As Joyce Forbes, 24, prepares for an adventure this week that will take her 3,000 miles from her studies at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, her enthusiasm is contagious.
“It’s hard to verbalize my excitement! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am overjoyed. Overall, I have a strong feeling of gratefulness that I was selected. It’s a good feeling to know that others are able to relate to my story and the things that are important to me.”
Forbes references her Instagram nomination in the #LHPshareyourstory social media contest (see below), which resulted in her earning a free trip for two to the 6th Annual Lucy Hobbs Celebration in San Francisco that begins this Thursday.
(Register today: https://straumann.cvent.com/events/straumann-digital-dentistry-symposium-the-time-is-now/registration-9864cd99e48f4874b9eae5566b3e3af5.aspx?fqp=true )
The Lucy Hobbs Project Celebration & Straumann Digital Dentistry Symposium, sponsored by Midmark, will deliver three days of networking, education and inspiration at The Westin St. Francis and laud this year’s six Lucy Hobbs Project Award recipients, including two with ties to Tufts: Athena S. Papas, DMD, PhD, recipient of the Industry Icon award, and Jeanette Sabir-Holloway, DDS, recipient of the Mentor award.
A member of the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, Class of 2021, Forbes explains her impetus for entering the contest.
“I was inspired to enter the contest because I am motivated by women like Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Holloway. Because they paved the way, I am able to exist as a minority woman at a world-class institution and feel that I belong.
One of the first events that I participated in with the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) was one in which we went to an elementary school and did Lessons in a Lunchbox. I was able to go on stage and give the presentation to the students, and their participation and excitement was moving.
We talked about brushing their teeth, how often they should visit the dentist, and the food groups that would benefit them the most. I remember thinking about how pertinent the program was, because children of a lower-income level are often the most affected by oral health issues. When I found out that it was The Lucy Hobbs Project behind it, it made the experience that much more significant.”
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Forbes became a naturalized American citizen early in her childhood.
“Growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of education and humility. My mother was the first in our entire family to attend college, and she did so while working full time, and taking care of our household.
I can remember that she used to bring me to class with her when she was getting her Bachelor’s degree, because there was nobody available to look after me. Despite all of the hardships she faced, along with trying to adapt to living in a completely new country, she graduated magna cum laude.
I saw how hard she worked, and how she never let obstacles deter her. I often think about how her hard work set the foundation for our family, and I go throughout life trying to model my life after hers.”
Want to attend? It’s not too late.
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What else can you expect if you attend?
- The Straumann Digital Dentistry Symposium: https://thedailyfloss.com/2018/08/28/the-time-is-now-for-digital-dentistry-that-is-dont-miss-an-opportunity-to-jump-in/
- A discussion led by Jean Briese on 5 Superpowers to Unleash the Awesome in You.
- Three panel discussions on topics about Dynamic Teamwork, Redefining Having It All and Marketing Your Dental Practice featuring 10 incredible speakers: https://thedailyfloss.com/2018/09/07/dont-miss-these-10-insightful-experts-at-a-celebration-of-women-in-dentistry-lhp2018/
- Keynote Eric Gruwell, Founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation will inspire attendees with the story of her journey. (You might recognize her from the 2007 film Freedom Writers.)
- An opportunity to earn up to 15.5 Continuing Education credits
- A chance to hear from and meet this year’s six Lucy Hobbs Project Award recipients:
Sabiha S. Bunek, DDS, recipient of the Clinical Expertise Award,
Sharon K. Parsons, DDS, recipient of the Humanitarian award,
Athena S. Papas, DMD, PhD, recipient of the Industry Icon award,
Diane Johnson Krueger, CEO, recipient of the Innovator award,
Jeanette Sabir-Holloway, DDS, recipient of the Mentor award, and
Rita Y. Chuang, BA, DDS, ABO, recipient of the Woman to Watch award.
