Written by: Carter Bedinghaus
Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, I am proud to say that my path to dentistry has been anything but conventional. Growing up, I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life, and my journey toward a career in healthcare was shaped through a collection of unique experiences and passions that evolved over time. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep curiosity about trying new things. No matter what I am doing, I find a way to enjoy it and make the most out of the experience.
In high school, my world revolved around basketball. As captain of my team, I learned valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—skills that would stay with me far beyond the court. After high school, I enrolled at the University of South Florida, where I pursued a marketing degree. My decision to study business wasn’t a straight shot either, but through it, I discovered my passion for leadership, public speaking, and communication. I took on several leadership roles during college, which fueled my drive to make a difference and help others. The thought of combining these leadership skills with a career in healthcare began to form, but the exact path was still unclear.
It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to shadow various healthcare professionals that I discovered my true calling. Dentistry stood out to me as the perfect combination of business, science, and direct patient care. I was drawn to how dentists have the unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with their patients while also running their own practices, blending the best of both worlds: healthcare and entrepreneurship. Each time I shadowed, I was consistently amazed by how dentists not only improved their patients’ physical health but also boosted their confidence, helping them live happier lives. Dentistry allowed me to tap into my interests in technology, leadership, and business while fulfilling a desire to improve the lives of others.
Now, as a third-year student at the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, I find myself constantly motivated by the challenges and opportunities that come with being a dentist. I am especially passionate about integrating innovative technologies into the field, ensuring that I’m on the cutting edge of innovation as I move forward in my career. My ambitions, however, go far beyond clinical practice alone. I envision myself not only as a practicing dentist but as a leader and speaker within the profession.
Dentistry is a field that constantly evolves, and I am excited to be part of that evolution—not just in terms of patient care, but also by contributing to the larger conversation around the business of dentistry and the role of leadership in our field.
My journey from an undecided student to where I am now has been filled with growth, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of my passions. As I move forward, I’m eager to continue learning, improving, and leaving a lasting impact on both my patients and the dental profession. My goal is to inspire others to think differently and embrace the future of dentistry. I want to help shape the next generation of dental professionals by sharing my journey and the lessons I have learned along the way.
