Alumni Q&A: Matt Greaves, DDS ’10, Assistant Professor of Dentistry, A.T. Still University

Matt Greaves ’10 (ΔΤΔ) and his younger brother, Michael, both chose Westminster for its outstanding biology program, knowing it would prepare them for their future careers in dentistry. Below, Matt shares how his Westminster experience helped him to unlock the power in his purpose.

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Major: Biology

What other degrees do you hold?

I have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Missouri — Kansas City and will receive an M.S. in Dentistry from the University of Minnesota shortly.

What is your current position?

I am currently an assistant professor at A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health in St. Louis, MO.

I teach and supervise third and fourth-year dental students as they care for patients in a partnered dental school/community health center in downtown St. Louis.

Campus affiliations and activities while at Westminster?

Delta Tau Delta, Skulls of Seven, Student Ambassadors, Campus Activities Board, and 2010 Blue Jay Road Crew Member

What organizations are you involved in now?

I am most involved with Delta Tau Delta both on the national and local levels, volunteering at Delt leadership conferences and most recently with several individual chapters in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri. 

Delta Tau Delta played a tremendous role in my Westminster experience, and I want to help ensure current undergraduates are provided the same opportunities. 

What role did Westminster play in leading you to your career?

As a high school student, I chose Westminster for the strength of its biology department and the relationships students are able to develop with their faculty and peers. Westminster taught me the importance of being a constant student and learning with the intent of understanding, not just memorization.

I credit Westminster with providing me the skills to succeed in the wide variety of responsibilities faced in my postgraduate, practice, and professorship pursuits. 

What do you consider your greatest success?

As a resident in hospital and special needs dentistry, I received a letter from a family on behalf of their son who my department had recently cared for stating that in all of their encounters in special needs healthcare, we had provided them with their best experience.

What are your goals for the future?

Being relatively young in my career, my goal at this time is to continually develop the foresight, flexibility, and knowledge in my field to best prepare myself for the future.  

Do you recommend Westminster to prospective college students?

I recommend Westminster to prospective college students because of its unique ability to provide an outstanding and personalized educational experience in an environment that fosters the development of relationships and leadership skills that will carry far beyond their time in Fulton.

Favorite Westminster faculty member?

I learned a lot and shared many laughs with Dr. Mike Amspoker, Dr. Bernie Hansert, and Professor Bob Hoerber.

Favorite spot on campus?

The Delt house

Last book you read?

This Kind of War: The Classic Korean War History by T.R. Fehrenbach

Favorite movie/TV show?

Movie: “Saving Private Ryan”

TV Show: “Breaking Bad”

Favorite app?

Spotify

Favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Reading a book, grilling outside, and watching whatever St. Louis sports team is in season.