Inspirational Stories
Discover how our graduate programs have transformed careers and enhanced patient care through the inspiring stories of our alumni. From expanding practice capabilities to building specialized expertise, our graduates share their journeys of professional growth and the real-world impact of their USC Ostrow Online education.
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir
“After completing the Geriatric Dentistry MS program, I feel so strong that I was able to run my own mobile unit. Everything that I studied in the program, I’m using from my practice to the community, everything.”
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir holds a DDS from the University of Buenos Aires with 15 years of general dentistry experience. After completing AEGD training at the Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education, she earned her MS in Geriatric Dentistry from USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Since 2014, she has maintained a private practice in Florida and is an active SCDA member, focusing on specialized care for older adults and patients with complex needs.
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir holds a DDS from the University of Buenos Aires with 15 years of general dentistry experience. After completing AEGD training at the Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education, she earned her MS in Geriatric Dentistry from USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Since 2014, she has maintained a private practice in Florida and is an active SCDA member, focusing on specialized care for older adults and patients with complex needs.
Dr. Theresa Cleary
“The best thing was being able to be part of this online/hybrid Geriatric Dentistry MS program but also live and work in our own communities, treat patients in our own communities and still be able to work.”
Dr. Theresa Cleary earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Geriatric Dentistry from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Theresa Cleary
Dr. Theresa Cleary earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Geriatric Dentistry from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Jane Wrinch
“I've started to have people referring patients to me mainly endodontists, orthodontists and like before they even walk in the front door, I've been able to diagnose it (things like TMD, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain). That has been really gratifying, because every time I have a patient booked, I'm a little bit stressed out that I'm not going to be able to figure it out, and so far, I've been able to diagnose everything, which has been like very empowering.”
Dr. Wrinch graduated from the University of British Columbia with her and completed a multi-disciplinary hospital residency at Montreal General Hospital through McGill University. She gained advanced training in oral surgery, anesthesia, and treatment of medically compromised patients. In Ottawa, she worked as an associate dentist with staff positions at Ottawa Civic and Queensway Carleton Hospitals, where she chaired the startup of a hospital-based geriatric specialty clinic and owned her own practice. Dr. Wrinch is currently completing her Master of Science degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine.
Dr. Jane Wrinch
Dr. Wrinch graduated from the University of British Columbia with her and completed a multi-disciplinary hospital residency at Montreal General Hospital through McGill University. She gained advanced training in oral surgery, anesthesia, and treatment of medically compromised patients. In Ottawa, she worked as an associate dentist with staff positions at Ottawa Civic and Queensway Carleton Hospitals, where she chaired the startup of a hospital-based geriatric specialty clinic and owned her own practice. Dr. Wrinch is currently completing her Master of Science degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine.
Maya Fulcher, RDH, MS
“The highlight has really been making connections with mentors and people in my field who are encouraging me to expand my career and helping me find different directions. That never would have happened if I wouldn’t have joined this program.”
Maya obtained her bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the USC School of Dentistry in 2003. After graduation, she worked as clinical faculty for dental hygiene, PBL and traditional dental students. She returned to Ostrow in 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in the Community Oral Health. With her master in hand, Maya currently works in a private periodontal practice, is active in leadership for the Los Angeles Dental Hygienists’ Society and serves as the Los Angeles Trustee for the California Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Maya Fulcher, RDH, MS
Maya obtained her bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the USC School of Dentistry in 2003. After graduation, she worked as clinical faculty for dental hygiene, PBL and traditional dental students. She returned to Ostrow in 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in the Community Oral Health. With her master in hand, Maya currently works in a private periodontal practice, is active in leadership for the Los Angeles Dental Hygienists’ Society and serves as the Los Angeles Trustee for the California Dental Hygienists’ Association.