2019 Winning Student of Dental Medicine
Maxwell Silver
Second Year Student, Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto (ON)
Nominated for Innovation
A second-year student of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry, Maxwell is described by his peers as an exemplary individual with a bright future ahead. Raised by a mother who practiced dentistry, Maxwell was exposed to the profession very early on in life.
From a young age, he had a keen interest in biology and the human condition. “I have always been fascinated by the intricacies of human interaction,” he says. Ultimately, it was dentistry’s versatility that drew him to the field. “For me, it was a perfect blend of science and humanities. In addition to its clinical nature, dentistry allows you to be hands-on and creative.”
A part-time voice actor and puppeteer, Maxwell regularly uses his vocal talents to spread cheer to young patients at the school’s pediatric clinic and Junior Smiles Youth Programs. “Children are often terrified of visiting the dentist. My commitment is to make the experience so much fun that they actually look forward to seeing me,” he says. “In dentistry, we interact with people placed in a very vulnerable position. I always strive to turn an otherwise tense situation into a positive patient experience.”
Maxwell offers sage advice for other future dentists. “The path towards becoming a dentist is never linear. There are ups and downs, but as long as you’re constantly striving to be better, and always moving forward – you will end up exactly where you’re supposed to be.” He further adds, “You have to remind yourself that not only is it OK to fail, it’s the only way to get better. Relish in failure. Get excited about it, because it’s the best way to learn.”
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“Relish in failure. Get excited about it, because it’s the best way to learn.”