Creating connection and community during dental school
Graduating student Jeeshriya Rajan reflects on leadership, mentorship, and the community she helped foster at Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Long after classes end, Jeeshriya Rajan, DMD26, is often still in the hallways of Vanderbilt Hall, checking in on students, organizing community events, or stopping for conversations that can turn a stressful day into a manageable one. For the past three years, Rajan has served as a senior resident advisor in Vanderbilt Hall, helping build a welcoming community for graduate students at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) and Harvard Medical School.
“I learned that the role is really about more than managing residents. It’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive,” said Rajan.
That sense of belonging became especially important to Rajan after arriving at HSDM as an international student. Born and raised in India, Rajan earned her dental degree there before pursuing a master’s in public health at King’s College London. Wanting to further strengthen her clinical training while continuing to explore the broader systems shaping healthcare, she enrolled in HSDM’s three-year Advanced Standing DMD program.
Her interest in public health grew during dental school in India, where she frequently saw patients seeking treatment only after oral diseases had significantly progressed.
“During my clinical years in dental school, I began noticing many patients coming in at very advanced stages of oral diseases, where treatment was no longer preventive but focused on managing what had already progressed,” she said. “It made me realize that, in many cases, prevention had not been accessible earlier due to larger systemic barriers and gaps in access to care.”
That realization pushed Rajan to think beyond individual patient care and toward the larger systems influencing health outcomes, an interest that continues to shape both her leadership and clinical goals.
After arriving at HSDM, Rajan made it a priority to support other students navigating unfamiliar environments. In addition to serving as a resident advisor, she became involved with Bridge to Dental School, a program that helps pre-dental students navigate the steps to apply to dental school.
“What means the most to me is being able to reassure students, regardless of their background or resources, that they belong in these spaces and deserve to pursue their goals,” said Rajan. “Healthcare careers are often seen as financially out of reach, and I’ve been proud to help shift that mindset by showing students that with passion, effort, and guidance, these paths are possible.”
The leadership skills Rajan developed outside the clinic have also shaped the way she approaches patient care. She said working closely with students taught her the importance of communication, teamwork, accountability, and self-reflection—qualities she believes are essential in healthcare.
“In patient care, this translates to knowing my limits, seeking guidance when needed, and making appropriate referrals to ensure patients receive the best possible care,” she said. “I believe that strong teamwork and meaningful connections with both colleagues and patients are what elevate care from good to truly exceptional.”
This May, Rajan will graduate from HSDM and continue her training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Minnesota. Her interest in the specialty stems from a lifelong love of science paired with a desire to build meaningful relationships with patients and families early in life. She hopes to continue developing not only her clinical skills but also her ability to make children and families feel comfortable, supported, and empowered in healthcare settings.
“I want to be more than just a provider,” said Rajan. “I want to be a trusted resource for families and a voice that helps shape healthier systems in which children can grow up.”
As she reflects on her time at HSDM, Rajan mentions the community she found—and contributed to—became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience. Whether mentoring younger students, supporting residents in Vanderbilt Hall, or caring for patients in clinic, she hopes the lessons she learned about empathy and connection will continue guiding her throughout her career.
“Celebrate your successes because you worked hard for them,” she said. “But don’t let the difficult moments discourage you. They simply mean you are still learning and gaining experience.”