Why do you care about public health?
“I grew up in India. While in dental school, my grandmother’s health deteriorated due to gastrointestinal issues. After some tests and consultations with specialists we came to know that the reason was her teeth. She had lost her teeth at an early age and was wearing dentures for over 20 years. It chronically affected her general health. She said, “I was never told I could save my teeth.” She passed away in 2015.”
What is your public health story?
“I became a dentist in India shortly after my grandmother’s demise. But her story led me in public health direction. Today, I am on a path to become a licensed dentist in the US but look forward to entering dental clinical – public health space in the future. I envision the world where basic dental and medical treatments are human rights and not a luxury.”
What is your favorite public health experience and why?
“The ability to learn about our communities at multiple levels and this is important because without learning the three “P”s – problems, policies, and past, the development is unattainable”
What is your proudest public health moment and why?
“I think that is yet to come but I am sure Master of Public Health will help me get where I want to be”
What has been your most challenging public health experience and why?
“Being skilled at coding and programming language for data analysis”
Instagram: @apurvadabak
Bay Area Public Health 