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 Naumce Trpeski, a pre-dental student who has already gained valuable insights into the dental profession through his roles at the Ontario Dental Association and other community involvement.
Why did you decide to pursue dentistry?
My decision to pursue dentistry is rooted in a lifelong passion for helping others and a natural inclination for creativity, hands-on work, and a deep love for science and health. Dentistry offers me the opportunity to combine these passions in a way that allows me to make a lasting, meaningful difference in people’s lives. Beyond providing treatments, I am drawn to the personal connections and trust that dentists build with their patients. I want to be someone who not only delivers on excellent technical skill but is also a source of comfort and reassurance —truly putting the “care” in healthcare.
The ability to care for others on such a personal level is what excites me most about dentistry. I’ve always felt fulfilled when I can provide support and solutions to those in need. Witnessing my mother’s battle with stage 4 sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, further reinforced my understanding of how impactful compassionate care can be. Although she unfortunately passed away in August of 2024, throughout her journey her healthcare providers did more than offer treatments; they offered hope, empathy, and a sense of stability during an incredibly difficult time.
I am committed to bringing this same level of care to my future patients, blending technical skill with compassion and understanding. Whether it’s easing someone’s anxiety about a procedure, helping them take pride in their smile, or improving their overall health through preventive care, I want to be the person they trust and rely on. Dentistry isn’t just a profession to me; it’s a way to bring together my skills, passions, and desire to serve others in the most impactful and personal way possible.
As a pre-dental student, tell us about your roles with the Ontario Dental Association and the biggest lessons you have learned from working there so far?
As a pre-dental student, working at the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) has been a truly transformative experience, offering me unparalleled exposure to the realities of dentistry. Starting as a Health Policy Analyst, I learnt firsthand about the daily challenges faced by dentists—challenges that many only encounter years into their practice. Acting as the primary point of contact for both dentists and patients across Ontario, I navigated a diverse range of issues, from practice management dilemmas and regulatory complexities to sensitive moments of patient distress.
This role allowed me to immerse myself in the intricacies of dental practice and problem-solving. Each interaction became a learning opportunity, whether it was helping a dentist resolve interpersonal conflicts within their team or guiding a patient through a difficult situation with empathy and clarity. These experiences taught me not only the importance of technical knowledge but also the power of compassion, adaptability, and communication in fostering trust and effective resolutions.
Now, as the Coordinator of Committee Services, I have transitioned to a broader perspective, supporting committees of dentists under the ODA focused on advancing the profession to improve patient care. This role has expanded my understanding of dentistry’s far-reaching impact, exposing me to initiatives that address diverse areas such as hospital-based dentistry, the environmental sustainability of dental practices, and emerging topics such as the use of artificial intelligence. Collaborating with these committees has underscored the importance of leadership, critical thinking, and collective effort in driving meaningful progress.
Through these roles, I have gained invaluable insights into the profession’s complexities and the skills required to navigate them effectively. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to combining technical expertise with empathy and innovation, ensuring that I can offer my future patients the highest level of care while contributing to the advancement of dentistry as a whole.
What’s been your favourite course to take so far?
My favorite course so far has actually been outside of school—it was a continuing education (CE) course hosted by the New Dentist Study Club. I was invited by Dr. Sanjukta Mohanta, but little did I know I was about to dive right into installing a dental implant! The room was filled with dental students and recent graduates learning the fundamentals of dental implants, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. It was my first time even holding a handpiece, let alone drilling into a typodont, installing a post, placing a crown, and making an impression. While I had seen all of this through videos and lectures, actually doing it myself was a whole new experience. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous at first, but once I started drilling, it felt surprisingly natural. In that moment, I realized that not only do I love the technical side of dentistry, but I truly felt at home in this hands-on environment. It may not look perfect, but it was a “wow” moment for me—one of those rare times when everything just clicks—where I have never been more certain that this was the right profession for me.
You are quite involved in Macedonian folklore dancing. Can you share with us how you got involved and what it means to you?
Over 10 years ago, my parents signed me up for Macedonian folklore dancing as a way to stay connected to our cultural roots. I started in the younger kids’ group, where I learned the basics of traditional dance and began to build friendships with others in the Macedonian community. As I progressed, I transitioned to the middle group, honing my skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for our deep routed traditions.
Eventually, I joined Ensemble Makedonka, one of the premier Macedonian dance groups outside of Macedonia, renowned for its cultural impact and performances around the world. Being part of this ensemble was an incredible experience—I had the opportunity to perform not only across North America but also in Macedonia itself, connecting with our heritage in the most authentic way possible. Through our tours and performances, I not only had the honour of representing our culture on the big stage, but I also developed lifelong friendships with my fellow dancers through countless hours of practice.
Over time, my love for Macedonian folklore dancing led me to transition into a teaching role, where I now have the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with younger generations. Teaching has allowed me to give back to the community that shaped me, guiding new dancers through the same journey I once experienced. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow not only as dancers but also as individuals, forming deep, lasting friendships through their shared experiences and teamwork—just as I did when I first started.
Favourite dental people/accounts to follow?
I really enjoy following @newdentiststudyclub, @markwarawa, @rachel.dentistry, @drsanjmohanta, and @dentumentary. All of them have very different perspectives of the dental profession from dental student to organized dentistry and advocacy.
You can find me on Instagram @naumce.t. I love connecting with pre-dental/dental students, so please feel free to reach out!