Commitment to whole person healthcare led student to choose ATSU-ASDOH
Posted: January 23, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) student Callista Snow, D1, wants to be able to consider the root cause of issues, rather than just treating symptoms, in her future dental career.
That’s just one reason why she chose ATSU-ASDOH.
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of its strong commitment to whole person healthcare and dedication to serving underserved communities,” she said. “ATSU’s curriculum ensures students are well educated in all aspects of the body and puts a strong emphasis on how all of the body’s systems are connected.”
Snow has a degree in exercise science and pre-health professions from Creighton University and an associate’s degree from Rio Salado College. She is from Orange County, California, but moved to Arizona with her family in 2012.
“I love Arizona and am so lucky to call this place home. I am also extremely grateful to be able to pursue my career in dentistry in Arizona. I plan to stay here after graduation,” she said.
Her positive experience with ATSU-ASDOH began with her interview, where she had positive interactions with faculty and current students. Snow said the Mesa, Arizona, campus immediately felt like home.
That experience inspired her to become a student ambassador.
“As an applicant, I had such a pleasant experience interacting with ASDOH student ambassadors,” Snow said. “They were happy to give advice, provided encouragement, and gave me insight into what being a student would look like. I wanted to provide the same mentorship to future ASDOH students and hopefully be a familiar face in their future.”
Snow has immersed herself in the student experience. In addition to being a student ambassador, she is part of Give Kids A Smile and a member of the American Student Dental Association, ATSU-ASDOH’s Association for Women Dentists, ATSU-ASDOH Academy of General Dentistry Club, American Association of Public Health Dentistry, Students United for America’s Toothfairy, and ATSU-ASDOH Cosmetics Club.
“I joined these organizations because I am able to resonate with each of them in a different way. By being part of these organizations I am able to connect with my peers, have unique learning experiences, and learn more about the various aspects of dentistry,” she said.
In her free time, Snow loves to cook, go on walks, and try new restaurants. She is also a barre/yoga instructor and is hoping to get back into teaching soon.
“It is also super important to me to spend quality time with my family and friends,” she said.
Ultimately, Snow aims to become a compassionate and competent provider, and is confident ATSU-ASDOH is providing her the skills to achieve her goals.
“I am confident ATSU-ASDOH will prepare me to be a well-rounded dentist and provide me with a skill set that I can use in various environments,” she said. “One of my goals as a future practitioner includes working in public health in Arizona. I want to give back to the community that I call home. Eventually, I see myself practicing as a general dentist locally.”