Strong commitment to serving underserved communities led student to ATSU-MOSDOH

Strong commitment to serving underserved communities led student to ATSU-MOSDOH

A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health's (ATSU-MOSDOH) mission of serving underserved populations, in addition to providing a unique educational experience, made Karson Neville's, D2, decision to attend an easy one.

"I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because of its strong commitment to serving underserved populations, which aligns closely with my goal of making a meaningful impact in rural and underserved communities," Neville said. "Additionally, the school's partnership with Affinia Healthcare provides students with exceptional hands-on clinical training, offering one of the most comprehensive educational experiences in dental education."

Neville is originally from Hooker, Oklahoma, and attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he graduated with a degree in biology and minored in chemistry. At ATSU-MOSDOH, Neville serves as president of Student Government Association (SGA) and member of the Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA), Dental Sigma Delta (DSD), and American Student Dental Association (ASDA).

"I joined these organizations to grow personally and professionally outside the classroom. Being part of SGA has allowed me to advocate for my peers and enhance communication between students and administration. CMDA provides a faith-based community that has strengthened my faith with a group of like-minded peers. Through DSD and ASDA, I have connected with a network of people who are passionate about dentistry and leadership," Neville said. "These organizations have been a blessing and have provided me opportunities to participate in service projects, leadership development, and community outreach, which are some of the highlights of my ATSU experience."

A bigger highlight is being able to do all of this alongside his fiancée.

"One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU-MOSDOH student is the opportunity to learn and grow in my dental journey alongside my fiancée. We met in dental school, and having a partner who understands the daily challenges and triumphs of this experience has been an incredible part of my time at ATSU. Sharing this journey has made the demanding aspects of dental school more rewarding and has added a unique and meaningful dimension to my student life," Neville said.

Neville said he hopes to one day have his own private practice where he provides high quality dental care, with a focus on underserved populations.

"I hope to incorporate advanced technology into my practice to ensure that everyone has access to modern, comprehensive care. ATSU-MOSDOH has been instrumental in preparing me for this future, not only through a strong education but also through leadership opportunities like serving as SGA president and participating in the Smiles for Veterans scholarship program. These experiences have helped me step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, and stay committed to my mission of expanding care for those who need it most," he said.