First-generation college student and doctoral graduate Felipe Martinez DDS ’26 aims to use his oral healthcare education to inspire others to see beyond their current limitations.

GROWING UP IN ONTARIO, CALIF., Felipe Martinez DDS ’26 saw education as a gateway to a better life and greater opportunities.

“My parents emphasized the importance of hard work, which motivated me to pursue higher education,” Martinez says. “They taught us the value of discipline, responsibility and perseverance.”

Those lessons carried him into unfamiliar territory as a first-generation college student at USC, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 2019. As the first in his family to attend college — and to pursue a career in health care — Martinez quickly learned independence and resourcefulness.

“I learned how to navigate challenges on my own because I was the first to encounter them,” Martinez explains. “I also learned the importance of asking for help when things came up that I didn’t understand.”

The Perfect Fit

Martinez says he realized the profession was a perfect fit when he had the opportunity to shadow his childhood dentist while he was in high school.

“I saw how dentistry allowed for positive and meaningful patient interactions, while also improving patients’ quality of life and confidence,” he says.

Still, Martinez admits he wasn’t sure he could become a doctor. Pursuing a dental hygiene degree and gaining clinical practice experience, however, gave him the foundation and confidence to pursue a DDS degree.

“After accomplishing my hygiene degree, I knew I had the ability to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor of dental surgery,” Martinez says.

Continuing his studies at Ostrow was a “no-brainer,” Martinez explains, citing his positive undergraduate experience, supportive faculty, strong clinical training and the USC network.

Promoting a Sense of Social Responsibility

“Ostrow’s emphasis on clinical experience, early hands-on experience and service to diverse communities stood out to me,” Martinez adds. “The program promotes both technical skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.”

Martinez put those values into practice by participating in international service trips with Ayuda International, a nonprofit organization that provides free dental care to underserved populations.

“It was incredibly humbling and rewarding,” says Martinez, who plans to continue participating in service trips after graduation. “Many patients had limited or no prior access to care and seeing how even basic dental treatments and education significantly improved them was very satisfying.”

Thanks to Ostrow’s doctor of dental surgery program, Martinez feels confident and prepared to handle a wide range of cases.

“One of its biggest strengths is the depth of clinical experience students gain, including exposure to many dental specialties and state-of-the-art equipment,” Martinez explains. “I feel ready to transition into practice with strong clinical judgment and patient management skills.”

Advice to Prospective Students

Students interested in applying to Ostrow should be prepared to work hard, says Martinez, and be committed.

“Take advantage of every opportunity the program offers,” he adds. “It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.”

Looking ahead, Martinez plans to work as a general dentist in Southern California, with long-term goals of opening a practice and mentoring future students.

“My journey hasn’t been straightforward,” Martinez says. “But each step, from being a first-gen student to becoming a dental hygienist and now a DDS graduate, has shaped who I am. I hope to continue growing, giving back, and helping others navigate similar paths.”