Dentistry has always carried a personal spark for Payton Malone '19. As a child, she admired her grandfather’s work as a dentist, though at first it was the fish tank in his waiting room that caught her eye and made her think, "This seems cool." Over time, she came to see the profession not only as a blend of science, technology, and artistry but also as a calling rooted in compassion and service.
That passion deepened during her years at The Colorado Springs School. For her Senior Capstone project, Payton shadowed three local dentists: a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, and an orthodontist. The experience cemented her decision to pursue dentistry as a career.
“I’ve learned so many different things,” she said during her Capstone. “I think it’s more exciting than I thought it would be. I’ve learned a lot about what daily life looks like. Some days are really fast, and some days are slow.”
After graduating from Emory University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Art History, Payton worked for two years as a dental assistant at Monument Dentists and Orthodontists in Colorado. There, she became the “right-hand gal” to Dr. Katarina Dasbach, who not only sharpened Payton’s technical skills but also modeled what it means to treat every patient with dignity, kindness, and individualized care.
"My long-term goal," Payton said, "is to become a dentist who not only provides excellent clinical care but also creates a welcoming environment for patients who may feel anxious."
This summer, Payton began her journey toward a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at A.T. Still University – Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Dr. Dasbach and Payton's family, including the grandfather who inspired her career path, proudly attended her White Coat Ceremony in July.
Looking ahead, Payton hopes to build long-lasting patient relationships, give back through community service, and continue to grow her skills. While she hasn’t yet decided whether to specialize, she is drawn to prosthodontics or orthodontics and hopes one day to mentor future dental students.
“I am excited to create long-lasting relationships with patients and impact their overall health,” she said. “Oral health reflects the rest of the body, often linked to heart health, diabetes, and pregnancy. I want to provide excellent care while also educating and supporting my community.”
Payton was featured in the Fall 2025 edition of Alumni News. Read more here.
