The road to NEOMED: Bella Mungo

Bella Mungo will never forget when she heard the news about NEOMED’s plans to open the Bitonte College of Dentistry.

Her grandmother shared a newspaper article, and the aspiring dentist was delighted to learn that a new dental school would be opening just minutes away from her home in Alliance, Ohio. Not only was it close to home, but it would also be welcoming its first class the fall after she was set to graduate with a biology pre-professional degree from Walsh University.

The fact that the new college was in a rural area made it even more appealing for Mungo, who was raised on a small farm with chickens and horses.

“I wanted to stay near Alliance,” explained Mungo. “it’s where my family is, so it’s where I want to be.”

An Indirect Path

However, Mungo’s path to dentistry was not direct. She initially wanted to go into psychiatry but quickly changed her mind after her first undergraduate psychology course.

She considered dentistry as it was a popular profession within her family -- her father, grandfather and two great-uncles are all dentists.

Mungo also had an unusual source of inspiration to enter the field – her experience working as a licensed nail tech. She completed a three-month course to earn her license, then spent several years working at a salon throughout high school and college.

“My experience as a nail tech has actually benefitted me quite a bit in dental school,” said Mungo. “They both require a detailed eye, steady hand and creative mind.”

A Close-knit Cohort

Mungo no longer has time to work as a nail tech but still enjoys doing nails for friends and family at times. However, she seems perfectly happy to be a full-time dental student.    

“I heard great things about NEOMED based on the success of the other three colleges, and I really enjoy the smaller class size that has created a close-knit group.”

Mungo appreciates her classmates, who go out of their way to support one another.

“No one is in competition with each other,” she noted. “Everyone wants everyone else to succeed. That also includes the faculty and dean, who are always quick to respond to emails and willing to help however they can.”

While Mungo just started her second-year of dental school, she has a specific goal to keep her motivated – opening a practice in her hometown of Alliance.

“There is a high demand for more dentists in Alliance and the surrounding areas,” said Mungo. “Plus, it’s home – it’s where I want to be.”