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Add RSS FeedWoman Dentist Journal Cover Highlight — Dr. Tawana K. Lee-Ware
Woman Dentist Journal recently interviewed Dr. Tawana K. Lee-Ware, a pediatric dentist in Missouri.
When is your birthday?
My birthday is January 24.
Where were you born?
I was born in Greenville, Miss.
Where did you grow up?
I was born into a military family, and grew up in many places from Georgia to Germany. Being a military dependent, an "army brat," meant that my family moved roughly every three years. My father's first orders took us to Columbus, Ga. After that I generally keep up with our moves based on my matriculation through school. Our progression was: first through half of third grades in Kitzigen, Germany, third through sixth grades in San Antonio, then on to Alexandria, La., for seventh and half of eighth. Then life became more settled, and I was happy to complete eighth grade through high school in Augusta, Ga.
Did you work during high school, and if so, what did you do?
After I changed high schools, I got my first job at Hardee's. My family moved from military housing, and the move placed me in a different school zone, much to my dismay, because I was a varsity cheerleader. So I hung up my pom poms and worked at Hardee's during basketball season that year.
Where did you go for undergrad?
I attended Agnes Scott College, a women's college in Decatur, Ga., right outside of Atlanta.
Where did you attend dental school?
I attended Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tenn.
When did you graduate?
I graduated from dental school in 2002.
Do you specialize?
I am a pediatric dentist. I completed my training in 2004 at Indiana University School of Dentistry and James Whitcom Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Ind.
Where do you live?
I live in St. Louis, Mo.
Why did you become a dentist?
During my sophomore year in college, I decided that becoming an engineer (my original major) was not appealing. So Dr. Sandra Bowden, my faculty advisor, introduced me to Dr. Diane Petersen Stephens, an Agnes Scott alumnus and a local African-American general dentist in Stone Mountain, Ga. I enjoyed spending time in Dr. Stephens' office and was motivated by her to research further into the field of dentistry. This experience, coupled with the fact that I had been seeing a periodontist regularly since age 16, allowed me to find my place in this great profession.
What is your office address?
The private practice I am associated with has two offices. The locations are 11709 Old Ballas Road, Creve Coeur, MO, 63141, and 2050 Bluestone Drive, St. Charles, MO, 63303.
What is your phone number?
The phone numbers for Creve Coeur and St. Charles are (314) 567-1122 and (636) 946-5225.
What is your fax?
The fax numbers for Creve Coeur and St. Charles are (314) 567-0260 and (636) 946-5005.
What is your e-mail?
My e-mail address is tawanaware@gmail.com.
What is your Web site?
It is www.smilekidz.com.
Do you own or lease your office?
I do not own or lease my office. Currently, I am associating with Dr. Steven Levitt and Dr. Murray Appelbaum and considering a buy-in into the practice.
How big is the office in square feet?
The Creve Coeur and St. Charles offices have 2,300 and 3,300 square feet, respectively.
How did you begin your dental career?
During dental school I was fortunate to become a National Health Service Corps Dental Scholar. This scholarship program covers tuition and fees on a one or two year basis. In return a recipient must practice in an underserved community. After my residency, I completed my National Health Corps service commitment in Kansas City, Mo. From August of 2004 to 2006, I served as the staff pediatric dentist at Samuel Rodgers Community Health Center. I will always remember this time in my professional career. It began as a humbling, almost intimidating experience for me because there was a staff of six general dentists consulting and referring their patients to me. As if answering fresh out of residency to a full staff of dentists wasn't fearful enough, a couple of the doctors had been practicing dentistry for longer than I had been on the planet! It turned out that our staff was wonderful and created a very supportive environment. (Plus, I spent plenty of spare time double-checking things in my textbooks!) Eventually, my confidence grew as I realized how well Indiana's pediatric program prepared me for the real world! At the end of my tenure, I had made wonderful relationships and grew tremendously as a practitioner. I will always have fond memories of my first patients at Sam Rodgers. Public health dentistry is a priceless experience.
How are you involved in leadership and community?
I currently serve on the board of the American Association of Women Dentists as the Director of Local Chapters. While in dental school I created an outreach project called "Healthy Smiles, Happy Hearts." This project has evolved over the years. Under this same umbrella I designed a series for high school and college students called "Discovering Your Future." It is a motivational series geared towards preparing students for their future. I especially try to promote dentistry by discussing the flexibility and diversity of career paths within the profession. I talk about my life experiences, and the bright future awaiting people in dentistry.
Tell me about your family.
My parents and their families are all from a small Mississippi city called Greenville. They got married right out of high school. During the time when joining the military was a means of exploring the world, my father joined and our family was on the move. My father, Daters, retired from the military while stationed in Augusta, Ga, which is how I was able to finish high school in the same place. My mother and brother still live there. As I was going to college, my mother, Carolyn, embarked on a new career to become a nurse and studied at the Medical College of Georgia. After graduating magna cum laude, she has enjoyed her career in nursing for over 12 years. My brother, Louis, is married to Otiwa and they have four children. My brother is a firefighter and EMT in Burke County, while my sister-in-law is a cosmetologist.
On April 21, I got married to Jermaine Ware in St. Louis. We had an amazing destination wedding, where more than 200 guests came to celebrate our union. My husband is a student at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, which is how I landed here after completing my commitment in Kansas City.
Are you especially fond of certain dental equipment?
I can't say that I have developed a favorite brand or type of dental equipment. Perhaps after I have gained more experience with materials I will find a few favorites.
If you were a dental instrument, what kind would you be and why?
If I could be a dental instrument, at first I thought I'd be a mirror. I'd be able to view life from different perspectives. But I think I'd rather be a high-speed handpiece. Then I would have the power to provide controlled bursts of energy to make an impact on life and create the foundations for improvement.
What is your most prized accomplishment?
Completing my dental education is one of my most prized accomplishments. It is a great privilege and honor to serve my patients and join other African-American female professionals in the world of dentistry. I proudly embrace the responsibilities that come with this territory.
What are your goals?
My goals in life are to make an impact on this earth by fulfilling my life's purpose, and to be happy.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially have a great time Salsa dancing.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy traveling, reading, and dancing.
Tell me three things about yourself that might surprise people.
The three things that may surprise people are: 1. While in college, I did some modeling. Among the jobs I did, the most fun were being selected for the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show and appearing in two music videos — one by MC Breed. 2. During the year I took off after graduating from college, I returned to my hometown and was a reporter for the Augusta Focus newspaper. Fredrick Benjamin was editor and took a chance on me at the paper. This was one of my most fascinating and rewarding jobs! 3. After completing my residency program, I took a mission trip with my church in Indianapolis to Guatemala. I was also able to do a dental hygiene program at a local elementary school, working with interpreters and giving students toothbrushes and floss. One of the neat things was meeting the commissioned artist of the president of Guatemala. Thanks to our missionaries, he created a painting for me, which depicted his son and me wearing traditional Guatemalan clothing, and original dental tools used many years ago. This was a very satisfying experience, one that I would love to do again. Missionary work has always been my passion, and it's my goal to participate in dental mission trips in the future.
Do you have any advice for women who want to pursue dentistry?
My advice is to go for it with all of their heart and soul. Women have and will continue to contribute great things in this profession. I would say, "The world is yours. You can achieve anything if you are diligent, committed, and persevere until the you reach your goals."
What book are you reading?
I am now reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.
What is your favorite Web site?
I like to read news.bbc.co.uk. I enjoy this news Web site because it gives a more global perspective of what's going on in the world. It's the home page on my laptop.
Where do you go to get your information?
I usually begin my information searches at Google.com.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.
Where is your favorite restaurant in your town, and what is your meal of choice?
One of my favorite restaurants in St. Louis is Sweetie Pie's. It is a cozy soul food restaurant near downtown St. Louis. My meal of choice is the flavorful baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, and peach cobbler, among other entrees. I happen to be a huge dessert fan.
If you could interview one person, who would it be and why?
I would love to have interviewed the late Coretta Scott King. She seemed like the strong, silent type, ever dedicated to her husband and the cause. I have always admired her, because Mrs. King was resilient and refined and exuded such a powerful presence.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Belize, where my husband and I spent our honeymoon.
Where do you go to escape?
My escape is simple. It entails candles, incense, a warm bubble bath, and my "O" magazine.
Are you a member of AAWD?
Yes.
How long ago, and how did you become involved with AAWD?
I have been a member of AAWD since my first year of dental school at Meharry. That year Dr. Cherae Farmer, associate dean of students, approached me about starting a chapter at our dental school. Working together, we obtained consent from the dental school and gained support from female faculty and students. Our inaugural induction ceremony occurred in the spring of 1999. Approximately 30 students, faculty members, and local practitioners joined our chapter. Meharry's AAWD student chapter hosted several events, including discussion panels for students to interact with women dentists, clothing drives, bake sales, and an annual induction ceremony each spring.
What are you known for, in general or dental-related?
I am known for being a visionary, passionate, and committed to causes that are important to me. Usually, I am able to motivate people to commit to work toward making goals realities.
Is there anything we didn't cover that you'd like to mention in the article?
I don't have anything to add. I just appreciate for you considering me for this cover!
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