Dentist Day Interview with Charlotte Etesse, DDS.
Meet our ambassador, Charlotte Etesse, DDS. She specializes in General Dentistry and is dedicated to "beautifying smiles and restoring confidence". Not only does she make a difference in the office, but she is passionate about volunteering to lend her expertise to those in need and spreading the word on the importance of oral cancer screening. In honor of National Dentist Day, we interviewed Charlotte in preparation for her Instagram Takeover which you can watch here.
WHY DID YOU GO INTO MEDICINE?
Dentists play an integral role in both the oral and overall health of their communities. We’re encouraged to exercise creativity and critical thinking in our daily work. Not only do I love beautifying someone’s smile and restoring their confidence, but I also love educating my patients on the value of good oral health and how to achieve it.
PASSION PROJECT OF YOURS?
I found a passion for volunteering within my community. There are a bunch of organizations always in need of health care professionals. I think it’s SO important for those who can volunteer our expertise for our community, especially with the barriers in access to care.
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN THAT IS MOST PERSONAL TO YOU & WHY?
I’m a big proponent of the Oral Cancer Foundation. I could help save someone’s life through an ordinary oral cancer screening that I perform at every check-up exam. I’ve also seen the debilitating effects of oral cancer caught too late. A simple one minute oral cancer screening can help save a life—don’t skip out on your dental check-ups!
WHAT ARE SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m the first person in my family to go to professional school. I’m a first generation American—my mother is from Thailand and my father is from France.
WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR CAREER OR LIFE & WHY?
So many people stand out to me that I can’t pick just one. All the women who paved the way to allow me to practice dentistry the way I do today, who have pushed me when times were rough, and who have showed me that it is possible to have a successful career while also having a family.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE TO FUTURE MDS:
Take every opportunity to learn—classes, shadowing, working, volunteering. You can never know too much and a career in health care is all about continuing education and staying on top of current issues and trends to provide the best possible care for your patients.
DOES BEING A WOMAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR CAREER? WHY?
Absolutely! As a woman, I feel like I can bring a different mindset and approach to care compared to my male counterparts. I also see the value in strong female mentorship and have found great mentors in many women dentists and hope to be the same for someone at some point in my career.
DO OTHER PATIENTS AND COLLEAGUES PERCEIVE YOU DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE YOU’RE A WOMAN? HOW?
As a young female dentist, I get questioned about my capabilities almost daily. “How long have you been doing this?” “Is the other doctor available?” I’ve learned to accept this is how some people will act or think, but I do not let it define me. One of the practices I associate at is a staff of 9 women and our patients love that.
WHAT IS A PERSONAL CHALLENGE YOU FACE AS A FEMALE CLINICIAN?
There are always going to be conscious and unconscious biases against women from patients, faculty and even colleagues. I started my career as a young female dentist working among a 99% male patient population and quickly learned how to justify to both myself and my patients that I was qualified to be their dentist. It’s all about breaking the norm, having grit, perseverance, and confidence.
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE YOU FACE AS A FEMALE CLINICIAN?
When interviewing for jobs, I was advised not to wear my engagement ring. I was caught off guard when a potential male employer still asked me about my marital status and if kids were soon. This is when I learned that you’re assessing the employer as much as they are you. I quickly learned the importance of working in an environment where there are equal opportunities.
WHAT CAN (and DO) YOU DO THAT HELPS EMPOWER YOU TO BE THE BEST FEMALE PHYSICIAN YOU CAN BE?
Be true to yourself and don’t give in to what others think or say about you. You got to this point for a reason. Stand up tall and prove whoever doubts you wrong. Also, surround yourself with other likeminded and passionate women! Inspire each other to be the best version of each other.
