Tooth Talk: Q&A with Mariel Urena 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 Mariel Urena DMD AS 26. She discussed her work with dental nonprofits and her passion for helping others.
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Questions and responses have been edited for clarity, context information, and length.
Mariel Urena DMD AS 26. (Photo credit: Dan Bomba, GSDM.)
When did you first know you wanted to become a dentist?
I remember going to a dentist for the first time at 15 years old. Where I used to live in the countryside in Dominican Republic, dentistry nonprofits provided free dental treatment. I met them and started volunteering. I really liked it. I used to go with them to the countrysides to assist in providing free dental treatment to the people. I really liked the impact that dentists were making on other people’s lives. We didn’t have any money to go to the dentist, so it really inspired me.
What was your initial dental school experience like?
I started dental school when I was 17 years old at Universidad Católica Tecnológica del Cibao in La Vega, which is almost an hour from my hometown. We didn’t have money to pay for schooling, but I got two scholarships and with that, plus the help of the neighbors, that’s how I made it. I used to take public transportation every day to school. It was tough, but we made it through.
After you graduated from Universidad Católica Tecnológica del Cibao in 2013, how did you transition into the professional realm?
When I graduated, I first started working in nonprofits again, but my hometown is a small town and I always dreamed big. I went to Spain and did a master’s in research. I then decided to come to the United States in 2018 for professional development and find new opportunities. From there, I studied English in New York and started to volunteer with Unspoken Smiles, a nonprofit that provides oral healthcare around the world. They were expanding and I helped bring them to the Dominican Republic. I even had the opportunity to represent them to the United Nations.
What led you to Boston?
When I first came to New York, I met some dentists in English school who explained how the dental system worked in the United States. I decided to take the boards to become a dental hygienist so I could work in Florida.
Before coming to Boston, I lived in Florida for three years. My main goal was also to be a dentist. I got married in Florida and worked as a hygienist in different dental offices across the state. I applied to Boston University after passing the National Board Dental Exams. I applied to GSDM because of all the modern technology—it is really cool.
What has the DMD Advanced Standing program been like so far?
I’ve been learning a lot. I thought I knew dentistry, but with everything I have learned plus what I’ve been learning here, I know understand it is not the same. When you first get out of school, you know a little. Once you start practicing and then come back to the theory, it is going to make more sense. To me, that has been fantastic. I really love the program. The professors are amazing and really helpful. They want to help you out and for you to do better. Even if they have to sit with you for hours until you understand something, they are going to sit with you and explain everything. They are superstars.
You started working in the Patient Treatment Center. Are you enjoying it?
It’s been really exciting to be able to work with patients. It is also overwhelming because of all the programs you have to use—it’s not just patient care. You have to be on top of it. You have to be on top of everything, otherwise you’re going to miss something.
You were a 2025 matriculation ambassador. Why did you want to be an ambassador?
There were so many people who have helped me throughout my whole life. So, if I can help somebody else, like why not during the matriculation week? It was an amazing experience.
You are a part of the Student Government Committee as the DMD AS Class of 2026 vice-president. Why should someone get involved in student government?
It’s an opportunity to help others and be a voice for them. Everything is about helping others. If my class has a problem, I’m there for them. My role is to unite us as a class and try to organize events for everyone to get together, to know each other, and to help each other.
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?
They have to believe that it’s possible because it is possible. It won’t be easy. With all the interviews, every rejection letter, it’s really painful, but it’s going to be worth it. Right now, I’m here and I don’t believe that I’m actually here. In a few months, I’m going to miss it. Just don’t give up.