commencement 2025

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Ostrow graduate Martha Velez-Hernandez DDS ’25 follows in her mother’s footsteps to a career in oral health care. She hopes to use her degree to provide treatment to underserved populations.

BY STEPHANIE CORRAL

AS THE DAUGHTER OF A DENTIST, Martha Velez-Hernandez DDS ’25 fondly recalls spending hours after school doing her homework in her mother’s dental office.

“Dentistry has always been part of my life,” Velez-Hernandez says. “I got my first dental job greeting patients in the waiting room and escorting them to the operatories.”

While pursuing a career in dentistry seemed inevitable, Velez-Hernandez first discovered dentistry was for her when she had the realization that it wasn’t just science education courses she’d have to take. Dentistry also incorporated aspects of psychology, art and communication — classes she often took for enrichment. Before entering dental school, Velez-Hernandez pursued an education as a dental hygienist.

Best Decision of Her Life

The native Californian says choosing to go to dental school at USC was the best decision of her life.

“The most valuable aspect of my education at USC is finding different angles for a solution, learning leadership skills and knowing I am capable of anything I set my mind to,” Velez-Hernandez says. “I have learned to be a better person, be humble, have faith in God, along with many other skill sets.”

During dental school, she was president of the Hispanic Student Dental Association and a board member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Student Dental Association, the last of which gave her the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. to advocate for the dental profession — an experience that left a deep impact.

“I wanted my voice to be heard on bills that hinder dentists from fulfilling their potential providing oral health care to the community,” Velez-Hernandez says. “I lived through a time the state insurance removed most of the adult benefits. It was heartbreaking telling patients your insurance only covers extractions.”

In addition to her advocacy work, Velez-Hernandez has participated in humanitarian trips to Jamaica and volunteered with the Union Rescue Mission, which provides emergency and comprehensive dental services to those experiencing homelessness.

Providing the Best Care

Velez-Hernandez says her biggest inspiration has been her mother, who pursued a dental career twice — once in Mexico and again in the United States.

“I told myself I did not have an excuse not to study because she went to school, raised two daughters, had a family, worked and got good grades,” Velez-Hernandez explains.

Her grandparents were also a source of encouragement, which is why she is walking the graduation stage with both of their last names.

“My grandfather from my father’s side encouraged me to go to school and get a degree,” she says. “While my grandfather on my mother’s side always supported my mother to become a dentist in Mexico and California with a culture that did not approve of women going to school.”

As for life after graduation, Velez-Hernandez is looking forward to working for the National Health Service Corps to provide services for underserved populations in California or Hawaii.

“I want to continue learning about dentistry and provide my patients with the best care I can give them,” Velez-Hernandez says.