Clinical opportunities, commitment to student work-life balance led student to ATSU-ASDOH
Posted: November 10, 2025
Jasmine Kathalyne Iturres, D2, was looking for a dental school with a very specific and unique set of priorities. For one, she wanted a school that provided early clinical exposure. At the same time, she wanted one with a commitment to work-life balance for its students.
That place was A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) in Mesa, Arizona.
“During my interview, I was drawn to the modular curriculum, which provides a structure that supports both academic success and personal well-being,” she said. “I also appreciated the opportunity for fourth-year external rotations, which allow students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings across the country. As someone who enjoys traveling and exploring new places, this aspect of the program really appealed to me.
“More importantly, ATSU’s mission to serve underserved communities aligns closely with my own values. I’m passionate about holistic, patient-centered care, and I was excited to join a school that prioritizes those principles in its education and outreach.”
Iturres is from Orlando and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in nutrition sciences.
“One of the things I value most about being a student at ATSU-ASDOH is the emphasis on balance,” she said. “Dental school is demanding, but our curriculum includes built-in self-study days and encourages us to take care of our mental and physical health. I also appreciate how inclusive and supportive my class is. There’s a strong sense of community here, and it’s reassuring to know that I’m surrounded by peers who are collaborative, not competitive. We make the most of our time together, even in the Arizona heat!”
Iturres holds several roles in various student organizations, serving as fundraising chair for the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), on the public relations committee for Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), and member of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA).
“I joined HSDA because I wanted to help guide the organization in a new direction and create meaningful opportunities for student involvement. As fundraising chair, my focus is on increasing our resources to support events that celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness,” she said. “Being a first-generation Colombian dental student, I understand the importance of representation and the challenges many Hispanic communities face in accessing dental care. Through my role, I hope to strengthen HSDA’s outreach, encourage inclusion, help others better understand the diversity within the Latinx community by incorporating and sharing influences of my own Colombian culture, as well, and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique backgrounds our students and patients bring.”
Through GKAS, Iturres helps provide dental care to children who may not otherwise have access, while connecting with them in a fun and meaningful way. SNDA, meanwhile, supports historically underrepresented groups and promotes inclusion in dentistry, topics Iturres is deeply passionate about.
“It’s given me a sense of community and purpose, and it motivates me to advocate for representation and equity in the field as I grow in my career,” she said.
She also serves as an ATSU-ASDOH student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador because of the positive experience I had during my own interview,” Iturres said. “The ambassadors I met were welcoming, genuine, and excited to share what they loved about ATSU-ASDOH, which made a lasting impression on me. As a first-generation Colombian-American college graduate, I had to navigate the dental school application process mostly on my own. That experience motivated me to be a resource for others, especially students who may be facing similar uncertainty. I also hope to be a source of support for other Latinx students pursuing dentistry, offering the guidance I wish I’d had along the way.”
Iturres describes herself as passionate about health and wellness, and outside of coursework stays active by going to the gym and playing sports like volleyball and soccer. She also loves to travel, take pottery classes, and go salsa dancing, and explores new coffee shops whenever she has a chance.
At ATSU-ASDOH, Iturres is preparing to become a well-rounded, compassionate clinician who not only provides excellent patient care, but also leads by example.
“ATSU has been instrumental in shaping this goal by challenging me to think critically: in the classroom, in simulation clinic, and during patient interactions,” she said. “I’ve had the chance to take on leadership roles and be involved in student organizations, which has helped me grow outside of academics. Learning from experienced and supportive faculty has also inspired me to keep improving. The early clinical exposure and focus on hands-on skills are helping me build the confidence and dexterity I’ll need in practice.
“ATSU’s learning environment constantly pushes me to be better, and I’m excited to keep growing through every experience it offers.”