FOCUS | ISSUE 6 | 2010

Welcome new MDA President, Dr. Mark Zust

At the 2010 House of Delegates, Dr. Mark Zust was installed as MDA president. To help you get to know him, he’s answered some personal, professional and leadership questions.

D

r. Mark Zust was born May 22, 1949 in Riverdale, Maryland. He moved to the St. Louis in 1957, where he

has lived since. He resides in Chesterfi eld and has a general dentistry practice in St. Peters. His daughter, Danielle Riordan, joined him in practice after her May 2010 graduation from the UMKC School of Dentistry, where he also graduated from in 1974. Dr. Zust and his wife, Phyllis, will celebrate 33 years of marriage in January. They are extremely proud of their growing family, including: Mark “Rob” Zust, his wife Megan and their daughter Emma Ruth; Jonathan Zust and his wife Megan; Dr. Danielle Riordan, her husband Nick and their son Daniel Patrick; and, Ryan Zust.

About You Personally 

WHO IN YOUR FAMILY HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE OR ROLE MODEL AND WHY? My father has always been my role model, even though he didn’t realize it. As our family grew and my brothers and sisters became involved in their careers, my father felt that he had not made a lot of his life. He once said “I guess I have not been much of a success.” I remarked right away, “You have been married 50 years, you have raised six children who are all successful in their fi elds and you have the best family ever! I believe you are a great success.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING READERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I was once an avid dirt bike rider, I even competed in a few motocross events. I still occasionally ride with my son, my brother and his sons.

YOUR DAUGHTER IS A DENTIST AND JUST JOINED YOUR PRACTICE. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS/CHILDREN PLANNING TO ENTER INTO A SIMILAR ARRANGEMENT? This is a great question. When we spoke of Danielle joining my practice she wanted to know the “terms”. I said there was only one rule. “I love dentistry and what I do, I will never retire. So the rule is that when you can tell that I can’t do it any more—you have to tell me—and I have to say OK.” I can only hope that if her children go into dentistry that she will feel the same way.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AND HAVE FUN? Relax? What is that? Have fun? I try to have fun in everything I do, especially at the offi ce. After 35 years, I still look forward to going to the offi ce every day.

WHAT PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD? Being elected by my peers to serve organized dentistry.

DO YOU HAVE A HERO; WHO IS IT AND WHY? My wife is my hero, without her support I would not be able to do what I do today.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR THAT DRIVES YOU EACH DAY? Family

IF YOU HAVE FAVORITES IN THESE CATEGORIES, WILL YOU SHARE WHAT THEY ARE?

• Food: Meatloaf (my wife makes the best)

• Song: Ta-ti-Ta (ask me sometime what that is all about)

• Movie: My Cousin Vinny • Book: The Killer Angels • Vacation spot: Destin, Florida • Sports team: Baseball, Cardinals

About Your Career 

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO DECIDE ON A CAREER IN DENTISTRY? I was a patient in the Washington University Dental School Ortho clinic for several years and really liked it. I went to dental school to become an orthodontist. But once I started general dentistry in the clinic, I loved it, forgot about Ortho and never turned back.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST ‘A HA’ MOMENT IN DENTAL SCHOOL? I was sitting in the hall and had just gotten a “D” in Biochemistry, the only “D” in my career. Three other students also had gotten the same grade. One was very distressed. He went to our professor and talked him into giving the four of us a “make-up” exam, and if we did well our grade would be

From left: In addition to involvement at the MDA, Dr. Zust serves the ADA in various capacities, including as a member on several councils and committees, including chairing some of those; as a delegate; and, as a Washington Leadership Conference Action Team Leader. Dr. Zust welcomes Dr. Ray Gist, ADA President and distinguished guest at the House of Delegates. Dr. Zust’ family joined him at the awards banquet. Dr. Zust attributes much of his scccess to the support of his wife of more than 30 years, Phyllis; they are annual attendees at the MDA Travel and Learn, where they enjoy many long-time friends, like Dr. David Dear, Versailles.

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