As a child, Kimberlee Kiep Witthoft DDS ’26 eagerly looked forward to her dental appointments, where she found oral healthcare professionals who encouraged her to pursue her dream career. This Friday, that dream becomes a reality.

FOR KIMBERLEE KIEP WITTHOFT DDS ’26, health care is a family calling: Her mother is a retired oncology nurse; her older sister, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse; and her twin sister, an occupational therapist.

“That environment made pursuing higher education feel possible,” Kiep Witthoft says. “We’ve always supported and pushed each other, but we all had a different path — and dentistry was it for me.”

Raised in Modesto, Calif., Kiep Witthoft’s interest was also shaped by her own early experiences. “Growing up, I always had a good time going to the dentist,” she says. Kiep Witthoft, 28, also grew close to her hygienist, who has been treating her since she was 13 years old.

“She’d even come to our sporting events when we were in high school,” Kiep Witthoft says. “She became a role model — she encouraged me and believed I could become a dentist. That support really influenced my path.”

Kiep Witthoft completed her undergrad in biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, and immediately applied to dental school. “I was waitlisted and didn’t get in,” she says. “So, I had to pivot really quickly, but I knew I wanted to stay in the dental realm.”

Kiep Witthoft attended the University of the Pacific, graduating with a degree in dental hygiene in 2021, and began her career as a hygienist in a private practice. “Even though I enjoyed the experience, it really solidified my desire to pursue dentistry,” she says. “My journey was a little different, but taking more time helped me feel more prepared, personally and professionally.”

A year later, Kiep Witthoft reapplied to dental school — and this time, she was accepted into the doctor of dental surgery degree program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, her top choice.

Uprooting for a Dream Career

At USC, she has gained exposure to a wide range of procedures and patient care experiences, from mobile clinics to pediatric dentistry, opportunities that strengthened her clinical skills and confidence.

“I’ve had exposure to a wide range of procedures and patient care experiences,” she says. “That hands-on experience has made me feel more prepared for practice.”

In addition to the school’s standout clinical training and the strength of the Trojan Family network, Kiep Witthoft was excited to remain in California — but moving her life to Los Angeles wasn’t easy.

Kiep Witthoft had just gotten engaged ahead of starting dental school, and her then-fiancé had recently purchased a home in Patterson, Calif.

“We had a big conversation because we were building a life, and I had to move,” she says. “It was a difficult decision, but my family and my husband were incredibly supportive of me pursuing my dream of becoming a dentist.”

Coming Full Circle

Kiep Witthoft and her husband have now been married for almost two years. “During these four years of dental school, a lot of life has happened,” she says. “It’s been a journey.”

As she prepares to graduate, her path comes full circle: Kiep Witthoft will return to the private practice where she once worked as a hygienist to begin her career as a dentist.

“I would go back and work there during breaks, and my boss has been a mentor to me,” she says. “Ultimately, my goal is to own my own practice, but I want to learn the business side of dentistry and gain more experience before stepping into that role.”

For those applying to Ostrow, Kiep Witthoft’s advice is simple: follow your passion. “Never give up, even if you don’t get in,” she says. “Everyone’s journey is a little different. If becoming a dentist is your dream — and you’re willing to put in the work — you’ll get there.”

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.