Dr. Rachel Jahraus
Dr. Jahraus was raised right here in Hilo and studied at the University of Tennesee College of Dentistry. She has recently returned home after completing a two-year AEGD residency in Alaska.
My Story
Welcome! I’m Dr. Jahraus. Born on Saipan and raised in Hilo, I’m excited to return to my roots and serve my hometown after years of education and adventures elsewhere. Although I took a circuitous route to dentistry, the diverse experiences and interactions I’ve had have shaped the practitioner I am today.
As a teenager, I initially thought I would pursue either pediatric medicine or dentistry as a career. Following high school, I enrolled at Houghton College in Western NY state as a prospective premed major. What I didn’t count on at the time was getting hooked on French after encountering a particularly inspiring professor. After graduating with a French major and obtaining an MA in international affairs from George Washington University in Washington DC, I spent the early years of my career working in research.
While the research appealed to my natural curiosity, I eventually realized that I did not want to be pigeon-holed in a career that would keep me so far from home. After much thought and soul-searching, I eventually returned to my childhood interest in healthcare, and was blessed to attend the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Having discovered that I enjoy caring for patients of all ages, I chose to pursue an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency in Juneau, AK, for two years following graduation. This experience allowed me to hone my skills and gain further experience with advanced procedures and technology.
Now that I’m home again, you can find me enjoying everything that the Big Island has to offer. When I’m not in the office or furthering my knowledge of dentistry through my ADA and AGD memberships, you can find me reading, hiking, doing yoga, or spending time with my family and our small menagerie—particularly our cats!