By Mackenzie Meleski
School of Dentistry

When it comes to making the most of 24 hours, Sarah Heise is a master class.

Heise graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery this month. In addition to the strenuous coursework and clinical hours required to graduate dental school, Heise is a member of several student organizations and serves as the student body class president. 

As class president, Heise was elected by her peers to represent them and help make decisions about class involvement in the school and beyond.

“It’s my favorite thing I’ve done in dental school,” Heise said. “I was warned by some of the upperclassmen when I first ran that I might hate it some days and love it on others. I’ve loved it every single day. It has brought some challenges and a lot of problem-solving, but I’ve had zero regrets.”

In addition to her responsibilities as class president, Heise previously served on the VCU American Student Dental Association cabinet as director of communications and is the president of the Oral Surgery Study Club.

“I joined the Oral Surgery Study Club’s executive board because I wanted there to be some female representation. If there are any other women interested in oral surgery, I could be someone they could feel comfortable talking to,” Heise said. “It’s really rewarding when any students come to me with questions.”

Heise also makes an effort to support her classmates by attending club meetings and lunch and learn sessions whenever she can. With so much on her schedule, it's easy to imagine feeling overwhelmed or stressed. However, Heise carries herself with ease and a smile on her face.

“It just takes practice,” Heise said. “Being able to prioritize things and take things one task at a time. I make to-do lists and check off a few things every day. It’s also important to be kind to yourself. Take your time and enjoy the journey.”

Heise’s passions go beyond dentistry. A plant connoisseur, she started a class of 2025 annual plant sale to raise money.

“Each class finds ways to raise money for events, gifts and other expenses. As an exec board, we were thinking of unique things to sell. I came up with the idea of selling plants because it’s always been an interest of mine. I have a lot of plants,” Heise said with a laugh. “It’s really easy to propagate them and make them into a bunch of plants to give to others. I think a lot of the school knows me as the plant sale girl.”

Heise’s dedication to the school community did not go unnoticed; last year she was awarded the 2024 Oral Health Scholarship given by the Oral Health Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy for outstanding dental student leadership and academic achievement. In 2024, she also earned second place on Research Day for the Dental Student Awards. Her research project, titled “Prevalence of Mental Illness and Marijuana Use in Dental Emergency Clinic Patients” was mentored by Omar Abubaker, D.M.D., Ph.D.

In April, Heise was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. This prestigious honor is given to students in the graduating class with exceptional academic performance and contributions to their class.

For Heise, the path to dentistry was introduced by her father. Andrew Heise, D.M.D., M.D., is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Heise’s father completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at VCU and graduated in 1992. His love and passion for his profession inspired Heise to follow in his footsteps. 

“He loves his job. He goes into work happy and with purpose every day,” Heise said. “Growing up, I had a really great exposure to the impact you can have in this field and it’s always been something I thought of in the back of my mind while I was figuring out what I wanted to do.”

After shadowing in her father’s office, Heise decided that dentistry was for her. Throughout her dental school experience, she explored different avenues such as prosthodontics and general dentistry.

“After a lot of exposure and thought, I finally said, ‘Alright I’m gonna do it’,” Heise said. “I’m going to follow in my dad’s footsteps and become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.”

And in a full circle moment, Heise was matched to the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program at VCU. She will begin the program this summer.

“VCU was always my number one choice for my residency program. It’s been my dream since my first day of dental school,” Heise said. “I love Richmond and I love this community that I’ve grown to be a part of. I’m ecstatic that I get to continue my journey here for another four years.”

This story was originally published on the VCU School of Dentistry’s website.