Some dental careers begin with a single, unforgettable moment in the chair. For Dr. Cindy Rask, it was the quiet confidence of a female dentist who made a filling completely painless and sparked a lifelong calling. Before applying to Roseman, Dr. Rask started her career as a middle school biology teacher. A 2019 graduate of the Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Rask traded lesson plans for life-changing treatment plans, transforming smiles and making a lasting impact on her patients every day. Since graduating from Roseman she has built a career that spans public health, corporate dentistry, franchising, and now her own private practice in Georgia. Along the way, she has remained deeply rooted in the values Roseman instilled in her: comprehensive care, compassion for patients, and the enduring power of lifelong colleagues. We sat down with Dr. Rask to reflect on her journey, the moments that shaped her, and the wisdom she’d pass on to the next generation of Roseman students.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry, and what led you to choose the DMD program at Roseman University?
Growing up, my parents always made dental visits a priority, and I genuinely loved being in that environment. I had a wonderful female dentist who performed a filling and I didn’t feel a thing; I was completely amazed by her. My orthodontist’s office was the same; every visit was a great experience. That feeling of being in a dental office just always felt right to me. As for Roseman specifically, I was drawn to how different the program was from most others. The concept of lifelong colleagues really resonated with me, and I genuinely hoped to become part of that community.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your time as a student that had a lasting impact on you?
There were so many, it’s hard to choose just one. When I was in my third year, I had a patient in his early 30s who needed all his teeth extracted. He had been in significant pain and just wanted it to be over. The day we finished, he broke down in tears. It was difficult to witness, but it was also a profound reminder of how much we can change someone’s life in a deeply meaningful way and how much our approach to that process matters. To this day, I think of him whenever a patient comes in embarrassed because they haven’t seen a dentist in years. The first thing I do is reassure them: showing up is the hardest step, and they should be proud of themselves for taking it.
Q: How did your education at Roseman prepare you for your career in dentistry?
The breadth of patient exposure was invaluable. Roseman prepared me to face the real-world complexity of dental practice and reinforced how transformative this work can be. Equally important, though, were the relationships I built with my classmates. Those lifelong colleagues are now some of my closest friends. Even though we’re spread across the country, we’re never more than a text away when one of us needs a second opinion or help navigating something difficult. Many have gone on to specialize, which means I have a trusted friend and consultant in virtually every field of dentistry, something I rely on regularly.
Q: Were there any faculty members or mentors who significantly influenced your professional path?
Dr. Paul Hoeft, my clinical director at the time, was always approachable and offered genuinely valuable guidance. I actually reached out to him a few years ago when I was working through a challenging situation in practice, and he helped me find my way through it; I’m so grateful he was part of my training. Dr. William Harmon and Dr. William Caroll were also tremendous sources of encouragement throughout my time at Roseman. Truthfully, I was lucky across the board. There are too many faculty members to name individually, but I left feeling truly supported by the entire team.
Q: What have you been doing professionally since graduating, and what aspects of your work are most rewarding?
Since graduation, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several sectors; public health, corporate dentistry, and franchising, before opening my own practice, which is where I am today. Owning my own practice has been the most fulfilling chapter yet. I love the relationships I’m building with my patients over time; seeing familiar faces, watching families grow, and genuinely getting to know the people who trust me with their care. I’ve also found such joy in learning about my patients’ lives. One of my favorites is a children’s author who has been on the New York Times bestseller list. Conversations like that make every day interesting.
Q: How did your time at Roseman shape your approach to patient care and leadership in dentistry?
Roseman does a wonderful job of giving every student the opportunity to step into a leadership role. The natural progression from my third year of dental school to my fourth; where you shift from being mentored to mentoring others, was an early and meaningful introduction to what leadership looks like in practice. The program’s emphasis on comprehensive care also left a lasting mark on me. That philosophy is woven into how I approach every patient and every treatment plan today.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students considering the DMD program at Roseman?
This is a truly exceptional program, and my biggest piece of advice is to make the most of every opportunity it offers. Seek out clinical experience at every turn and don’t let fear hold you back from trying something new. School is the ideal environment to stretch yourself, because you’re surrounded by faculty whose entire purpose is to support you when you get stuck. The years go by faster than you expect. What you invest in that time will absolutely define what you walk away with.
Q: If you could sit down with a current Roseman student, what’s the one thing you’d most want them to hear?
Use your time as efficiently and intentionally as possible. Volunteer for every opportunity you can, those real-world clinical hours are invaluable. The school provides an incredible range of learning opportunities, but you have a great deal of control over how deeply you engage with them. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from trying. The mentors around you are there precisely for those moments.
Q: Looking back, what does being part of the Roseman alumni community mean to you today?
It’s genuinely one of the most important parts of my life. My closest friends are my Roseman alumni. We stay in regular contact and make a point to get together when we can, and every time we do, it feels like coming home. We were a big family when we were in school, and that hasn’t changed. I’m deeply grateful for that community every day.
Q: Outside of the practice, who is Dr. Cindy Rask? What does life look like in your free time?
I’m married with two daughters, ages eight and five, and we live in Georgia. Life is full and wonderfully busy right now. My practice keeps me on my toes, and our girls are just as active, one runs track and the other is in ballet. Weekends usually mean trips to the park, walks outside, and time in the garden as a family. I’m also in a season of intentional professional growth, investing heavily in continuing education. I love Spear Courses and am always on the lookout for ways to sharpen my skills and expand what I can offer my patients.
Q: Last question—and perhaps the most important one: as a dentist and a mom, did the tooth fairy make an appearance in your household?
Of course! My oldest has lost three teeth so far, and she is absolutely over the moon about the tooth fairy every single time. One of my dear pediatric dentist friends, a lifelong colleague, surprised her with a tooth fairy book and a little pillow to keep her teeth in. That’s exactly the kind of community we’re part of.
Dr. Cindy Rask’s story is a testament to what happens when passion meets preparation. From that early spark of inspiration in a dental chair to building her own thriving practice, she carries with her the lessons, relationships, and values that Roseman cultivated and pays them forward every day. Whether she’s reassuring an anxious patient, consulting a specialist colleague across the country, or cheering her daughters on at a track meet or ballet recital, Dr. Rask embodies the kind of dentist and person that Roseman University College of Dental Medicine is proud to call its own.