Next Gen of the Month is a monthly Q&A with a dental student or new dentist where we ask them about their experiences and accomplishments thus far in their dentistry journey. This month we are featuring Emma Wilson, Dental Student Society President, University of Toronto 2024-2025.
Why did you decide to pursue dentistry?
I was always a science kid, but when I was younger, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I went to Guelph for animal biology, but ended up switching to bio-med once I realized that I didn’t really want my arm halfway up a cow. My fiancé, then-boyfriend, underwent double jaw surgery the summer after our second year. It was helping him through his recovery, picking out pieces of chicken noodle from his surgery hooks with my eyebrow tweezers, that opened my eyes to a career as a dentist. I was drawn to the people-centered aspect of dentistry, as well as the immediate satisfaction of helping others.
What’s been your favourite and least favourite course to take so far?
This might be controversial, but I have a soft spot for pathology courses. The third-year Oral Medicine/Pathology course was tough, but I found it really interesting to learn all the different lesions and their characteristics. I’m also a visual learner, so it was honestly a nice change to have my study charts full of pink and purple images. As for my least favourite, I think it would have to be second-year prosthodontics. It’s a massive course with a huge learning curve, so unfortunately it was the cause of a lot of stress and frustration. While it provided a lot of fundamental ideas and concepts, I’m mostly just glad I made it through!
What do you like to do for fun?
One of my favourite activities is trying new bubble tea places downtown! I can never say no to a nice long walk with bubble tea. I also run the social media for a summer camp, which is so much fun and a nice break from studying. I really enjoy designing the posts and stories for Instagram, which has led me to other creative endeavors. I created the decorative posters for my apartment, and my friends even ask me to make the invitations for their birthday parties!
What are your hopes for post-graduation life?
Right now, I’m hoping to move to Northern Ontario and start an associateship. I grew up in Toronto and would like to move back eventually, but I love the idea of starting in a more rural area. UofT has so many opportunities for us to help vulnerable populations, like rotations at YSM, TRI, and CAMH. I hope to continue helping underserved communities and be involved with local outreach programs, alongside working in private practice.
Can you tell us a little about your experience as UofT’s DDS class president 2025?
For the past three years, I have had the absolute honour to be president of, in my humble opinion, the best class at UofT. I decided to run for president in first year after having an absolute blast meeting all my classmates during O-Week! I wanted to get as involved as possible to help enhance our class’s experience during dental school. It’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes work, with many meetings and countless email chains. That said, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve organized custom scrub caps, a school-wide clothing sale, toothbrush giveaways, and even an outreach trip to Jamaica. I absolutely love my class, and I’m just lucky to be able to support them in any way I can.
I now have the privilege of being DSS (Dental Student Society) president in my last year. We’ll be hosting school-wide events, funding clubs, and working to build connections between all the years. I’m very excited for my new role and all the new people I’ll meet!
You can find Emma on her Instagram @eg.wilson!
