, ask because everyone is willing to help and give you a head if you need it. Having this support gives you some assurance and guidance.
When I heard about being an ambassador, I wanted to support new students because it meant a lot to me.
What has been your favorite experience so far at GSDM?
I can’t say I have had a bad experience here. Everyone is nice. The professors are nice every time I ask for help. We have a great class. We find reasons to have parties to get together and celebrate, like birthdays, Halloween, and multicultural nights. I cannot pick one moment because one moment is better than the other. It’s a challenging program, but it’s fun. It’s nice to be a student again because you feel young again.
If you could give any advice to a pre-dental student or an international dentist hoping to practice in the U.S., what advice would you give them?
Don’t give up your dream. This is big, because if you have a dream, if you have a goal, nothing can stay in your way. You move mountains to reach your goal. Be supportive, and be friendly with people around you.