A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
Saluda a Nardy Peña Tovar, BeneCare Dental Plan’s 2025 – ‘26 scholarship recipient. Nardy’s journey to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine started 2,200 miles and a continent away in Maracay, Venezuela. Maracay is located about 90 minutes outside of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, near the Caribbean coast.
Ms. Tovar is one of two children born to a retired computer systems engineer and former math teacher. Her parents, along with her younger brother, now reside in Florida. Nardy’s brother is a Venetian plaster craftsman, an offshoot of a painting business he and Nardy started when they first arrived in the United States.
REALIZING HER TRUE CALLING
Nardy’s interest in dentistry started at a very young age. Her mother recalls her daughter saying, “I want to be a teeth doctor,” at the ripe old age of seven (7). Nardy believes part of her motivation to become a dentist can be traced to the difficulties her younger brother experienced with his teeth. Nardy was amazed of how their local dentist, a friend of the family, turned her brother’s problematic choppers into a beautiful, healthy smile. She thought, “I can help people in a similar situation.”
This positive experience with Julio — local dentist, family friend, and soon-to-be mentor — was the catalyst behind Nardy’s pursuit of a dental career. When she started high school, Julio invited her to spend a day or two working at his dental practice to give her exposure to the daily activities. Nardy “loved” it! After graduating high school, Nardy spent 1 ½ years at Julio’s practice as a dental assistant before enrolling in dental school.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Nardy believes spending time as a dental assistant is an invaluable way for an aspiring dentist to “learn the ropes.” It gave her many of the foundational elements that prepared her for preclinical training. She was already familiar with the instruments, different types of composite materials, and x-ray protocols. It also taught her how to interact directly with patients. Nardy stresses the importance of making patients “feel comfortable” and “gaining their trust” as a key attribute for anyone to develop if they are entering the dental field.
INSTABILITY AT HOME
Regrettably, the political and economic climate in Venezuela disrupted Nardy’s education. Her classes were constantly stopped and then restarted, making it difficult for her to complete her studies. This eventually led to Nardy abandoning her studies and taking a detour to Ireland. But the instability at home interfered once again.
Venezuela was battling hyperinflation and changes to its monetary policy led to difficulties on the currency exchange market. This affected her parent’s ability to provide financial support, so Nardy boarded a plane to the United States where she was welcomed by family friends.
GETTING BACK ON TRACK
Once Nardy got established in the United States she set her sight on continuing her education for a career in dentistry. Rutgers Dental School was a recommended destination based on its rigorous preclinical program, excellent faculty support, and access to patients. Nardy also likes its periodontal program, a specialty she is considering pursuing.
THE FEMALE ‘CAKE BOSS’
When Nardy puts down the books, she often picks up a spatula. Nardy has a passion for baking, a craft she learned from her grandmother and continues to enjoy in her free time. Recently, she scoured the Internet to find the perfect cake recipe to celebrate her brother’s birthday.
PERSISTENCY IS THE KEY
Nardy’s path to the United States wasn’t easy. From her early struggles in Venezuela to ultimately enrolling into Rutgers Dental School, she embodies the spirit of resilience. “Persistency is the key,” Nardy reflected. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Congratulations to Nardy Peña Tovar, BeneCare’s 2025 – ’26 Scholarship Recipient. Much success in your future endeavors!
MEET OUR OTHER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Get to know other BeneCare Scholarship recipients, Zoe Singer, Alessandro Padovani, and Antoinette Afriyie.
