Stories of dentists you admire

[manifesto]

I'm sure many of you have shadowed incredible dentists. What are some stories? Do you know anyone you really admire? Perhaps one that takes time to do missions? Or how about one that runs a successful clinic and opens up multiple branches?

More importantly, what were their keys to success?

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[Weakfart]

There was one dentist that I reallllly admire that I shadowed. He's also writing me a letter of rec and I share a lot of his values. Honestly, he's one of the key role models in my transition to dentistry. He's a pediatric dentist that did some time in the navy and he was always willing to take time and explain to me the procedures and how pediatric dentistry would work if I decided to go into that. What is really awesome about him in my opinion is just the huge amount of passion he has for caring and do procedure for children. This guy has traveled the world and has done dental work in several 3rd world countries and the only thing currently holding him back from continuing this is paying back his student loans (He's a relatively young dentist, probably only around 30 or so). Anyway he just told me his plans after he pays everything off and he said he doesn't care about the money, he just wants to help kids that can't afford help in these countries. He's seen how people can be ostracized for their oral appearance and he is just happy doing his work. I'm not saying making money is wrong but I just hope I am as passionate and caring about my work, and honestly I wouldn't mind following in his footsteps. He may not be the best dentist nor the most business oriented but he is sure as hell motivated and believes in his work.

 

[Greyangel6]

For me it was the one that let me shadow. At the city where I go to undergrad now, about 95% of the dental offices I went to refused to let me shadow in fear of something (HIPAA, uncomfortable patients, etc.). And it's a big city with one dental office every other block too. The predental club at my university was not as helpful in getting members into shadowing (because they give the opportunities to members with officer positions and seniority, the whole inner circle thing). This was the time when I wanted to see if I really want to go into dentistry so it was very disheartening. I mean, you need to shadow a dentist to be a dentist but if all the dentists don't let you shadow then it just makes no sense how anyone becomes a dentist. Thankfully, this one dentist whose office is about 1h drive away from me agreed to let me shadow because I met him once before through volunteering events. I am eternally grateful for it because it gave me what I wanted, a chance to see if dentistry is the right fit for me. So yea, one of my goals is if I do become a dentist, I will be more than willing to let dentistry-inspired students to shadow me just so that there won't be another kid like me who could've got discouraged going into dentistry.

 

[Hannah Banana]

For me it was the one that let me shadow. At the city where I go to undergrad now, about 95% of the dental offices I went to refused to let me shadow in fear of something (HIPAA, uncomfortable patients, etc.). And it's a big city with one dental office every other block too. The predental club at my university was not as helpful in getting members into shadowing (because they give the opportunities to members with officer positions and seniority, the whole inner circle thing). This was the time when I wanted to see if I really want to go into dentistry so it was very disheartening. I mean, you need to shadow a dentist to be a dentist but if all the dentists don't let you shadow then it just makes no sense how anyone becomes a dentist. Thankfully, this one dentist whose office is about 1h drive away from me agreed to let me shadow because I met him once before through volunteering events. I am eternally grateful for it because it gave me what I wanted, a chance to see if dentistry is the right fit for me. So yea, one of my goals is if I do become a dentist, I will be more than willing to let dentistry-inspired students to shadow me just so that there won't be another kid like me who could've got discouraged going into dentistry.

Greyangel6, I was wishing the same thing, too. If one day I become a dentist, I will let pre-dental students shadow in my clinic (if I have one) and be their mentor if asked. I'll never forget those who have helped me to be who I am now.

 

[y3nd0]

I job shadowed at a community health center, so I did not get close to the dentist in my story, but I still think he is the most passionate dentist I have met to date.

He was pretty old, old enough to retire. I suppose he practiced bad ergonomics throughout his career, so he couldn't stand up straight and was hunched over whenever he walked. He couldn't really bend over to pick up objects either. Despite that, he was working well into his 60's, seeing as many patients as all the younger dentists. I was still shadowing by the time he retired (a year and a half later), but even then, I'd still see him around the office. All the dental assistants would tell him to go home to rest, and they'd say to me that he loved his job so much he couldn't leave.

I also worked at my school's cafe in the medical building and I saw him a few months after I stopped shadowing. I asked him what he was doing at my school, and he told me he was volunteering, despite having retired.

That's real dedication if you ask me.

 

[Jerm174]

The dentist I admire is my mother 🙂 She studied in the former USSR and made the big move to the western world in the 80's. Not only was she financially troubled, she had to overcome being immersed into a brand new culture, re-study it all in the English language, and start her own practice from scratch. Now established, she helps out immigrants who may not be able to afford very expensive dental procedures and I guess she knows first-hand what a relief that may be to them.
I sometimes complain about how my GPA is nothing special, or having to take the subway to and from school during rush hour. What I take for granted is that I have it so much easier compared to what my mother had gone through. You never know, even that person sitting right next to me in my biology lecture could be in my mother's shoes right now. I'm so blessed to have my education paid for me, live in a safe neighbourhood, be able to afford all my textbooks and tutors. Not everyone has that kind of lifestyle. This is what motivates me to work just as hard as she did - to be able to provide that care and aid to my family as well as to my future patients.

 

[Dentase]

There was one dentist that I reallllly admire that I shadowed. He's also writing me a letter of rec and I share a lot of his values. Honestly, he's one of the key role models in my transition to dentistry. He's a pediatric dentist that did some time in the navy and he was always willing to take time and explain to me the procedures and how pediatric dentistry would work if I decided to go into that. What is really awesome about him in my opinion is just the huge amount of passion he has for caring and do procedure for children. This guy has traveled the world and has done dental work in several 3rd world countries and the only thing currently holding him back from continuing this is paying back his student loans (He's a relatively young dentist, probably only around 30 or so). Anyway he just told me his plans after he pays everything off and he said he doesn't care about the money, he just wants to help kids that can't afford help in these countries. He's seen how people can be ostracized for their oral appearance and he is just happy doing his work. I'm not saying making money is wrong but I just hope I am as passionate and caring about my work, and honestly I wouldn't mind following in his footsteps. He may not be the best dentist nor the most business oriented but he is sure as hell motivated and believes in his work.

This reminds me of the new story in north Carolina. There were 3 students, pre dental and current dental students who setup an event to take current dentists to a third world country to help people with their dental hygiene etc. Sadly they were murdered by a crazy old man about a week or two ago just because they were muslim, and two of them wore the hijab. Very heart touching story but we need more genuine people helping there community and others less fortunate.

 

[tarheel616]

The first dentist I shadowed during college was one who has stood out to me during my shadow experiences. He had been practicing dentistry for around 40 years prior to me meeting him and had a lot of good advice for not only dentistry but life. His patients were so receptive to him, as he kept notes on previous conversations they had to see how they were doing. During my first time shadowing he took me out lunch and asked all about my interest in dentistry, my family and my hobbies. Every time I shadowed our conversations started where we left off. This carried into the procedures I was able to see as he could quickly recall them. During my actual shadowing of procedures he often told patients "if you think I'm good this kid is going to be great!" (He told me this was a testament to asking good questions and knowing about dentistry early on in my life) Anyways, he retired earlier this year, so I haven't seen him in awhile. However, I still shadow at the same practice and ran into him last week. He asked how I was doing, how my dad's practice was doing back home and when I was thinking of applying for dental school the next cycle. He even went as far as to tell me if offered an interview at his alma mater he would help pay for my flight and hotel. (Crazy!) I have to this day not met a dentist who genuinely cares so much about people or wants to help them succeed.

Also, if anyone is interest the website to learn more about the Syrian Dental Relief here is the link: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/syrian-dental-relief/206249

 

[Pearl E. White]

There is a dentist in my hometown that is incredibly successful. I'd imagine because his fees are higher than any other dentist around here, but his patients love him and always recommend him. I admire him because of his success and because of his passion. Every year he hosts one full day of absolutely FREE dentistry to our community for those who can't afford it. This year a coworker of mine camped out in the cold the night before to make sure she was seen (she needed a tooth pulled.) Shocking as that may seem, she was not the only one there camping out. You would stand in line for hours to be seen, but he would make sure everyone that was there got taken care of. I absolutely love that. What better way to give back to your community than free dentistry? I can't wait to offer something like that myself one day.