Resident Feature: Dr. Raquel Cantillo

Meet Dr. Raquel Cantillo, a Fellow in Community Dentistry, Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program. 

Q. Where are you from?
A.  Costa Rica

Q. At what age did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
A.  I was about 16. My friend was in dental school and one day I helped him to carve a tooth on wax for his assignment. I noticed that it came easy to me, then I started thinking about dentistry.

Q. Why did you pick EIOH?
A.  My family lives here in Rochester so I knew about EIOH even before I started dental school. This place had been my dream for a long time. When I graduated as a dentist I knew where I needed to go next. Now I am blessed to be a part of it.

Q. Describe yourself in three words.
A. Persistent. Compassionate. Hard-working.

Q. The best part of the program so far?
A.  So far, during my Community Dentistry fellowship, I have learned the impact of wholeheartedly helping vulnerable and underserved populations. During the consults, these patients give me the opportunity to shine a little ray of positivity on their very difficult lives by deeply listening and reassuring them that we will take good care of them. My favorite part of this is when I notice the change in their attitude from being very defensive at first to leaving relaxed with a smile on their face.

Q. What do you love about the Rochester area?
A.  I love how we are surrounded by nature. The scenery is amazing in every season

Q. Favorite place in Rochester?
A. I love any of the Finger Lakes Tours, especially during fall

Q. Favorite thing about EIOH?
A. I like how culturally diverse it is. Everyone has different dental backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. This opens my mind and inspires my creativity.

Q.  You’re having a bad day – what do you do to feel better?
A.  I usually take a few minutes and try to come up with things that are going great that day. It’s not easy to do, but it helps me remain positive and grateful throughout that difficult day.

Q. Hobbies or talents?
A.  I am very artistic, anything that involves crafts, painting, or drawing.