Dental student’s path includes research, leadership, service

A passion for connecting with others and creating purposeful change has defined Raven Selden’s time at Carolina. Selden, who will graduate from UNC Adams School of Dentistry in May, describes herself this way: “I’m mostly about connections, making an impact in my community and pushing myself to be the best.”

But graduating doesn’t mean Selden is saying goodbye to Chapel Hill. On dental Match Day in November 2024, she learned that she had been accepted into Carolina’s master’s degree program in orthodontics.

Selden plans to continue her research during residency and incorporate the effectiveness of evidence-based dentistry in her own practice one day. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Research experience

Selden’s interest in orthodontics grew from her work as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Laura Jacox, an assistant professor at the dental school. She began working in the lab as an undergraduate anthropology major.

“Working with Dr. Jacox began as a learning opportunity but transformed into a love for research and discovery,” Selden said. Her early projects involved charting periodontal findings, handling patient intake, and assisting with data entry on a microbiome study.

While in the lab, she co-authored a study on pediatric dental anxiety, for which she observed children undergoing operative procedures and tracked anxious behaviors. “The goal is to create a tool that helps dentists recognize and manage anxiety in young patients,” Selden explained. “When kids have a positive dental experience, they’re much more likely to seek care as adults.”

During her residency, she plans to continue her research. She plans to incorporate the effectiveness of evidence-based dentistry in her own practice one day.

Leadership and service

“When I decide to get involved in something, it has to align with my core values,” said Selden. “That way, it doesn’t feel like work — it’s meaningful and fun.”

When she was accepted to Carolina, Selden was awarded a Pogue scholarship for academic excellence and commitment to diversity. At her high school in Huntersville, North Carolina, she founded a club for students to discuss their differences over breakfast. “I was often one of the only minorities in the room,” she said. “Sometimes people don’t know how to ask questions or what’s appropriate. I wanted to create a safe space where those conversations could happen naturally.”

Once on campus, Selden joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and continued her community influence by serving as the national president of the Student National Dental Association. In 2023, she and classmate Jada Graham were selected as Delta Dental Schweitzer Fellows, a program that prepares new professionals to address unmet health needs in their communities. As part of their fellowship, they created Cavity Free Zone to teach K-5 students at a Boys and Girls Club about dental care. The program has expanded to Carolina’s SNDA chapter for future students to continue.

Dentistry’s in the family

Selden comes from a family of dentists. Her father, Dr. Robert Selden III ’98 (DDS), is an orthodontist and adjunct professor at the dental school. Her grandfather and uncle are dentists. As the first female dentist in the family, she hopes to join her father at Selden Orthodontics after completing her residency. Her mother, Sharay Selden ’94, a former social worker, has shaped Selden’s ability to connect with and care for others.

Like her parents, who met as undergraduates, Selden has cherished her time at Carolina. “To be successful is to truly love what you do,” she said. “Building relationships made Carolina my home away from home.”