Q&A with Michael Martico: Class of 2024

To kick off 2022, we caught up with New Year's baby Michael Martico, Class of 2024 on what he's most looking forward to about this year.

 
What are you most looking forward to this year?
 
I’m most looking forward to performing my first restorative treatment in 2022. This is significant to me as I intend to prioritize cosmetic dentistry in my career because of my passion for restorative dentistry.
 
 
Which person has had the greatest impact on you choosing Dentistry as an area of study?
 
The person that had the great impact on dentistry being my career of choice is my orthodontist back home in the middle east. I did not have the most pleasant experience at dental offices while growing up, but when I turned 10 and needed orthodontic appliances, this orthodontist who studied abroad in France brought a new aura to his dental practice that I have never experienced. He changed my mind about dentistry and that is when I knew dentistry was the career for me. I remember him saying to me on my last visit: “Stay focused in school and on yourself and you’ll get to become a dentist like me when you grow up."
 
  
What gets you up in the morning?
 
What gets me up in the morning is knowing that all my studying and hard work will result in a lifestyle that revolves around bringing and restoring joy to my patients’ lives by addressing any dental concerns they might have. The dental treatments I received throughout my life so far have had immense positive impact on my quality of living and I intend for my work to have the very same impact on my patients. 
 
  
What is one piece of advice you have received from a mentor, alumni or instructor that has helped you?
 
The greatest piece of advice that I have received is that it’s easy to lose track and dwell over little details in life that often prove to be insignificant. Rather, we must focus on the bigger picture and not fret over events we cannot control. Instead of being anxious and stressing over the many challenges that occurred and will continue to happen throughout my time in dental school, I am excited to encounter them as they are valuable teaching lessons that will ultimately result in me getting closer to the dentist I want to be.