Raven Landry's journey from a school employee to a dentist is nearing its culmination as she prepares to graduate from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. For the past four years, Landry has managed the responsibilities of being a single mother and dental school student. “Irielle has been with me the whole ride,” Landry said, referring to her 5-year-old daughter. Her determination is driven by a lifelong ambition and the example she hopes to set for her daughter.
Her path to dentistry began at 17 when she participated in a high school co-op program that introduced her to various healthcare professions. Dentistry attracted her as a combination of science, art, and patient care. Landry pursued her dental aspirations after relocating to Houston in 2013, completing prerequisite courses while working as a patient care coordinator.
“I applied to dental school twice and was finally accepted the second time around,” said Landry. The road included balancing her studies with the demands of motherhood, a challenge she met with "unwavering faith." Days started at 5 a.m. in Humble to prepare for lectures, lab work, and clinic rotations. Her perseverance was amplified by support from her parents, faculty, staff, and scholarships such as the UTSD Student Emergency Scholarship and the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association Endowed Memorial Scholarship.
“The faculty here really care about the students, not just academically, but personally,” Landry noted. Not only has support eased her financial pressures, but it also provided her with a network she likens to a family. “They’ve seen me as an employee, a student, and a mother,” she added.
With graduation on the horizon, she describes the moment as “surreal.” Although undecided about a specific career path, Landry looks forward to exploring different areas of dentistry. “Maybe one day I’ll own a practice with associates, but for now, I just want to keep learning and exploring all areas of dentistry,” she said.
Her journey offers a message of perseverance. "If a single mom who drives 50 miles (roundtrip) a day can do it, you can do it too," she expressed. Landry's dedication to her profession and family serves as an inspiration, particularly for those who face similar challenges. Her daughter, Irielle, mirrors this sentiment with pride among her classmates.
