Dr. Pete Petrides, 2008 Big Red
graduate
is a 4th year dental student at West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Pete Petrides successfully passed his boards and will soon move to Canton, Ohio. He will be at Mercy Medical Center- General Practice Residency (GPR) to continue his training in a hospital setting. He will be treating trauma, medically compromised, special needs patients. Along with furthering his education with Implantology, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endondontics, Pediatrics, Oral Surgery and Anesthesiology.
Personal Experiences Shared By Dr. Petrides
My favorite thing about dentistry is I get to improve someone's oral health, but also help them with their systemic and overall health which improves their confidence. I had two very impactful and rewarding experiences through my journey. One of the most rewarding things I experienced in dental school was volunteering for the Summer Special Olympics in Charleston, WV where I conducted screenings and dental care to the participants. The other was being able to rebuild a smile for a younger adult who had developed rampant decay and required full mouth extractions and a complete set of dentures. When I delivered the dentures to the patient, he began to cry with joy after seeing his new smile in the mirror.
Significant Achievements
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – Washington and Jefferson College Master's in Public Health – West Virginia University Doctor of Dental Surgery – West Virginia University
WVU School of Dentisty Class of 2018 President
Senior Dental Student Certificate of Merit 2017 Oral Health Scholarship Award from Oral Health Foundation of Pierre Fauchard Academy
AADR/DENTSPLY Sirona Research Program 1st Place
2017 Pierre Fauchard Academy
2017 Junior Dental Student Certificate of Merit
2017 Oral Health Scholarship Award from Oral Health Foundation of Pierre Fauchard Academy
Received the Dr. John & Hazel Sutton Scholarship for the 2016-2017 Academic Year
Started a mentorship program through the West Virginia School of Dentistry
Favorite high school memory
Listening to the Big Red Band play in the halls Friday morning before the football games
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Advice to the Class of 2018
The future is unpredictable, rigorous, and tenacious. If you set a goal and begin creating a path, eventually you will make it. Especially when that goal includes helping people and making the world a better place. It may take more time than you anticipate reaching that goal and unforeseen obstacles may arise, they sure did for me, but, ultimately, nothing is impossible! And don't ever forget where you came from. Go Big Red!
