Alumni Spotlight:
Hunter Wentzel
Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry
Class of: 2024
The Journey Continues…
Student Dentist, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
For Hunter Wentzel ’24, Centenary University was a place where he could develop his own identity, build meaningful relationships with faculty, and prepare for a future dedicated to improving lives through dentistry.
A summa cum laude graduate from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hunter earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Centenary in 2024. During his time at Centenary, he was involved in Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society, and developed the academic foundation, discipline, and confidence needed to continue his education in the health sciences.
Today, Hunter is pursuing his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. As a student dentist at Pitt Dental Medicine, he provides care to patients in the PittDental clinics while continuing to refine the skills necessary to practice dentistry independently.
Hunter’s professional experience also includes work with Geisinger Health Systems’ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where he served as a dental technician and student researcher. These experiences have helped him deepen his understanding of patient care, oral surgery, clinical practice, and the impact dentistry can have on a person’s quality of life.
Hunter credits Centenary with helping him grow both personally and professionally.
“Centenary prepared me for success in my career by allowing me to develop my own identity rather than being pushed through a pipeline like some other schools,” Hunter shared. “I was able to make closer connections with professors and faculty that would have been difficult in a larger setting.”
For Hunter, those close connections were an important part of his Centenary experience. The University’s personalized learning environment gave him the opportunity to work closely with faculty, strengthen his scientific knowledge, and prepare for the demands of dental school.
In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Hunter is committed to service. He has volunteered with Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh, an organization that provides free dental care to individuals in need, and has also volunteered with Autism Speaks 5K. Outside of dentistry and service, he enjoys hunting, fishing, weight training, and club football.
Looking ahead, Hunter hopes to use his education and clinical training to provide life-changing treatments for his patients while building a stable and meaningful future for his family.
His short-term goals include graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, becoming a private practice owner, and continuing to educate himself in full-mouth reconstructive surgeries. His long-term goal is to become a multi-practice owner, allowing him to serve a larger patient base and provide exceptional care to more communities.
Hunter’s advice to today’s Centenary students is to make the most of the relationships and opportunities available to them.
“Make as many connections as you can while you are in school,” he said, “and keep pushing for what you want even when it feels impossible.”
Hunter’s story reflects the value of a Centenary education — one that gives students the foundation, support, and confidence to pursue ambitious goals, build meaningful careers, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.