Written by: Carter Bedinghaus
When I was 10 years old, I dreamed of becoming the President of the United States. I wanted to work in Washington, D.C., and stand up for what matters. I never imagined that years later I would be on Capitol Hill, advocating for the future of dentistry. This past year has been a time of growth—not just in the clinic but far beyond. I’ve realized that some childhood dreams take shape in unexpected ways.
Recently, I had the honor of leading a group of dental students from LECOM at ADA Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. Advocating for issues like access to care and shortages in underserved communities was eye-opening. Talking directly with lawmakers reminded me that dentistry goes far beyond the operatory. I came back from D.C. energized and more determined than ever to be a strong advocate for dentistry and ensure our profession has a seat at the table.
The past few months in the clinic have been full of important milestones. One of the most memorable was performing a surgical exposure for a young patient with an impacted maxillary canine. Using a soft-tissue laser, I carefully removed enough gum tissue to reveal the tooth. At her three-month follow-up, she greeted me with a hug, thrilled that her tooth had finally erupted—a moment I will always remember.
Another big milestone this year was completing my first denture case. From taking initial impressions to the final delivery, I guided my patient through every step. I will never forget the moment he looked in the mirror with tears in his eyes and said, “You gave me my smile back.” That moment touched me deeply and reminded me why I chose dentistry—to change lives.
One of the highlights of my year was leading the Give Kids a Smile Day event at LECOM. Organizing volunteers, welcoming local families, and seeing the clinic fill with laughter and smiles reminded me why pediatric dentistry means so much to me. I am ready and excited to submit my pediatric dentistry residency applications, eager to take the next step in my journey to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Most recently, I moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, for my final year of dental school… or what I like to call “20th Grade.”
In just a few weeks, I have gained a ton of clinical experience and worked with a wide variety of patients. Being in an unfamiliar environment has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way—helping me grow, adapt, and become more confident in my decisions. In my free time, I am often at the LECOM basketball gym or hiking outdoors.
The Erie community has welcomed me warmly, and I am eager to keep learning and serving here in this next chapter.
Every experience this year—from surgical cases and restoring smiles to speaking up at policy meetings and pursuing my dream of pediatric dentistry—has shaped who I am becoming as a dentist. Dental school has challenged me and helped me grow. Looking ahead, I am grateful for how far LECOM has taken me and excited about what’s to come. For me, dentistry is more than a job—it is a chance to lead, serve, and make a real difference. I am building a future where every child feels seen and every patient is heard, and I am ready to keep moving forward with purpose and gratitude.
