HUCD Class of '22 Achieves Goal of Becoming a Dentist While Being a Single Mom

Dr. Mieke Hampton, a recent graduate from Howard University College of Dentistry, received her degree on May 7, 2022. She is a single mother, raised in the rural town White Castle, Louisiana. When she was accepted into dental school, she was unsure of how she was going to tackle going to dental school. Dr. Hampton explored the options of leaving her daughter behind in Louisiana or moving her across the country to Washington, D.C but bringing her would ultimately be the best option for both her and her daughter. Mieke enrolled Jayden into Howard University’s Early Learning Program her first year at Howard. She met with Dr. Grant-Mills soon after the start of school inquiring about resources for parents. Dr. Grant-Mills guided her and checked-in on her periodically throughout her time as a dental student. She put her in contact with another parent in the orthodontic residency program Dr. Bianca Frederick, who was a great help as well. Unlike most of her classmates, Mieke had to work her studying around her daughter’s homework and sleep schedule, often not studying until 9 or 10 pm or waking up at 3am to get a few hours in before starting the day. She spoke with professors regarding Jayden’s drop off and pick up schedule. They were willing to accommodate her from allowing Jayden to sit in on classes to allowing Dr. Hampton to walk Jayden to school during class time. Jayden has witnessed her mom’s dental school journey first hand from cadaver labs to sim labs to lectures. She knows her way around Howard University College of Dentistry in and out. Dr. Hampton gained a family away from home through Howard. Her daughter, Jayden, grew to know and love Dr. Hampton’s classmates, professors, and sorors of Delta Phi Sigma Sorority, Inc. They would eventually become her extended aunties and uncles. Dr. Hampton decided to push forward and continue on with dental school sharing her journey with Jayden because she knew this accomplishment would be bigger than just becoming a dentist. She knew that she would be the first black dentist from her hometown. She wanted to inspire not just single mothers, but all parents that you can pursue your dream(s). Dr. Hampton has always wanted to inspire women and young ladies to become all they can be. She has inspired her daughter and taught her that she can achieve any goal that she sets.

Dr. Hampton was also featured on NBC Washington News click here to watch interview