RSS Employee Spotlight: Tyrus Hayes

Meet Tyrus Hayes, RSS Oral Health Specialist

We’d love to shine a spotlight on a star employee, Tyrus Hayes, who has been with Ready, Set, Smile for four months as an Oral Health Specialist. We love having him as part of our team and we are beyond thrilled for him and his future plans: starting dental school in the fall! Learn more about him below in our Q+A.

RSS: Congrats on getting accepted in dental school! What led you to your decision to apply and/or start a career in dentistry?   

TH: Many factors played a role in the decision to pursue a career in dentistry. My mother went to school to be a dental assistant. Although she struggled to find work as an assistant in Minnesota, she worked as a receptionist in a few offices while I was a kid, exposing me to the profession. Also, getting my braces off during my first year of college, and the feeling I experienced. These two things led me to be curious about dentistry as a profession. Ultimately, while shadowing many dentists, the mindset of those dental professionals cemented my desire to pursue a career in dentistry officially. The ability to help and educate people on adequately maintaining their oral health!  

RSS: Is there any field within dentistry you plan to focus on during your studies?   

TH: Before making it to this point, I was set on becoming an orthodontist. Whenever someone would ask what I was going to school for, I would tell them I would become an orthodontist.  As I have gained more perspective on the realm of dentistry, I want to make that decision as I progress through dental school. 

RSS: What are you most looking forward to during dental school?  

TH: The challenge, stepping up to it, and succeeding.  

RSS: Were there any obstacles you had to overcome on your path to dental school?  

TH: By the grace of God, I have overcome many obstacles to make it to this point in life, and with His mercy and favor, I will reach all that He has for me.  

RSS: How did you learn about good oral health? Or who was most influential/a role model to your oral health growing up?  

TH: My mother instilled in me the importance of maintaining my oral health at a young age. So much so that I used to get questioned by peers about how I have such a white smile, and I would give people oral hygiene tips back in high school. 

RSS: What are you most looking forward to when you graduate? What will graduation mean to you?  

TH: To begin my career and take on all that comes with that. Graduating from dental school will mean a lot to me. I am the first male in my family to graduate from a four-year university and will be the first male to get his doctorate. So, graduating from dental school will be important not only to me but also to my family and those who come after me. 

RSS: What’s been your favorite part of working at Ready, Set, Smile?  

TH: Working with the children, seeing their smiles and joy. Knowing that I am making an impact on the communities around me. 

RSS: What would you tell a college grad about preparing for dental school or even applying to dental school? Any advice you would share?  

TH: Everyone's path in dentistry is different, and if this is something that you genuinely desire, remain persistent. When life tests your resolve, don’t back down and sacrifice what is required. The rest will work itself out, and good luck on your dental journey!