By Mackenzie Meleski 

Jennifer Hunter, D.D.S., didn’t always know that pediatric dentistry was her calling. Now, as she prepares to complete her residency and step into the role of an assistant professor of pediatric dentistry, she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“I’ve learned to never say never and be open to any opportunities,” Hunter said. “When I graduated from dental school eleven years ago, I said I was never going back to school. But here I am on a new and exciting journey as a pediatric dentist and an educator.” 

Hunter graduated with her B.S. from Howard University in 2011 before venturing to the University of Michigan to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery.  

After spending nearly a decade in private practice, Hunter slowly but surely felt the pull to go back to school and specialize in pediatric dentistry. And her decision led her to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. 

“I had a great impression of VCU after attending an open house,” Hunter said. “It gave me the opportunity to talk with faculty and current residents and get a feel for what VCU was about. Everyone seemed like a family, and I was also drawn to how diverse the school was. It felt like a homecoming when I got in.” 

Even before her residency, Hunter saw early on the importance of education and reaching out a hand to provide others with opportunities. Although she had an early interest in the profession, Hunter first began to truly envision herself as a dentist and take the first steps by participating in dental exploration programs while in high school and undergraduate studies. 

“While I was in high school and early college, I really took every opportunity to immerse myself in different experiences and learn more about dentistry,” Hunter said.

 I may not be able to reach and help every child in need,” Hunter said. “But through my teaching, I’m able to have a bigger outreach because those students are going to go on to treat more and more individuals. 

Jennifer Hunter, D.D.S., VCU School of Dentistry

These programs led her to meet like-minded individuals and form connections that would last a lifetime. They also provided Hunter with her first opportunities to serve as a mentor and motivator to students on the same path that she traveled. 

But as Hunter worked closely with students during residency, she felt compelled to pursue a new path. 

“I had the opportunity to teach third-and fourth-year dental students during my residency and that really set the stage for me,” Hunter recalled. “I found fulfillment in passing on wisdom and knowledge.” 

The journey at VCU continues for Hunter, who will be transitioning from resident to faculty at the start of the fall semester. She is the first pediatric dentistry resident at VCU School of Dentistry in 14 years to make this transition, following in the footsteps of the director of the pediatric dentistry residency program, Tiffany Williams, D.D.S., M.S.D., M.Ed., FACD. 

Over the past two years, Williams worked closely with Hunter and saw early on that she had great potential as an educator.  

“I have seen incredible growth in Dr. Hunter in these last two years and it was evident early on that she was a budding leader and role model,” Williams said. “I often jokingly encouraged her to pursue academics. It made me incredibly happy when she inquired of the faculty position.” 

Along with Williams, Hunter cited both her parents and fellow pediatric dentist and associate professor, Paula Coates, D.D.S., M.S., who interviewed her prior to starting her residency, as significant motivators and influences.  Their combined support saw her through the challenges of completing her residency. 

Now, it’s Hunter’s time to pay it forward and be a mentor and motivator to students and residents. 

As a faculty member, she hopes to instill a level of confidence in her students. 

“I remember what it was like being a student,” Hunter said. “Especially when it comes to treating children, it can be challenging. I know confidence grows over time, but my goal is to help guide them and help them be as prepared as they can be.” 

As an individual, one can hope to help as many people as they can. But an educator gives others the skills to help others and make an even greater impact, according to Hunter. 

“I may not be able to reach and help every child in need,” Hunter said. “But through my teaching, I’m able to have a bigger outreach because those students are going to go on to treat more and more individuals. Having a hand in their education and their drive to help others is the most rewarding part.” 

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