32 | May 2024 GDAMEMBERPROFILE This column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. This month we hear from Northern District Dental Society, Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi, who practices Pediatric Dentistry at Cherokee Children’s Dentistry. Dr. Anthea Mazzawi Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi is a BoardCertified pediatric dentist who earned her dental degree from the University of Florida before completing her pediatric dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina. In 2007, Dr. Mazzawi and her husband Dr. Miles Mazzawi, established the first pediatric dental practice in north Cherokee County, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry. She currently serves as the President of the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Chair of the Scientific Program Committee and as a Consultant for the Council on Membership and Membership Benefits for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Dr. Mazzawi is a recipient of the prestigious AAPD Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award and is a Past-President for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Mazzawi has been distinguished as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American College of Dentists. Q: When did you discover that you love working with pediatric patients? A: I always knew I wanted to work with children. They are so energetic and full of life. That somewhat describes me…. always full of energy, always on the go, and always enjoying life! I love working with children to help shape their outlook on life and oral health. Q: What inspired you to become a dentist? A: Growing up in Florida, my parents, Phill and Mary Drew, always instilled in us a strong work ethic with a passion of helping others. With that, I was curious about healthcare. Thanks to some tremendous mentors, I found myself being drawn to dentistry. I enjoyed the relationships we build with our patients thru recalls, and the opportunity to work with our hands preforming tiny surgical procedures every day. I learned that the dentist/patient relationship is one built on TRUST, and that is unique and special. Q: What surprised you in your first years of practice? A: When my husband, Dr. Miles Mazzawi, and I opened our practice, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry, in 2007, I quickly realized there was a whole world of practice management and business I needed to learn… and fast! Dental school at the University of Florida did a great job of preparing me to practice dentistry, but when it came to reading profit & loss statements, managing our staff, or running an effective marketing plan, etc., I was in the dark. Thankfully, I wasn’t on my own! Miles and I make a great team, and we were able to navigate these waters together. Practice ownership is not for the faint of heart and I am grateful to have my partner in life as my partner in business! Q: Is there a certain technology that has been a game-changer for you and your patients? A: Pediatric Dentistry is pretty straight forward and has been for decades. The challenge in pediatrics is not necessary the technique of dentist, but rather managing the behavior of our little patients (and their families). Lots of psychology, encouragement, and coaching involved. We do a lot of conscious sedation in our practice, which allows us to safely, and effectively render treatment on children who would otherwise be uncooperative. Parents are so happy to have their child’s dental needs treated in one appointment so they can start again with a healthy, disease-free mouth. It has been surprising how many pediatric dentists and general dentists refer patients to our practice for families looking for an alternative to IV sedation. Q: What do you value about being a member of the Georgia Dental Association? A: As a profession, it is SO IMPORTANT for us to have a unified voice. The advocacy efforts of the GDA in our state help preserve the way we practice dentistry. If no one informs lawmakers of our concerns, we lose the integrity of our profession entirely. For comparison, referencing the pediatric realm, in the state of GA, we have about 2,000+ pediatricians and Pediatric Dentist, President of the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and World Traveler
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