Resident Spotlight: Marvin Payen, D.D.S.
Compiled by Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter
Dr. Marvin Payen is currently a second-year endodontic resident at Case Western Reserve University, SDM.
The Paper Point: Today, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Dr. Marvin Payen! We know how packed the schedule can be for a resident, so we truly appreciate you taking the time to chat with us. Thank you for being here!
Dr. Payen, let’s start at the beginning — born in Coney Island, raised in Spring Valley, NY. How did your “roots” shape who you are today, both personally and professionally?
Dr. Marvin Payen: Growing up in Spring Valley, NY, I was exposed to a mixture of cultures, families trying to build something, and a strong sense of community. This gave me the skills to connect with people from all walks of life and how to stay grounded. I was taught early that you had to work hard for what you wanted. Personally, it gave me a lot of pride in my roots and a real appreciation for where I come from. Professionally, it’s made me adaptable, hardworking, and good at navigating different environments. Spring Valley, NY helped shape my drive and how I show up in the world.
The Paper Point: You’ve earned degrees from St. John’s, Towson, Howard, and now, in a few months, Case Western — that’s quite the academic journey! How have these diverse learning environments shaped your perspective as a future endodontist?
Dr. Marvin Payen: Yeah, it’s certainly been a journey. Each institution played a unique role in shaping how I think and who I’m becoming as a future endodontist. I’ve met some amazing people along the way who’ve helped me get to this point. St. John’s gave me a strong academic foundation and really pushed me to take ownership of my goals early on. Towson helped me grow personally being in a different environment and challenged me to adapt.
Howard was a turning point. I gained a sense of purpose, community, and excellence while I was there. It deepened my passion for dentistry and reinforced the importance of representation and service in healthcare.
Now at Case Western, I’m focused intensely on the clinical and technical skills needed to be a great endodontist. It’s a privilege to be learning from some amazing individuals here.
The Paper Point: Community outreach seems to be a big part of your story — from Mission of Mercy to the Christian Dental Society. What did those experiences teach you about service, leadership, and the power of dentistry beyond the clinic walls?
Dr. Marvin Payen: Those experiences honestly changed the way I see dentistry. Mission of Mercy, the Christian Dental Society, and other outreach work reminded me that dentistry isn’t just about fixing teeth. It’s about showing up for people when they need it most. Along this journey, I heard this quote so many times, “you’re not just treating a tooth, you’re treating a person.” That has always sat with me. The patients I saw at these outreach events hadn’t had care in years, and being able to provide that they needed it the most, was powerful.
These experiences taught me that service is about being present, listening, and meeting people where they are. And from a leadership standpoint, I learned how to work with diverse teams, stay organized under pressure, and lead with compassion because when you’re out in the field, things don’t always go as planned, but people still count on you.
The Paper Point: What was your “aha” moment that made you fall in love with endodontics? Was there a specific case or mentor that inspired you to pursue the specialty?
Dr. Marvin Payen: My “aha” moment with endo wasn’t just one big dramatic case but encountering great endodontic professors and attendings at HUCD. These individuals were all super passionate and always calm under pressure. I had the privilege of observing their interaction with patients who came in with severe pain, severe anxiety, and were convinced the tooth had to be pulled. By the end of the appointment, the root canal procedure was completed, the patient was out of pain and was genuinely grateful for the treatment. That’s when I started seeing endo differently, not just as a technical specialty, but as something that could truly change how a person feels about dentistry and their overall well-being. When my professors, attendings and even classmates encouraged me to pursue endo, I was extremely flattered. I was taken back that they believed I could be an endodontist. At that point, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
The Paper Point: You’ve worked as a general dentist before starting your endo residency. How has that experience informed your approach to patient care now as a specialist-in-training?
Dr. Marvin Payen: Working as a general dentist before starting my endo residency gave me a really solid foundation. It taught me how to build trust with patients, communicate clearly, and manage a wide range of clinical situations. I think having that general practice experience helps me approach treatment with more empathy, and it’s made me more intentional about patient education and comfort. Overall, it’s helped me stay grounded. I know what it’s like on both sides, and that perspective makes me a better clinician.
The Paper Point: Case Western is known for its strong clinical and academic training — what’s been your favorite part of residency so far? Any memorable cases or “firsts” you’ll never forget?
Dr. Marvin Payen: Honestly, one of my favorite parts of residency at Case Western has been the hands-on clinical experience. The volume and complexity of cases we see have pushed me to grow so much in such a short time. You’re constantly challenged, but also supported by faculty, attendings, support staff and fellow co-residents, who are truly invested in your growth; not only as an endodontist, but as a person. Dr. Mickel has cultivated a family atmosphere, at Case Western, that makes this all possible. I can’t imagine completing my residency anywhere else.
I would say every case is somewhat memorable, for their own particular reason, whether it be the actual root canal procedure or just patients themselves and managing them. Each case is unique, requiring a different approach/mind set. These cases continue to change me for the better as I work towards being an endodontist. This is what makes every day in residency feel meaningful.
The Paper Point: I love that! With your Haitian heritage, how has culture influenced your approach to patient care, leadership, and how you show up in the profession?
Dr. Marvin Payen: Being Haitian has shaped so much of who I am, especially when it comes to how I care for others. Our culture is rooted in resilience, humility, and community. I try to instill those values in the way I approach patient care every day. I never take for granted the opportunity to make someone feel heard, respected, and cared for.
Culturally, there’s a strong emphasis on showing up with respect, working hard, and lifting others as you climb. I try to lead by example, with compassion, and always looking for ways to support those around me. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or just bringing a positive energy to the team, I try to bring those values into everything I do.
My heritage keeps me grounded. It reminds me of why I do this and who I’m doing it for, not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and future patients who might see a part of themselves in me.
The Paper Point: Outside the operatory, you love cooking, music festivals, and movies. What’s your go-to dish in the kitchen, and what’s the last movie or concert that blew you away?
Dr. Marvin Payen: My go to dish would be Chili and Baked Ziti. I’ve gotten great reviews, especially from my mom, who’s a tough critic, haha. I want to perfect making other dishes and cuisine when I leave residency and actually have free time. Other than being a dentist, I wanted to be a chef, travel the world and try other cuisines. I don’t know if you’re familiar with Anthony Bourdain. He had a show on the Travel Channel, called No Reservations. His show embodied what I wanted to do and how I wanted to live my life, if I were a chef.
The last performer who blew me away was Burna Boy. I saw him at a music festival in Brooklyn, NY, a couple months before residency started. He’s a great performer!! Mind you, it began to rain during his set. He still had people on their feet, dancing as if it wasn’t raining at all. The energy was unreal. I highly recommend it!
The Paper Point: Dr. Payen, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you! Before we close, are there any final thoughts or words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Dr. Marvin Payen:
Here are some words of wisdom/quotes that have helped along my journey:
- You don’t know what you don’t know
- Never Stop Learning
- Strive for Excellence
- Be Humble
- Lift as We Climb
Thank you again for considering me for the paper point, it has been a pleasure and privilege.
Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter is chair of the AAE’s Resident and New Practitioner Committee.