Journey to become an Endodontist
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” Tony Robbins. In 2001, my family moved to the United States from Africa. In hopes of making a better life for our family, my father left his Pastoral career in Kenya and our family traveled ten thousand miles across the world to seek better education opportunities in America. When we first moved here it was a challenging transition as we all had to learn to confront and face our challenges head on.
My journey in dental school..
- Faced with challenge of paying for school
- “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough-Ellen Johnson. Literally scared of being dismissed from dental school which greatly affected my academic performance
- Took a leave of absence to find alternative ways to pay-this is where I dug deep into my life- “Never give up because great things take time”” resonated.
- While on leave of absence- worked at a dental office as an assistant, felt in love with endodontic procedures (the fact that patients depend on you to alleviate their pain)- Brings gratification knowing I was there to help.
- Did not let the leave of absence disappoint me. Took a setback into a step-up and proudly designed a medical product that will help millions of people with breathing issues in the future.
- Coming back to dental school not worrying about financial burden of paying for school gave me a better and clear perspective of dentistry in attaining my ultimate purpose in life for giving and providing the best care for patients.
- Was blessed and able to focus sorely on school which helped with my academics.
My first didactic experience in endodontics was spring of second year. The excitement of this course gave me the eagerness and curiosity of this profession to a much deeper level than expected. In my journey through third year and fourth year it was my duty and passion to know more about the field of endodontics.
In fall of 3rd year I had the opportunity to assist an endodontic resident in a research project regarding “The Use of Electromagnetic Stimulation.” This gave me the experience in learning the different methods and history of endodontic treatments. I also gained more research experience in initiating independent research study regarding human periodontal ligament cells effects with CBD oil and human pulp stem cells. During the same year I had the opportunity to spend more time shadowing and assisting with extensive endodontic surgeries in the endodontic department while attending faculty lecture. I was able to attend numerous intramural courses that focused solely on endodontics procedures. To further my experience, I was able to participate in a two week endodontic extramural program.
The fourth year brought new experience with the opportunity of treating patients, this opportunity gave me the chance to relate to patients in a much deeper level. I will always remember my first case I performed, the sense of gratification was profound. Being able to treat patients and relieve them from pain was the most rewarding and memorable experience I had in dental school.
Although dental school did not provide bounteous experience that I desired, I plan to attend extensive endodontic continuing education and conferences to gain more knowledge in this field. A great opportunity also resides at the associate position in performing the majority of the root canals in which the previous associate had extensive experience.
As a future endodontist my plan is to utilize the skills that I will possess to be the bridge of care to patients.
- Becoming board certified- provide the best care to patients and continued learning experience. Discover new methods in research and ways to improve care in the field of endodontics.
- Owning a practice in a underrepresented location. Having a practice will give me better autonomy to patients.
- My passion for community and youth- be involved with local charities and give back to the community.
All of my experiences good or bad, have made me who I am today and have made a lasting impact. Everyone sees their lives as unique and individual determined by what they have been through. I see my life experiences as the influence for my career. Growing up in Africa, my family wasn’t the most fortunate. Every day is a gift, I am thankful and blessed to have this opportunity to pursue the field of Endodontics. Through my volunteer work I have realized I have a passion for working with and helping those less fortunate. By becoming an Endodontist I hope to provide people with the kind of healthcare they deserve. I want to not only help people physically, but at the same time touch their lives and promote their well-being.
I am an optimistic, versatile, compassionate, and driven person. My passion for people and my love of learning new things is what makes me ambitious and unique. In everything I do, I strive to do to the best of my ability.