During his time at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Joshua Howells, Class of 2027, has participated in outreach programs, cared for patients in clinic, traveled internationally on service trips and built relationships that will extend far beyond graduation. Along the way, he has learned from classmates, faculty members and patients while developing his own approach to leadership and patient care.
As he reflects on his experience at UKCD, Howells points to the people around him as one of the most influential parts of his dental education.
Dental school places students in constant collaboration with classmates, faculty, staff and patients. Whether in simulation lab, clinic or the classroom, Howells said much of his growth has come from the people he works with each day.
"To me, being a good teammate starts with humility and accepting that great patient care is never the result of one person," Howells said. "Dentistry surrounds you with an entire team of assistants, hygienists, office staff, and fellow dentists, each bringing individual, specialized skills that no single provider can replicate on their own."
Throughout four years of training, he has worked alongside people with different experiences, strengths and perspectives.
"Every day of dental school I have learned something from the team around me that has made me a better clinician, and my goal is to make the reverse true," he said. "I strive to be a provider who gives back what has been given to him, sharing what I know to help those around me grow."
For Howells, helping others succeed is an important part of being a member of any team.
"Being a good teammate isn't just helping people reach their goals, but it's encouraging them to rise above them."
Throughout dental school, Howells benefited from classmates, faculty members and mentors who invested time in helping him learn and navigate challenges. Those experiences shaped the way he approaches interactions with others.
"I want to be an open door," he said. "Someone approachable, willing to help, and easy to talk to whether that's about a clinical challenge, an exam, or just a hard day."
Looking back, he credits much of his success to people who were willing to offer guidance and encouragement when he needed it.
"I understand what it feels like to need support, because I would not be where I am today without the people who showed up for me along the way."
Whether helping someone prepare for an exam, discussing treatment planning or celebrating a milestone, he believes those moments matter.
"Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do for someone is remind them that they belong here."
Some of Howells' favorite memories took place outside of clinic and coursework. Late-night study sessions, dinners with classmates, workouts and coffee shop conversations all became part of his dental school experience.
"We all face the same challenges, celebrate the same milestones, and understand what one another is going through," he said. "Some of my closest friendships have been built during late-night study sessions, working side by side in simulation lab and clinic, and serving together through organizations like the Christian Dental Association."
Time spent together away from campus helped strengthen those relationships.
"Whether it's grabbing dinner late after a night of studying, going for a run or hitting the gym with classmates, attending church together on a regular basis, or just meeting up at coffee shops to relax, those moments have allowed us to connect on a deeper level than academics alone."
Those connections remain one of the things he values most from his time at UKCD.
"It's the people and the relationships I've built here that have made my experience at UKCD so meaningful. UKCD has given me friends that I will continue to stay in touch with throughout my life."
One of Howells' most memorable experiences occurred during a Guatemalan Smiles mission trip over spring break. A team of five dental students and two faculty members spent four days providing care for nearly 100 patients.
With a limited number of providers and a large number of patients to serve, team members frequently shifted responsibilities throughout the day.
"To make that possible, everyone had to be willing to jump in wherever they were needed," he said. "We relied on each other to stay organized and balance patient screening, treatment, and sterilization so that our operations could continue running efficiently throughout the day."
As the trip progressed, the group's workflow evolved and became increasingly efficient.
"By the middle of the week our workflow had transformed into a smooth and coordinated operation."
Students from different stages of the curriculum also had opportunities to learn from one another throughout the trip.
"Since our team included students from different years in dental school, we were always sharing techniques, asking questions, and helping each other provide the best care possible."
Howells' first experiences treating patients came during outreach trips to rural Kentucky, where students performed examinations and cleanings while working closely with classmates and faculty members. Those experiences were followed by patient care in clinic and increasing responsibilities throughout the curriculum.
"I think what makes the UK College of Dentistry community unique is the close-knit environment that comes from our small class size and the emphasis on collaboration from day one," he said.
Those early opportunities allowed students to begin applying classroom knowledge while working together in a clinical setting.
"During our first year, we travel to rural Kentucky where we perform our first patient exams and cleanings on pediatric patients. It gives us a chance to apply what we've learned in the classroom while working together as a team and learning from one another."
As he considers the experiences that defined his time at the College, one theme rises to the top.
"Above all, what stands out most to me is that UKCD fosters a culture of support rather than competition," he said. "My classmates genuinely want to see one another succeed, and I think that environment makes us better students, better teammates, and ultimately better dentists."
During his clinical education, Howells worked closely with his team leader, Dr. Gordon. Their time together included patient care, treatment planning and day-to-day clinic operations.
"While she has taught me countless clinical skills, tips, and techniques to improve patient care, the most valuable lessons I've learned from her extend far beyond dentistry itself."
He frequently observed the way she interacted with patients and addressed challenges that arose during treatment.
"Every patient encounter was approached with compassion and a truly patient-centered mindset, reminding me that excellent dentistry is about more than just the procedure, it's about the person sitting in the chair."
Her investment in students left a lasting impression as well.
"Her mentorship has shaped not only the clinician I hope to become but also the kind of leader and teammate I aspire to be."
As he continues his education and prepares for a career in dentistry, Howells hopes to carry many of these experiences forward. The lessons he learned from classmates, faculty members and patients continue to influence the type of professional he hopes to become.
"I want to be someone my classmates and future colleagues know they can rely on—whether that's sharing knowledge, offering encouragement, or simply being willing to lend a helping hand."
He hopes patients leave his office feeling respected and understood.
"I want them to know that their concerns matter and that every treatment decision is made with their best interests in mind."
For Howells, success will ultimately be measured by the impact he has on others.
"Ultimately, I hope the legacy I leave is one of service. If I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients while encouraging and supporting those around me, I'll consider my career a success."