12 June 2025

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Discovering purpose through compassionate dentistry

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As a child, Bartolomeo (Bart) Voto, DMD25, witnessed how thoughtful, quality dental care could transform a patient’s life. 

“Growing up with plenty of cavities, I spent a lot of time in the dental chair,” said Voto. “What began as fear gradually turned into fascination, thanks to my pediatric dentist who made each visit engaging and educational.”

One summer Voto and his family volunteered with the nonprofit aid group Remote Area Medical (RAM) helping to provide care to underserved communities in New York. Witnessing patients wait for hours—sometimes overnight—to receive basic dental, vision, and medical treatments opened his eyes to the profound disparities in access to care. 

“I returned in subsequent years as a dental assistant, and during those clinics, I saw firsthand how dentistry extends beyond procedures. It’s about connecting with patients, calming their fears, and restoring dignity,” he said. “Many patients were unfamiliar with dental care and visibly anxious. My role became more than a dental assistant, I was there to listen, reassure, and make them feel seen.”

Those experiences deepened Voto’s commitment to the profession and inspired him to join the National Health Service Corps, a federal program that supports healthcare professionals in providing care to underserved communities.

During his time at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), Voto was deeply involved in community outreach, caring for patients of all ages through the School’s annual Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) and Give Veterans a Smile (GVAS) events. The programs offer free dental services and aim to connect patients with a long-term dental home for continued care. 

“These co-curricular experiences significantly broadened my understanding of the field and deepened my appreciation for how wide-ranging and dynamic a career in dentistry can be,” he said.

Inspired by his work with HSDM’s GVAS, Voto completed an eight-week externship at the Boston Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The experience—part of his fourth-year community-based care rotation—was a highlight of his predoctoral program at HSDM. While at the VA, he was able to gain experience outside of a school setting and perform a wide range of procedures, including fillings, crowns, dentures, and more. 

“The high patient volume at the VA kept me busy each day, and I learned an incredible amount from the staff dentists, hygienists, and assistants. The lessons I gained, and the hands-on experience significantly bolstered my confidence as a clinician and made me even more excited for my future career,” said Voto. “This externship reaffirmed my passion for community-based care.”

After graduation, Voto will stay in the Boston area and complete a one-year general practice residency at the VA Medical Center. He looks forward to gaining experience across all areas of dentistry and providing comprehensive dental care to U.S. Veterans. 

“It’s an honor to care for those who have served our country—particularly a population that often faces complex medical conditions and barriers to consistent dental and medical care.”

Driven by service and grounded in compassion, Voto is ready to bring skilled, equitable care to the communities that need it most. 

“My goal is to develop the skills necessary to offer my future patients a broad scope of care and the highest quality treatment, no matter the setting,” he said. “It’s an honor to now use my skills as a dentist to not only improve oral health but also uplift entire communities through compassionate care and education.”

Source: https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/