Power of

Education Path

D.D.S.

     Doctor of Dental Surgery.  University of Michigan,  Ann Arbor MI

 

 

Special Career Skills

"A dentist must have a good heart and must be kind and caring. An inquisitive mind is required because the profession is always changing. A strong, academic talent for the sciences and math is required.

 

Fine motor skills are required daily. There are many ways to develop this, including playing a musical instrument."

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Benefits of this Career

"A dentist helps many patients, from 6 months to 110 years old, improve their lives by treating dental diseases. Dentistry is constantly challenging and every day is different, never boring. Modern dentistry is always developing.  Private practitioners have control over their dental careers and working conditions. This allows many opportunities for quality family time."

 

 

Career Choice Decision

“I have always wanted to help people, to improve their lives in a meaningful way. I loved math and science and was very good at them. I desired a practical application of my fascination with the biological sciences, and dentistry fulfills that every day. No two patients are ever alike. My own medical doctor encouraged me to pursue medicine or dentistry when I was 12 years old. In college, I decided that dentistry would fit as a career as well as with my personal life goals. I also wanted to be a respected professional in my community.”

 

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Recognitions

• First female Native American dentist in the world: Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame

• American Dental Association’s Access Award

• Wyoming Public Schools Hall of Fame

• Appearances in many media venues, including radio, television, and documentaries.

• National panelist

• Health consultant and contributor to Native News Online, Prairie Band Potawatomi News and to the Native American Rehabilitation Association

• Author: Exploring Careers in Dentistry