An Internship That Opened the Door
Originally from Bedford, New Hampshire, Dr. Joshua Dobbins’ path to Eastman Institute for Oral Health began during his General Practice Residency training at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where exposure to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery inspired him to pursue the specialty.
“I was fortunate to get connected with Dr. Vorrasi through a former resident of his whom I had worked with,” Dobbins said. “That led to the opportunity to complete an internship here.”
“After my intern year, I knew EIOH OMFS was where I wanted to complete my training because of the people I worked alongside and the culture of the program,” he said.
During his residency, Dobbins pursued opportunities well beyond clinical training. Through a special integrated program, he earned his EMBA from Simon Business School while enrolled in the OMFS program – an accomplishment that reflects his longstanding interest in problem-solving and innovation.
Before dentistry, Dobbins studied biomedical engineering and felt drawn to the intersection of medicine, research, and design.
“I’ve always enjoyed the blend of medicine and principles of engineering behind medical devices and biotechnology,” he said.
Dobbins also contributed to research during his time at Eastman. Together with EIOH faculty, he published a study investigating how recreational marijuana use impacts patients when they undergo IV sedation. The paper won the OMS Foundation Daniel M. Laskin Award for the most outstanding article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2024.
Despite those accomplishments, Dobbins says his favorite memories center around the people he trained beside.
“Overall, it’s great to see the success of some of my co-residents through the years,” he said. “Those who have graduated and become attendings, and those who were interns who successfully matriculated into an OMFS program. It's always a good feeling to celebrate the people who have been there to support you.”
That sense of support and growth became one of the defining parts of his Eastman experience.
“Every day is a challenge and an opportunity to learn something about yourself and about your specialty,” Dobbins said. “I really appreciate the time I had in training, and the people who were always around to support me when I needed it.”
As he prepares to graduate, Dobbins plans to return to New England and join a private OMFS practice group. But his greatest source of joy is his family.
“I am blessed to have a wonderful family,” he said. “My wife, Jenna, is a surgical PA in breast surgical oncology and works here at URMC.”
In November 2024, the couple welcomed their daughter, Sofia, at Strong Memorial Hospital.
“She’s our pride and joy in this world,” Dobbins said. “And of course, we can’t forget our other baby, Zola, who we rescued from a local shelter.”
Favorite places in Rochester?
Pittsford Dairy and Lake Ontario Beach Park
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream
A person who has inspired you?
My parents have served as tremendous role models for me both professionally and personally.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleport or time travel
If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza
One thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet?
Windsurfing
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