Volunteer Spotlight: Rylie Doty

Rylie Doty, a University of Minnesota student, has volunteered in our dental clinic since January 2022! She is studying human physiology with a minor in Spanish with hopes of pursuing dental school upon graduation. Rylie reached out to People's Center at the end of 2021 about volunteering opportunities. We were able to tailor a volunteer position to her skillset and career goals due to our flexible program and welcoming clinic staff. 

Rylie spends much of her time with Dr. Kim, Dental Director, to learn more about appointment processes, patient relations, and dental procedures. According to Rylie, she has “learned new terminology, techniques… and how to interact with patients of all different ages and backgrounds.” These skills are incredibly important in pursuing dental school, as volunteer hours are a main component of the application process. We’re so happy to help her strive for her goals! 

Rylie mentioned that volunteering at People's Center has “inspired [her] to work harder to get to this level [of the dental profession.” The experience has also introduced Rylie to the world of federally qualified health centers that provide invaluable services and resources to Minnesotan communities. In Rylie’s words, volunteering “made me realize that I want to continue to give back my time and my skills to help improve the lives of people in the community.”  

We have so enjoyed having Rylie volunteering in the clinic, and we’re excited to watch her grow in her studies and career!