Ostrow graduate Sophia Conroy’s path to becoming an oral healthcare professional started when she first sat in a dental chair as a child, fascinated by the sights, sounds and smells. This spring, she earns her doctor of dental surgery degree and aims to begin a pediatric dental residency next to make her longheld dreams come true. 

NOT MANY PEOPLE LOOK FORWARD TO GOING to the dentist as a child — but Sophia Conroy did. Growing up, she was so eager for her appointments that she would ask her mom when she could go back again. While most kids avoided the dental chair, she was drawn to it. “I was fascinated by the instruments and the experience itself,” she says.

What started as childhood curiosity has come full circle, as Conroy prepares to graduate with her doctor of dental surgery degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.

Originally from Calgary, Canada, Conroy spent most of her early life there before attending Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where she earned a degree in life sciences. After graduating, she took a gap year at home and applied to dental schools in both Canada and the United States.

Conroy’s path to dentistry wasn’t influenced by family but by a long-standing interest that stayed with her as she developed a passion for science.

Getting Involved

At USC, Conroy became deeply involved in the dental school community. She served on the Dr. STAT team, a group focused on emergency response within a dental setting. “I think Dr. STAT was probably one of the most valuable things I did at USC,” she says.

Through that experience, she received additional training and participated in clinical rotations that exposed her to real-world scenarios. “I’ve learned so much — how to work through tough situations and how to communicate with other healthcare professionals,” she says. The role also included teaching components related to anesthesia, helping her reinforce key skills.

She also worked as a student ambassador, guiding prospective students through the admissions process. From leading tours to supporting interview days, Conroy helped new students build connections early on.

Conroy says that one of the defining strengths of the USC program has been its community. “I have all these people in my corner who I could reach out to at any time in the future,” she says. Throughout her time at Ostrow, she built strong relationships with faculty, alumni and peers — connections she plans to carry forward into her career.

What’s Next?

After graduation, Conroy will head to New York City to begin a pediatric dental residency at Montefiore Medical Center, starting July 1. The two-year program will allow her to specialize in working with children. While her long-term plans are still taking shape, she is considering returning to California, which she now considers a second home.

For students considering a DDS program, Conroy describes dental school as both challenging and rewarding. “It’s a tough experience, but it’s so rewarding,” she says. “Pursuing a field I was passionate about made the experience more engaging than I expected.”

Before beginning her residency, Conroy plans to return home to Canada for a short break — taking time to recharge before stepping into the next, exciting phase of her career.

Ostrow’s Commencement Ceremony will take place, Friday, May 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the USC Village Great Lawn. Visit our Commencement webpage for more information.