Griffin Obrigewitch, a Dickinson native, discovered his passion for dentistry in high school after shadowing a local dentist and training as a dental assistant. While at Dickinson State University, working with Dr. Maria Meyer confirmed the impact he wanted to make. “Being a part of her team and having her as one of my biggest mentors opened my eyes to the impact that you can have as a dentist. It was in all the patient interactions, and especially the difficult ones, that I saw my calling to pursue dentistry,” he said. Personal experiences also shaped his path. Watching his grandparents' struggle with dental pain highlighted the importance of compassionate, accessible care. “I don’t want to sit idle while my loved ones or others’ loved ones struggle like that,” Griffin said. Beyond academics, he finds fulfillment in his faith, family and friends.
Now one of 105 students in a diverse cohort at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Griffin credits DSU with preparing him for dental school. Through campus and community involvement, he built communication skills and made connections across the region and beyond. Academically, he says DSU taught him how to learn, challenge himself and develop the work ethic needed to continue his education. “DSU was the perfect undergraduate university for me to prepare for dental school,” he said.
During his time at DSU, Griffin stayed highly involved, running cross country and track for four years, serving three years as a student assistant director for the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, helping found Blue Hawk Catholic, participating in Student Senate and serving as a Student Ambassador, completing research through his senior capstone project, serving as a Give Day 2024 ambassador and representing DSU as the student impact story speaker for the Heritage Foundation in 2024-25.
Several mentors shaped Griffin’s journey. He credits Dr. Colin Strine for setting high expectations and pushing him to grow academically. Dr. Stacy Cordery’s leadership in the TRHLP showed him the impact students can make beyond campus. Griffin also says Ty Orton’s belief in him was formative, reinforcing that there are no limits to what he can achieve.
Griffin encourages current DSU students to fully engage in campus life. He advises them to lean into the community, take advantage of professors and use the benefits of small class sizes to ask questions and build connections. He also recommends seeking out alumni in their field, appreciating the value of a DSU education and making the most of every opportunity available.
Looking ahead, Griffin plans to return to Dickinson to serve as a general dentist with a focus on helping marginalized groups in the area. “There is a great need for oral healthcare in western North Dakota, and I hope to work hard to help alleviate some of the need,” he said. He also hopes to remain active in the community, whether through volunteering, teaching at the college or even pursuing public service or local politics. Long term, he would like to own his own practice and eventually transition into higher levels of leadership at the state and national levels.