the dumpster fire that was 2020, but I’ll do my best. First, I’ve learned the team I work with is full of amazing, hard-working and flexible women. Never in a million years did I anticipate laying off my parents, or worrying about the health of my business, along with the health of everyone around me. I think the pandemic has reinforced how well we, as dentists, handle infection control and adapt. I grew close to a group of colleagues and we chatted everyday about everything from supplies to HR questions. I’ve learned how valuable the connections I’ve made through the society are to me.
You have participated in numerous student events, including Food for Thoughts. As you get farther in years from being a dental student, are there things you notice with today’s current students—in terms of their questions or concerns for their future—that are different than when you were in school? Why do enjoy interacting with students? What would you suggest to older members about welcoming new grads into the local community? This year has brought some scary questions to dental students—can I take boards, can I get my dental license, will we have the PPE to see patients, how do I remote learn, where will I live now that school has been extended? Non patient-based boards and changes in licensure have never been more important for dental students. Otherwise, I think the topics are pretty much the same, but the intensity has increased. Student loans were always a big deal to us, but students today have tremendously more debt than most of us had when we graduated. That’s not to say my debt wasn’t astronomical but working with dental students today, I’m honestly uneasy for their financial situation. As far as interacting with student dentists, I have always found it best to be honest with them. I don’t sugar coat my opinion, and I don’t hide the mistakes I’ve made. Student dentists are extremely perceptive and don’t have time to waste. I hope sharing my personal blunders is both educational and endearing.
You’re a second-generation dentist. Tell us about the benefits and challenges of assuming the family practice. That’s a loaded question! It all depends on your relationship. I joined my father’s practice in 2013, with trepidation. I had no idea what it would be. Looking back, I can honestly say Dad and I share a genuine, mutual respect. Dad has unwavering ethics, tremendous skill and a knack for communicating difficult issues with the patients’ parents and the dental team. I brought renewed energy, new research and materials, and creativity to the table. I learned so much from him, and I believe he learned from me. Trust in each other was a huge benefit. Challenges were many as well. Obviously there’s always going to be a bit of the father-daughter nuances, and the teenager eye-roll came out a few times. And to this day I don’t think I’ve yet to become my mom’s “boss.” She’ll always be the boss.
When we read your CV, we see you are very involved in forensic dentistry. Tell us about this … how did you get interested? What have you learned that has surprised you since first getting involved with your study of it? You also are in a Forensic Dentistry Fellowship Program. What do you plan to do with this additional education—what are your ambitions? I’ve always had a fascination with true crime. My interest in forensic dentistry started in dental school when Dr. Mike McCunniff brought me along to the Medical Examiner’s office for a dental ID. I’ve been hooked since. I needed another commitment like I needed a hole in the head, but I couldn’t help it. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in training with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and surround myself with the nation’s top experts in the field. I am so lucky to receive the very best mentorship and training.
24 focus | NOV/DEC 2020 | ISSUE 6
I’ve always gravitated toward challenging activities—activities not everyone can do that need people who can handle it. I chose pediatric dentistry because I know I’m great with kids, and not everyone can do it. Frankly, it’s challenging every day. I believe I make a difference with the children in the community. I love forensics because it takes a special person to handle it, and I know I can. I love forensics because it plays a vital role for people dealing with tragedy. I can help provide closure to families missing their loved ones, I can help the nation during mass disasters, I can help identify abuse. Forensic dentistry is important, challenging and a passion of mine.
Of all your current activities—dental, civic, personal—what are you most excited about being a part of and why? Cue the sappy music, and I think a lot of women dentists may agree, we often put our personal lives on hold to get where we want to be professionally. I’m most excited to finally put my personal life in the forefront. I married my husband Chris about two years ago, and I’m so grateful to have him by my side. I’ve been driven by ambition my entire life, and I’ve found someone who celebrates my success, and weathers the storm when things are tough. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that Chris can laugh with me, even when the world seems to fall apart around us.
Tell us about yourself outside of dentistry … your hobbies, favorite way to spend free time, what recharges? In the few spare minutes of downtime? I recently learned to paint with watercolors, and have made it my happy place. I support St. Louis sports whole heartedly (Cards, Blues, St. Louis City SC, and of course our Battlehawks—“KaKaw”), love camping (only in nice weather), and devour books weekly. I’ve got an awesome group of friends, and have six chickens and three dogs, so … life is pretty full.
I want to extend a special thank you to amazing dentists on the GSLDS New Dentist Committee, the Missouri New Dentist Committee and the MDA Board. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for this honor, it means the world to me. The New Dentists have a special place in my heart, and to be recognized by this, I’ll be forever grateful.
This award is presented to a member with a long history of exemplary service and dedication to the dental profession and organized dentistry.
Dr. Joel PrattDistinguished Service
Dr. Pratt’s commitment and dedication to the dental profession and organized dentistry is evidenced by his 43 consecu- tive years of membership and during this tenure, service in numerous leadership roles on the local, state and national levels.
He has been involved in his local North- east Dental Society, serving twice as its president and also as its Trustee to the MDA Board. Dr. Pratt is a past president of the MDA, and has been a delegate to both the MDA and ADA House of Delegates multiple times in his years of membership. For 16 years he was a member of the MDA Committee of Articles of Agreement and Bylaws and served as its chair for several. Dr. Pratt served on the MDA Foundation Board for 13 years and as chair from 2009-2012. In selection for this award, it was noted you could count
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
