Where did you go to school/when did you graduate?
Howard University College of Dentistry, May 2014. Residency: Howard University Hospital, July 2018. MPH: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, September 2024.
Can you share some career highlights?
The first groundbreaking moment in my career was completing dental school. I am the first dentist in my family, and they remind me constantly how proud they are of this accomplishment. Then graduating residency and then becoming board certified were both huge for me. Passing the boards is huge for all of us. It is proof of our dedication to the profession and our patients. Another big moment was becoming a partner, and then the clinical director of DEI at MAX Surgical Specialty Management. What fascinates me most about these accomplishments is the support I received from my network that made these moments possible.
What are some wins and challenges associated with building your own practice?
The greatest challenge for me was finding the appropriate market in which to practice. I have now found that in Livingston, New Jersey. It has been such a win.
What CE has made an impact on your patient care?
Anesthesia CE has been crucial to my practice, CE focusing on incorporation of AI into clinical practice, leadership-centric CE, as well as extensive training in remote anchorage implants.
What are your current goals?
As the director of DEI, I am creating several initiatives. My goal is to be a part of what makes MAX Surgical Specialty Management a great and innovative organization. Separately, it is my goal to be more present.
How do you maintain work-life balance?
It’s a work in progress, but I do try to remember that it's okay to put myself first. It makes me a better clinician, friend, daughter and partner. COVID-19 was eye opening; it gave us all a different perspective on this topic. Not to say that is a novel idea, but we were all feeling or reflecting on the imbalance in our lives. To continue to love what I do, I must create a kind of harmony, so I am very committed to building a life outside of being a health-care professional.
What advice do you have for dental students/new grads?
Congratulations, first! We are so lucky that we get to treat people. We should not forget that, and it's important that we treat our patients with kindness, compassion, and dedication. If we remember to be of service, amenable, attentive, and available, everything will fall into place.
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