Passion for serving the underserved led dental student to ATSU-MOSDOH in Kirksville, Missouri
Posted: February 23, 2024
A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) student Brook Marshall, D2, journeyed from her home in Covington, Louisiana, to the University’s Kirksville, Missouri, campus, to pursue her dental education for one key reason: ATSU’s mission.
“I chose ATSU because of what they stand for,” Marshall said. “Whole person healthcare for underserved communities is the main theme, and serving the underserved and making a difference in my community is what I am passionate about.”
Marshall has a bachelor’s of science in biomedical science with a minor in leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma. In her free time, she enjoys being with her dogs, Dixie and Deacon, being outdoors, traveling, spending time with friends, and watching Alabama football on Saturdays (“Roll Tide!”).
On campus, Marshall is a highly engaged student, serving as a representative with the American Student Dental Association and member of the Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity, American Dental Education Association, Student Ambassador Program, and vice president of Delight Ministries.
“I joined all of these organizations because I love to be involved on campus,” Marshall said. “Staying busy has always been my way of coping with any stress from school, and with dental school there is a lot of coping. I enjoy meeting new people through these organizations, bettering our community, and broadening my leadership skills.
“I enjoy the community ATSU students create, through classes, clinic, rotations, all the way to intramurals and weekend outings. When we are all far from home, we have been able to create a family with each other. One of my favorite things I get to participate in as a student is being welcomed into the community through schools, farmer’s markets, and other volunteer events. I am able to share my love for dentistry by teaching the community about oral health. My competitive spirit also loves the Monday night intramural volleyball games!”
Marshall serves as an ATSU-MOSDOH student ambassador, a decision she made after struggling through her own application process.
“I wanted to have the outlet to help pre-dental students in their journey to achieving their dreams,” she said. “My favorite part of my role is meeting pre-dental students, answering their questions, and seeing their excitement as they get one step closer to their dream. It’s always a nice reminder of how far I have come, and that it wasn’t that long ago I was in their shoes.”
After graduation, Marshall hopes to be a dentist who is a resource and leader in her community.
“I hope to improve my patient’s quality of life when it comes to their oral health,” she said. “I don’t just want to be a ‘scary’ dentist, but a leader in my community that people know they can turn to in their time of need. ATSU-MOSDOH is helping prepare me for a successful career by teaching me whole person healthcare, exposing me to patient scenarios, and pushing me to be the best version of myself.”