In the heart of Birmingham, AL, two brothers are embarking on an extraordinary journey that will intertwine their futures in ways they had never imagined.
Jack and James BeltJames and Jack Belt, first-year students in the UAB School of Dentistry’s D.M.D. program, found themselves starting a new chapter not just as siblings, but as classmates. Although a year and a half older than Jack, James is now navigating the complexities of dental school side by side with his younger sibling.
Growing up in Florence, South Carolina, their childhood was defined by their love for the outdoors. Their weekends were spent kayaking on whitewater rapids and hiking through lush landscapes, bonding over their shared passion for adventure. Both pursued their undergraduate degrees at Clemson University, and now, as they have begun dental school journey, their decision to attend the same program in Birmingham seemed, in retrospect, serendipitous.
“I know when we were looking for a dental school,” James said. “We wanted somewhere different from South Carolina, but still something that aligned with our love for the outdoors. Birmingham seemed perfect. It’s got the mountains and all those outdoor activities we love, plus it offers an exceptional dental program.”
Jack decisively shared his perspective. “For me, it was crucial to find a program that would push me to become the best dentist I could be. This school’s emphasis on early clinical experience and its high standards were exactly what I was looking for. And on a personal level, moving to a new state was a big step I was eager to take.”
Their shared journey into dentistry had roots in their contrasting paths. Jack had been enthusiastic about dentistry from an early stage, while James initially aimed for a career in medicine. It wasn’t until after a summer internship in an operating room that James realized medicine wasn’t his calling. Jack’s passion for dentistry became contagious.
James and Jack Belt together at UAB SOD's annual D1 Welcome Day.“Jack was all in on dentistry, and I was still figuring things out,” said James. “After working in the O.R., I took a closer look at dentistry, and it just made sense. Jack’s encouragement played a big role in that decision. It’s funny how my younger brother ended up guiding me to this path.”
Jack recalled the unexpected turn of events. “It’s kind of a funny thing, too. We never planned to be in the same field, let alone the same school. We both talked to each other and were unsure of where we were going to go and then we individually picked UAB. I called James and I told him that I just had to go to UAB. It's where I wanted to go. And he said the same thing to me. So, it kind of just worked out and it was meant to be.”
As their first days have turned into weeks, both brothers are adjusting to the demands of dental school, finding comfort in their shared experiences. They support each other through rigorous coursework and long hours in the preclinical dentistry lab, forging a bond that goes beyond sibling camaraderie. In the end, their time at UAB will be about more than just becoming skilled dentists; it will be about growing together, both professionally and personally.
For Jack and James Belt, their story speaks to the unexpected ways life can bring people together, blending their passions and dreams into a single, shared experience.