ATSU-MOSDOH dental student Mariam Wahba on community care, clinical training, and the road to her DMD
Posted: July 14, 2026
Mariam Wahba, D2, is a student in the A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) Doctor of Dental Medicine program, class of 2028. A native of Clearwater, Florida, she earned her bachelor of science in biomedical sciences with a minor in psychology from the University of South Florida in 2023.
Wahba was drawn to ATSU-MOSDOH by its mission of serving underserved communities, its focus on whole person healthcare, and its strong emphasis on clinical experience with diverse patient populations. She recently was elected secretary of the American Student Dental Association and events chair of the American Dental Education Association.
Why did you choose the DMD program at ATSU-MOSDOH?
“I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because I connected with the School’s mission of serving underserved communities and focusing on whole person healthcare. I also liked that the program places a strong emphasis on clinical experience and preparing students to treat real patients with confidence. The opportunity to complete rotations in community health centers and gain experience working with different patient populations was something that really stood out to me. Overall, I felt like ATSU would give me the training and experience I need to become a well rounded dentist.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One thing I enjoy about being an ATSU student is the opportunity to focus on developing the clinical and academic skills needed to become a dentist. Dental school is definitely challenging, but it has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I spend most of my time studying, practicing in simulation lab, and preparing for exams, which has helped me build a strong foundation for my future career. Being in a program that is focused on training competent and compassionate dentists has been a very valuable experience for me.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-MOSDOH helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a successful dentist who provides great care to patients and helps improve access to oral healthcare. ATSU is helping prepare me for this through strong clinical training, hands-on experience, and opportunities to work with different communities. The program is giving me the knowledge and skills I need to feel confident going into my future career.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at the beach, tanning, and watching the sunset. I also like going out to restaurants and trying new food. Another thing I enjoy is shopping and going to the mall. These things help me relax and take a break from the busy schedule of dental school.”