"Dentistry offers the privilege of giving someone more than just a healthier smile and body; it’s a tangible, life-changing gift that can empower how they see themselves and how they represent themselves in the world."
Name: Sonia Abarzak
Program/Year: College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, Class of 2028
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Undergraduate degree: University of Oklahoma- Biology, B.S.
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
I was drawn to healthcare because it offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I can’t pinpoint a single moment when I knew it was the path for me; it felt more like a quiet certainty that had always been there. Healthcare wasn’t a dream I chased for the sake of it, rather, it felt like the natural intersection of all my interests.
Growing up, I was surrounded by the quiet but powerful vision my parents held for my future - they came to provide a better life for a child that didn’t even exist yet. They never made that dream feel out of reach for me. Instead, they created an environment that led me to believe I could achieve anything if I put in the time and effort. They worked hard and struggled in their lives to lessen any barriers in mine. They are the reason I was able to pursue this and any other dream.
Healthcare is a field built on trust, and the idea that someone would place that trust in me, often at their most vulnerable, is both humbling and inspiring. That sense of responsibility, combined with the support I’ve received along the way, continues to drive my passion for this field.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
In high school, I became a medical assistant in Family Medicine and steadily earned various licenses that allowed me to expand my role, eventually becoming a first assistant and anesthesia assistant.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent five years in the surgical field because I genuinely loved the work and felt I was making a difference. Still, there was always a part of me that felt unfulfilled by not being the one directing patient care. Every role in healthcare is valuable, and great providers rely on great teams, but I knew I wanted to be the one making clinical decisions and crafting patient care plans.
Although I originally envisioned a different healthcare path, I had always been drawn to dentistry on a personal level and never considered being in the field until my senior year of college. Over time, I came to fully understand that dentistry is medicine. To bridge my evolving interests, I sought opportunities to work with dual-degree oral surgeons who inspired and guided me toward this new direction.
My aspiration to become a dentist goes far beyond earning a new title. It stems from a desire to lead with autonomy, apply creative hand skills, and take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that can also improve their overall health.
One of the most powerful aspects of dentistry is the immediate and lasting impact on confidence. Seeing a patient smile with renewed self-assurance is incredibly fulfilling. Dentition also plays a vital role in speech—the mouth is the vessel through which we communicate, advocate, and connect. Dentistry offers the privilege of giving someone more than just a healthier smile and body; it’s a tangible, life-changing gift that can empower how they see themselves and how they represent themselves in the world.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
I chose the College of Dental Medicine – Arizona (CDMA) after completing the Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) program and having the opportunity to conduct research with CDMA. From day one, the faculty and staff at Midwestern stood out to me for their genuine dedication to student success. What set Midwestern apart from other institutions was the strong sense of community and support—it truly feels like everyone here is invested in your growth and is cheering you on every step of the way. That level of encouragement and mentorship made it clear that Midwestern was the right place for me to continue my journey in dentistry.
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
One of the most impactful aspects of a Midwestern University education is the University’s commitment to producing clinically confident and practice-ready graduates. The hands-on training, early exposure to patient care, and rigorous curriculum ensure that students leave with more practical skills than many other programs offer. I know that this strong clinical foundation will not only make me a better dentist, but it will also allow me to serve my future patients with confidence, precision, and care from day one.
In addition, I want to carry forward the values that Midwestern instills—compassionate, patient-centered care, professionalism, and a deep sense of collaboration. The supportive environment and team-based approach have shown me the kind of culture I want to build in my own practice: one that uplifts both patients and colleagues. Midwestern’s holistic approach to dental education has shaped not only the provider I am becoming, but the kind of leader I hope to be.
