ATSU-ASDOH student getting involved, making most of her time as a student to set up career
Posted: April 22, 2025
Opportunities come in different forms. Some are given. Others are created. A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) allows for both, providing students with experiences, but also allowing them the option to add to those, if they choose.
ATSU-ASDOH student Loryn Young, D2, is leaving nothing on the table. If there’s a chance for her to increase her knowledge, her experience, her connections with others, she’s doing everything possible to make it happen.
“From the moment I walked through the doors of ASDOH, I made it my priority to embrace every opportunity that would help me grow as a leader and advocate,” she said. “With only four years in this program, I am committed to making the most of my time by staying as actively involved as possible.”
Young, from New Hill, North Carolina, majored in human biology and minored in global health at University of California, San Diego, before deciding to pursue dentistry.
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of its strong commitment to whole person healthcare and public health. As someone passionate about serving underserved populations, I knew I needed a program that integrated public health into the curriculum and offered a dual-degree option, allowing me to earn both my DMD and MPH,” she said. “ASDOH’s service-oriented mission aligned perfectly with my personal and professional goals, providing the education and opportunities necessary to become a clinician who prioritizes community impact.
“Ultimately, ASDOH was the perfect fit because it embodies the values that matter most to me: service, collaboration, clinical excellence, and public health advocacy. Every day, I am surrounded by peers and mentors who inspire and challenge me, reinforcing that I made the right choice in joining this incredible community.”
To say Young is an engaged student is an understatement. She is national chair for the Council on Membership, District 10 Community Outreach chair, and local chapter president with the American Student Dental Association; ASDOH student representative to the Council on Membership and New Dentists with Arizona Dental Association; president of Pediatric Dental Study Club; fundraising chair of Business in Dentistry and Students United for America’s Toothfairy; and Aftercare Committee member with Give Kids a Smile.
“My leadership roles have taken me across the country, allowing me to represent ASDOH at the local, district, and national levels,” she said. “Through conferences, I’ve not only expanded my professional network but also built lifelong friendships with dental students from across the country. Additionally, I have had the privilege of connecting with doctors and specialists who treat me as a colleague, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance.
“I have remained deeply engaged in the organizations I am part of and will continue to invest in them until the day I graduate. I take immense pride in being an ASDOH student and am grateful for the leadership opportunities that allow me to amplify the voices of my peers and contribute to an unforgettable dental school experience for our community.”
Additionally, Young serves as an ATSU-ASDOH student ambassador.
“My ATSU pride runs deep, making it easy for me to talk about the many aspects of my program that I love,” she said. “As an ambassador, I enjoy reminding pre-dental students that dental school doesn’t have to put life on hold. You can excel academically, stay involved, travel, spend time with friends, and still enjoy the journey. Everyone deserves to feel supported and fulfilled in school, and I can’t thank ASDOH enough for fostering a culture where students can truly thrive – not just in their education, but in all areas of life.”
Young said there’s a healthy balance that comes with being an ATSU student, as the University prioritizes student well-being and provides time to enjoy diversions and explore what Arizona has to offer. She enjoys pilates, reading a good book, laying by the pool, traveling, running, exploring coffee shops, and being with friends.
“I also love our small community on campus and the fact that faculty and students feel like family. I know that my faculty members want to see me succeed and that my peers will help me achieve my goals. I am thankful to be at a program where I feel supported and also feel like I can thrive both in and out of school,” she said.
Young would like to specialize in pediatric dentistry, providing children a comfortable, safe, and positive experience at the dentist. Beyond clinical care, she is committed to staying involved in organized dentistry, advocating for her profession, peers, and patients.
“My passion for serving underserved communities drives my interest in public health, where I hope to make a meaningful impact on access to pediatric dental care. Additionally, I am eager to pursue interprofessional collaboration, potentially working alongside other specialties in a hospital-based setting to treat more complex pediatric cases, care for children facing medical challenges, and provide specialized support for patients with special needs,” Young said. “As I progress in my career, I also want to give back to the next generation of dental students, mentoring and supporting them just as others have done for me.”