“Midwestern prepares us starting day one to be leaders, not just in the practice but in our community.”
Name: Dawson Reinacher
Program/Year: College of Dental Medicine–Illinois, Class of 2028
Hometown: Carlyle, IL
Undergraduate degree:
Florida Gulf Coast University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, concentration in Pre-Professional studies.
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
At a young age, I gravitated towards science, especially the intricacies of the human body. Through my own experiences as a patient, I found myself wanting to give back in the same way healthcare professionals had supported me. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by dental role models whose compassion and skill showed me just how transformative oral healthcare can be. I was excited to go for checkups, cleanings, and adjustments, not just for the care, but for the learning and the process. Watching those providers care for others with such intention planted a seed that stayed with me.
As I grew older, that early curiosity deepened into a genuine love for dentistry. I was drawn to the field’s unique blend of science, hands-on problem‑solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s daily comfort and confidence. The more I learned, the more I realized that dentistry wasn’t just an interest; it was the profession that truly called to me.
My goal now is to give back to my future patients in that same way. Offering comfort, understanding, and a sense of trust that can make their experience feel a little easier and a lot more caring.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
Coming from a small rural community, I learned early on the value of hard work, gratitude, and looking out for the people around you. Sports played a big role in shaping that mindset. Being an athlete taught me discipline, resilience, and how to push through challenges with purpose.
Although no one in my family had pursued a healthcare career before, they supported my goals wholeheartedly. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to step into unfamiliar territory and chase opportunities that were new for all of us. Becoming the first in my family to enter healthcare isn’t just a personal milestone; it reflects the strength of my family that raised me. This allows me to carry a new approach and to think outside of the box to ensure each patient has their unique needs met!
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
Choosing Midwestern was truly a “when you know, you know” moment. From the beginning, it felt like a second home. Downers Grove offers something for everyone. I love how we’re close enough to experience all that Chicago has to offer, yet far enough to be part of a great suburban community.
I knew I was stepping into a progressive, state-of-the-art program that prioritizes its students. What stood out to me was not just Midwestern’s commitment to keeping pace with the field, but its drive to help us shape its future. The integration of cutting-edge technology into the curriculum is matched by a deep commitment to holistic, patient-centered care, an approach that truly resonates with me. We’re taught to see the whole person behind the smile, to listen, to empathize, and to treat with intention.
The low student-to-faculty ratio gave me confidence that my education would be personalized, supporting both my strengths and areas for growth. It’s an environment where I feel seen, supported, and empowered to become the best provider I can be.
Midwestern values balance beyond the classroom. The campus encourages involvement through student-led organizations, clubs, intramurals, and activities that bring people together across programs. That sense of connection by finding peers with shared interests and building friendships was just as important to me as my academic excellence
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
Midwestern prepares us starting day one to be leaders, not just in the practice but in our community. Through action, advocacy, and genuine presence. We are shaped to treat with skill, evidence-based care, but also with intention and empathy. We are prepared for the emphasis on collaboration with other branches of healthcare and the emphasis on engaging in interpersonal communication. We're trained to listen, adapt, and contribute as part of a larger team. That mindset of shared responsibility and mutual respect will guide how I approach every patient, every colleague, and every challenge in my career.
