GDA Action September 2019

September 2019 • 51 When did you become a member of the GDA? I became a GDA member just as soon as I moved to Georgia in 2004. Who introduced you to GDA? The very first day of dental school in 1996, our Dean told us how important organized dentistry is. He told us about all the benefits of the ADA, and why it’s so important to our career and our livelihood. I signed up for ASDA that day, and I have been a member of the ADA ever since. What is your most memorable GDA experience? I have made so many connections because of the GDA. Dentists often feel they are alone out here—on our own island—and the GDA helps to overcome that feeling. The pinnacle of my time with GDA was when I did a lecture at the GDA annual meeting last year at Amelia Island. It was an amazing opportunity, and I loved sharing what I’ve learned in dental practice growth with my colleagues at the GDA. Why is being part of a professional group important? My Dean told me to get involved and stay involved in organized dentistry. There is nothing more important to our profession than the advocacy and comradery that the ADA offers. What did you want to be when you were growing up? I grew up in a house-hold of public servants. My mom was a teacher for 27 years and my dad was a fireman over 30 years. I wanted to be a police officer until my junior year in high school. Oddly, it was my dad who convinced me to consider a career in Medicine or Dentistry. I think he had seen too much of the hard things firefighters and policemen have to see every day, and wanted to spare me of that! What was your first job? My first job was actually a 911 Telecommunicator. I worked evenings and weekends as a 911 Operator throughout undergrad and dental school. I actually loved it! It taught me how to work well with others, work efficiently and effectively under pressure, and it really solidified my desire to help people. Why did you decide to become a dentist? I decided to become a dentist my senior year of high school. I spent time with my family physician and my family dentist. The dentist seemed to be happy and enjoy his job—he didn’t have to work late nights, weekends or holidays. I also loved watching him do smile makeovers—he was changing people’s lives in just a few hours! What advice would you give to an aspiring dental student? Spend a lot of time shadowing. Get a job in the evenings or weekends as a dental assistant and a front desk person at a dental office. Learn as much as you can before going to dental school. Everything you learn will make dental school just a bit easier. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I love to spend time with my friends and family. I love going to sporting events, enjoying new restaurants in Atlanta, and strolling through Piedmont Park. I am an avid traveler, and I am always planning my next trip. My philosophy in life is to just “enjoy the journey.” Without saying, “I am a dentist,” what would you say if someone asked what you do? I would say that I am in sales. I sell dental health and pretty white smiles!