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    Diversity and Inclusion in Dentistry w/ Dr. Akshay Thusu

    enSeptember 07, 2023
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    About this Episode

    Akshay Thusu joins the podcast to discuss his experiences in dentistry and his passion for inclusion and diversity. He shares his journey from India to Texas and highlights the importance of the ADA Institute for Diversity and Leadership (IDL) program. Dr. Thusu also talks about his efforts to bring a Texas Leadership Institute to the state and the significance of mentorship in the program. He emphasizes the need for equity in dentistry and the importance of creating a safe space for patients of diverse backgrounds. Dr. Thusu believes that the future of the profession is limitless and encourages new dentists to speak up and make their voices heard.

    About The Guest(s):

    Dr. Akshay Thusu is a practicing general dentist based in San Antonio, Texas. Originally from Mumbai, India, he moved to the United States at the age of 15 and has been in Texas ever since. Dr. Thusu graduated from UTHSC San Antonio in 2015 and has been actively involved in organized dentistry. He has received fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Thusu currently serves on the Texas Dental Association's Council on Membership, New dentists and Students, as well as San Antonio's District Dental Society's Diversity Committee. He is also involved in mentorship programs and participates in free dentistry events around the state.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Diversity is the first step, inclusion is the second step, but the ultimate goal is equity.
    2. The Texas Leadership Institute aims to provide mentorship and encourage diverse voices in organized dentistry.
    3. Dentists should strive to create a safe space for patients of diverse backgrounds and be empathetic to their needs.
    4. Speaking up is crucial in effecting change and making a difference in the profession.
    5. The future of dentistry is evolving, and there are endless possibilities for growth and innovation

    Connect with Akshay Thusu: @thusu_dds

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

    Recent Episodes from New Dentists on the Block

    House Call Dentistry w/ Dr. Ashleigh Robinson

    House Call Dentistry w/ Dr. Ashleigh Robinson

    Ashleigh Robinson, a dentist and the founder of Accommodental, a house call dental practice in Buffalo, New York shares her journey of transitioning from working in a traditional dental setting to becoming a full-time house call dentist. She discusses the need for house call dentistry, especially for patients who are homebound or have limited mobility. Ashleigh also talks about the challenges and rewards of running a house call dental practice and offers advice for new dentists.

    About the Guest:

    • Ashleigh Robinson is a dentist based in Buffalo, New York. She graduated in 2019 and is dedicated to serving medically complex and underserved patient populations.
    • Ashleigh is the founder of Accommodental, a house call dental practice that provides dental care to patients who are unable to leave their homes due to limited mobility or other medical conditions.
    • She is the creator of the ResiDENTAL Movement, a podcast turned community, that empowers and equips dentists to begin offering in-home dental services to patients who are best-served at home.

    Key Takeaways:

    • House call dentistry is a valuable service for patients who are unable to leave their homes due to limited mobility or other medical conditions.
    • Ashleigh's decision to pursue house call dentistry was driven by the need she observed while working in hospitals and the desire to serve medically complex and underserved patient populations.
    • Starting a house call dental practice requires careful planning, including consulting with professionals such as accountants and lawyers, setting up business accounts, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
    • House call dentistry offers flexibility and the ability to provide personalized care to patients, but it also requires careful scheduling and managing overhead costs.
    • Ashleigh emphasizes the importance of avoiding traps and not committing to a lifestyle or practice setting that doesn't align with one's values and goals as a dentist.

    Connect with Dr. Ashleigh Robinson on IG: @ashleigh.m.robinson

    Learn more about Accomodental and Residental Movement

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

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    Navigating Public Health Dentistry w/ Dr. Alayna Schoblaske

    Navigating Public Health Dentistry w/ Dr. Alayna Schoblaske

    Alayna Shoblaske, a dedicated dentist based in Medford, Oregon, as she shares her journey from dental school to serving in a public health setting. Discover the rewards and challenges of practicing dentistry in underserved communities, and gain valuable insights into loan repayment programs like the National Health Service Corps scholarship. Learn about the crucial role of organized dentistry and how it empowers professionals like Elena to make a difference. If you're a new dentist considering a career in public health, this episode is a must-listen!

    About the Guest:

    Alayna Schoblaske is a dentist based in Medford, Oregon. She grew up in Oregon and attended dental school at Oregon Health and Science University. After completing her dental education, Alayna did a GPR at the VA hospital in Washington, DC. She then returned to Oregon and began working at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), where she still practices today. Elena is passionate about public health dentistry and providing high-quality care to underserved populations.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Alayna Schoblaske's journey from dental school to working in a public health setting in Oregon.
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    • Loan repayment programs, such as the National Health Service Corps scholarship and the Students to Service loan repayment program, can help dentists alleviate their student loan debt while working in public health.
    • The importance of organized dentistry and the opportunities for mentorship, networking, and advocacy it provides.
    • Advice for new dentists interested in public health, including getting involved in local dental associations and attending meetings and events to connect with other professionals in the field.

    Connect with Alaya Schobloske on IG: @alaynathedentist

    Learn more about the ADA New Dentist Committee 

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

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    Impressing the Perfect Smile W/ Dr. Rupert Monkhouse

    Impressing the Perfect Smile W/ Dr. Rupert Monkhouse

    In this episode, Tanya Sue interviews Rupert Monkhouse, a general dentist with a passion for removable prosthodontics. Rupert shares his journey in dentistry, from his education in London to his current practice in Reading. He discusses the unique aspects of dental education in the UK, including the mandatory foundation year in the National Health Service (NHS). Rupert also highlights the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in his field. He explains how he has honed his skills in removable prosthodontics through social media, online resources, and collaborations with other dental professionals. The conversation delves into the intricacies of denture impressions and the key factors that contribute to successful denture retention. Rupert also provides insights into his upcoming plans to specialize in prosthodontics and expand his expertise in implant dentistry.  

    About the Guest:  

    Rupert is a general dentist based in London, UK. He has a particular interest in removable prosthodontics and shares his cases on Instagram @dentistRupert on this platform he also hosts the ImpressionClub Live podcast and edits a monthly newsletter available through his website.   Rupert has a passion for education and runs a primary impression course in the UK with more launching soon.   He also sits on committees for both the International Team for Implantology and The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry  

    Key Takeaways:

    • Dental education in the UK allows students to enter dental school straight from high school, with a five-year undergraduate program.
    • The foundation year in the NHS provides structured training and mentorship for new dentists, allowing them to gain experience in different areas of dentistry.
    • Rupert emphasizes the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in dentistry, particularly in niche areas like removable prosthodontics.
    • Social media platforms, such as Instagram, have played a significant role in Rupert's professional development, allowing him to connect with other dental professionals and learn from their experiences.
    • Successful denture retention relies on capturing accurate impressions, understanding the functional prosthetic envelope, and considering the muscle action on the flanges.

    Connect with Rupert Monkhouse on IG: @dentistrupert

    Check out his website: ImpressionClub

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

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    Igniting Your Career in Dentistry

    Igniting Your Career in Dentistry

    In this episode of "New Dentists on the Block," host Tanya Sue interviews Savanah Craig and Ronnetta Sartor, two dentists who completed the same GPR program a few years apart. They discuss their experiences in the program, the importance of continuing education and mentorship, and their journeys as new dentists. Savanah and Ronnetta also share their involvement with Ignite DDS, including their work on the Residency Guide and their E-book Beyond Graduation. The conversation highlights the different paths dentists can take after graduation and the importance of finding the right fit for each individual.

    About the Guest(s):

    • Savanah Craig: Savanah Craig is a passionate dentist who graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she completed a one-year GPR program in Columbia, South Carolina. Savannah has a keen interest in surgery and implant placement and is excited to start her career in private practice in Columbus, Ohio.
    • Ronnetta Sartor: Ronnetta Sartor is a dedicated dentist who graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2017. After completing the same GPR program as Savannah in Columbia, South Carolina, she practiced in a group practice in Sumter, South Carolina for four years. In August 2021, Ronnetta purchased her own practice and has been enjoying the challenges and rewards of practice ownership ever since.

    Key Takeaways:

    • GPR Programs: Savanah and Ronnetta both chose to pursue GPR programs to gain more experience and expand their skill sets. These programs allowed them to provide a wider range of services to their patients and gain mentorship from experienced dentists.
    • Practice Ownership: Ronnetta's journey from associate to practice owner showcases the possibilities and challenges of practice ownership. She emphasizes the importance of taking time for self-care and finding a balance between being a clinician and a business owner.
    • Ignite DDS: Savanah and Ronnetta discuss their involvement with Ignite DDS and the resources it provides to new dentists. They highlight the Residency Guide, which offers valuable information about dental residencies across the nation, and their ebook that focuses on the early years of dentistry and how to navigate the challenges.

    Connect with Ronnetta Sartor on IG: @dr_sartor

    Connect with Savanah Craig on IG:  @savanahcraigdds

    Check out the Residency Guide

    Check out their eBook Beyond Graduation

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

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    New Beginnings in Dentistry w/ Dr. Sampada Deshpande

    New Beginnings in Dentistry w/ Dr. Sampada Deshpande

    Welcome back to Season 2 of New Dentists on the Block!

     In this episode, Dr. Sampada Deshpande shares her journey as a foreign-trained dentist and her decision to pursue a general practice residency (GPR) to specialize in treating patients with special healthcare needs. She discusses her unique model of portable dentistry, where she brings dental care to seniors and individuals with disabilities in their own homes or assisted living centers. Sampada also talks about her role as a product manager for Samsomile and her dedication to helping dental professionals streamline insurance verification processes. She emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and finding unique ways to serve patients in the dental profession.  

    About The Guest: 

    Sampada Deshpande is a foreign-trained dentist who completed her dental school in India before pursuing her DDS at the University of Washington. She has a passion for treating patients with special healthcare needs and has dedicated her career to providing dental care to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Sampada offers portable dentistry, where she brings her dental equipment to assisted living centers and patients' homes to provide comfortable and convenient dental care. She also works as a product manager for Samsung Smile, an automated insurance verification solution.  

    Key Takeaways

    • Sampada Deshpande pursued a general practice residency (GPR) to specialize in treating patients with special healthcare needs.
    • Portable dentistry allows Sampada to provide dental care to seniors and individuals with disabilities in their own homes or assisted living centers.
    • Sampada's role as a product manager for Samsung Smile involves streamlining insurance verification processes for dental professionals.
    • Thinking outside the box and finding unique ways to serve patients is crucial in the dental profession.

    Connect with Sampada Deshpande on IG: @dr.desphande

    Connect with New Dentist Business Club: @newdentistbusinessclub

    Learn more about Samsosmile: @samsosmile

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

    Swing by Peyruis | https://soundcloud.com/peyruis Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

    Representation in Dentistry w/ Dr. Diego Rivas

    Representation in Dentistry w/ Dr. Diego Rivas

    Diego Rivas, a newly graduated dentist, shares his journey into dentistry and his passion for pediatric dentistry. Growing up in a Venezuelan family in Houston, Diego was surrounded by dentistry and developed a love for the profession. He decided to pursue a career in dentistry, following in his mother's footsteps. Diego discusses his experiences in dental school, his involvement with the Hispanic Dental Association, and his decision to specialize in pediatric dentistry. He also talks about the challenges faced by the Venezuelan community and his plans for the future.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Diego Rivas grew up in a Venezuelan family in Houston and was surrounded by dentistry from a young age.
    2. He decided to pursue a career in dentistry, following in his mother's footsteps.
    3. Diego was involved with the Hispanic Dental Association during dental school and found it to be a supportive community.
    4. He decided to specialize in pediatric dentistry after discovering his passion for working with children.
    5. Diego is currently pursuing a pediatric residency in New York and is enjoying the diverse patient population.

    Connect with Diego Rivas on IG: @diegojrivas_

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

    First Generation: From DACA to Dentist w/ Dr. Eddie Ramirez

    First Generation: From DACA to Dentist w/ Dr. Eddie Ramirez

    Dr. Eddie Ramirez, a DACA recipient and dentist, shares his journey from being undocumented to becoming the first practicing DACA dentist in Oregon. He discusses the challenges he faced in dental school, the uncertainty of his legal status, and the importance of advocating for undocumented students. Eddie emphasizes the need for awareness and support for DACA recipients and encourages others to educate themselves and share the truth about the immigration system. He also highlights the significance of celebrating Latino culture and embracing diversity in America. Connect with Eddie on social media at dental_eddie and reach out to him for support and guidance. Follow Pre Health Dreamers on Instagram for resources and community for undocumented students pursuing healthcare professions. 

    **Key Takeaways:**

     - Eddie Ramirez was the first undocumented DACA student to be accepted into the dental program at Oregon Health and Science University.

    - He faced numerous challenges in applying to dental school, including being discouraged by his pre-dental advisor. 

    - Eddie worked multiple jobs throughout dental school to support himself financially. 

     He is now an advocate for undocumented students and works to support them in pursuing their dreams of becoming healthcare professionals.

     - Eddie emphasizes the need for comprehensive immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals.

    Connect with Eddie Ramirez on IG: @dental_eddie

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube

    Navegando la odontología en los Estados Unidos con la Dra. María Valentina Martínez

    Navegando la odontología en los Estados Unidos con la Dra. María Valentina Martínez

    Dra. Valentina Martínez, dentista y ortodoncista de Venezuela, comparte su viaje para obtener su licencia dental en los Estados Unidos. Después de conocer a un mentor que buscaba jubilarse y vender su práctica en Nuevo México, Valentina decidió mudarse a los EE. UU. y seguir su carrera dental allí. Enfrentó muchos desafíos e incertidumbres a lo largo del camino, pero estaba decidida a hacer realidad su sueño. Valentina escribió un libro sobre su experiencia y comenzó el curso INBDE para ayudar a otros dentistas de habla hispana a navegar el proceso de obtener su licencia dental en los EE. UU. Ella enfatiza la importancia de nunca renunciar a tus sueños y creer en ti mismo.  

    Valentina y yo somos miembros del hermoso grupo Simpaticas en El Paso, Texas.  

    Acerca de la invitada: Dr. María Valentina Martínez tiene un historial comprobado de logros y años de experiencia como ortodoncista practicante. Recibió su educación dental en la Universidad de Carabobo (Venezuela en 2006), y su título de especialidad en 2010, luego realizó su programa avanzado avanzado en la Universidad de Boston en 2020; Además, tiene un Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas (Caribbean International University). Es miembro de la Asociación Americana de Ortodoncia (AAO), la Federación Mundial de Ortodoncia (WFO), la Asociación Venezolana de Ortodoncia y la Asociación Latinoamericana de Ortodoncia (ALADO). Fue docente de la Universidad de Carabobo (Venezuela) por más de 9 años, Speaker Internacional de las Técnicas Clear Aligner durante 8 años. Ha dedicado su vida a la investigación del Tratamiento de Ortodoncia, publicando los resultados de su investigación en varias revistas y en la reunión anual de la AAO (Asociación Americana de Ortodoncia). Escribió un libro en español para ayudar a dentistas internacionales a lograr sus sueños de obtener una licencia dental en los Estados Unidos. El Dr. Martínez también es el creador y director ejecutivo de la empresa Become Dentist USA que imparte conferencias de preparación para las juntas dentales y solicitudes para los diferentes programas dentales en los EE. UU. Con más de 600 alumnos matriculados en la actualidad.  Obtenga más información sobre cómo convertirse en dentista en los Estados Unidos: https://becomedentistusa.com/ Consulta el libro de la Dra. Valentina Martínez AQUÍ  

    Learn more about becoming a dentist in the United States: https://becomedentistusa.com/

    Check out Dr. Valentina Martinez Book HERE

    Connect with Valentina Martinez on IG: @dra.maria_valentinamartinez

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube 

    Navigating Dentistry in the United States w/ Dr. Maria Valentina Martinez

    Navigating Dentistry in the United States w/ Dr. Maria Valentina Martinez

    Dra. Valentina Martinez, a dentist and orthodontist from Venezuela, shares her journey of obtaining her dental license in the United States. After meeting a mentor who was looking to retire and sell his practice in New Mexico, Valentina decided to move to the U.S. and pursue her dental career there. She faced many challenges and uncertainties along the way but was determined to make her dream a reality. Valentina wrote a book about her experience and started the INBDE course to help other Spanish-speaking dentists navigate the process of obtaining their dental license in the U.S. She emphasizes the importance of never giving up on your dreams and believing in yourself.

    Valentina and I are both members of the beautiful Simpaticas group in El Paso, Texas

    About The Guest:Dr. Maria Valentina Martinez Morales has a proven record of accomplishment and years of experience as a practicing orthodontist. She received her dental education at Carabobo University (Venezuela on 2006), and her specialty degree in 2010, after that she did her advanced standing program in Boston University on 2020 ; In addition, she has a PhD in Dental Sciences (Caribbean International University). She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), the World Federation of Orthodontics (WFO), Venezuelan Orthodontics Association and the Latin American Orthodontics Association (ALADO). She was a Faculty member in Carabobo University (Venezuela) for more than 9 years, International Speaker of the Clear Aligner Techniques for 8 years. She has been dedicating her life to the Orthodontics Treatment research, publishing her research results in several magazines and the annual meeting of the AAO (American Association of Orthodontics). She wrote a book in spanish for helping international dentists to achieve their dreams of getting a dental license in the United States. Dr. Martinez is also the creator and CEO of the company Become dentist USA that teaches lectures in preparation for the dental boards and applications for the different dental programs in the US. With more than 600 students enrolled nowadays.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Valentina Martinez moved from Venezuela to the United States to pursue her dental career.
    2. She faced many challenges and uncertainties during the process of obtaining her dental license in the U.S.
    3. Valentina wrote a book and started the INBDE course to help other Spanish-speaking dentists navigate the process.
    4. She emphasizes the importance of never giving up on your dreams and believing in yourself.

    Learn more about becoming a dentist in the United States: https://becomedentistusa.com/

    Check out Dr. Valentina Martinez Book HERE

    Connect with Valentina Martinez on IG: @dra.maria_valentinamartinez

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube 

    Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month w/ Dr. Jossen Gastelum

    Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month w/ Dr. Jossen Gastelum

    Dr. Jossen Gastelum joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a dentist and the importance of representation for Latino dentists. He shares his experience of graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges he faced transitioning into private practice. Dr. Gastelum also talks about his passion for esthetics and the impact of social media on his career. He emphasizes the need for open conversations about burnout in the dental profession and the importance of an abundance mindset. Dr. Gastelum concludes by discussing his future plans, including the possibility of owning his own practice.

    About The Guest:

    ​Dr. Jossen Gastelum is a practicing General and Cosmetic Dentist currently based in Scottsdale, Arizona. A graduate of the 2020 class at the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry, but originally from Tucson, Arizona—Dr. Gastelum practiced at home in the Tucson/Marana area for over two years before making the move up to the Phoenix area for a new opportunity. His interests in dentistry range from Cosmetics, Biomimetic/Minimally-Invasive Dentistry, to injectables such as Botox.

    Better known as @DoctorJossen on Tik Tok and Instagram, Dr. Gastelum has successfully used social media as a way to connect and network with fellow dentists and current dental and pre-dental students, as well as to share educational content with the general public. A proud Latino dentist, Dr. Gastelum also frequently shares content relating to his journey as a Latino and First Generation graduate. His goal is that by sharing this content he will help to increase visibility and representation of Latinos in dentistry in hopes of inspiring more future Latino representation in the field. As a dental student, Dr. Gastelum was heavily involved with student organizations including the Hispanic Student Dental Association where he served as President. He also served as the Social Media Chair for the Louisville Chapter of the American Student Dental Association where he began his interest in creating content and learned about the power of social media networking.

    Key Takeaways:

    ​1. Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time, but Dr. Gastelum found support through social media and connecting with other dentists.

    2. Dr. Gastelum's passion for esthetics led him to pursue certification in Botox and fillers, which has opened up new opportunities for him.

    3. Burnout is a common issue in the dental profession, and it's important to have open conversations about it and support one another.

    4. Social media has been a valuable tool for Dr. Gastelum to connect with pre-dental students, dental students, and potential patients.

    5. Dr. Gastelum sees ownership as the future of his career and believes it will allow him to have more control over the type of dentistry he wants to practice.

    6. Being Latino in the profession and serving as a mentor to fellow Latinos is a passion for both Joseen and Tanya Sue.

    Connect with Jossen Gastelum on IG: @drjossen 

    Connect with Jossen Gastelum on Tiktok: @drjossen

    Connect with New Dentists on the Block: @newdentistsontheblock

    Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

    Full video on Youtube