Andrew donald

DENTIST

Andrew Donald is a Deaf dentist who is currently studying for the National Board of Dental Examination. He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and has been involved with dental public health in the Deaf community.

Andrew went to a mix of Deaf and hearing schools in the DMV area throughout his upbringing. He went to college at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Italian.

ASL is his primary language and he considers it one of the contributing factors to his success. His parents are also Deaf and use ASL. Andrew believes that their direct communication as a family has enhanced their relationship and their continued involvement in his educational and personal growth. He learned written English by using ASL with his parents, teachers, and peers. He also communicates with hearing people through texting and emails. Getting involved with Deaf culture led him to understand and embrace his Deaf identity. As a bilingual dentist, he is able to communicate with and treat a diverse range of patients. Communicating with people in different ways he believes has maximized opportunities to accomplish his goals. He makes life decisions based on his knowledge from different sources through ASL and written English.

Andrew’s advice for hearing parents of deaf children is to learn ASL, become involved with the ASL community, and establish a primary language that provides direct and clear communication with your children.