by Grace A. Curcuru, D.D.S.
The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents Shanna McGettrick as a recipient of the 2007-2008 Michigan Dental Foundation Dr. Bill Schumann MDA Insurance & Financial Group Scholarship Award.
McGettrick, of Redford, Mich., is a senior dental student at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. I had the opportunity to chat with the her and would like to share some of her thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:
1. Where do you go to school, which schools have you attended on your journey to becoming a dental professional?
I started at Henry Ford Community College then transferred to Oakland University. In 2000 I started the hygiene program at University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and I received my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 2002.
2. Why did you want to become a dental professional?
I started as a dental assistant when I was in high school. I loved assisting and so I decided to pursue hygiene however my passion for dentistry was not quite completely satisfied through hygiene and so I made the decision to apply to dental school.
3. Who inspired/mentored you along the way?
I’ve had numerous inspirations along the way. The main inspiration to pursue dentistry has been my family. I was the first in my immediate family and also my extended family to graduate from college and they have been very supportive of my professional goals. I want to show my daughter that you can achieve anything that you want in life through hard work and perseverance. In terms of professional mentors, my boss Dr. Jason Souyias has been a tremendous source of knowledge, advice, and encouragement. His professionalism and chairside manner are top-notch and his clinical skills are second to none. He has been a wonderful friend and mentor.
4. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?
So many professionals that I have worked with have given me advice once they find out that I am in dental school. The best advice I have received has been simple but profound. Never forget that you are treating a person and not just a tooth. Everyone comes to you with different experiences and if you take the time to learn a bit about the "head" that tooth is attached to, you will provide more than just oral health care.
5. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?
I really love all aspects of dentistry but the main thing that fuels my drive is the relationships with my patients. I truly feel that real success is achieved through human interaction. As Emerson so eloquently put it "To know one life has breathed easier because you have lived…this is to have succeeded."
6. Can you share a story about dental school, which made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?
There isn’t really one defining moment that has happened in dental school that has reinforced my decision to become a dentist. I can say though that every morning I wake up happy to go into school and treat my patients. I feel blessed that I have found something that I enjoy doing so much that it doesn’t feel like work to me. I think that is a pretty good indication that I am pursuing the right profession!
7. Is there one procedure you enjoy the most?
I don’t really have one specific procedure that I enjoy the most. The best procedure as far as I am concerned is the one that makes a difference for the patient. If someone comes to me with an issue be it pain or a chipped tooth that they don’t like the look of and I can fix it so that they are happy when they leave then that is my favorite procedure.
10. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?
This scholarship has helped reduce some of the financial stress that I have been having. Being a single parent in dental school brings with it extra financial burden beyond the rising costs of a dental education. I plan to use this money to help offset some of my childcare expenses.
11. Where do you see yourself in six months after graduation?
I hope to find an associateship after graduation in Michigan that would eventually lead to a partnership or complete buyout in a few years.
12. Where do you see yourself in three to 10 years after graduation?
In three to 10 years after graduation I hope to own a private practice and volunteer some of my time in the community giving back some of the good fortune that I have experienced.
13. Have you attended any local, state or national dental meetings?
I have not attended any of the dental meetings thus far. However, I do plan to be active in organized dentistry when I graduate.
14. Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee on either a national, state or local level? If so which one interests you?
I do serve as a student advisory member on the MDA Peer Review-Health and Well-Being committee.
15. What do you like to do beyond dentistry? Hobbies, talents, etc.?
I enjoy outside activities such as camping, biking, hunting and fishing. I also enjoy spending as much time as I can with my daughter, family, and friends.
Thank you for a glimpse into the life of a Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship recipient. Your hard work and efforts are clearly demonstrated. You will be an asset to the dental profession.
The Michigan Dental Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional oral health professionals. All scholarships are given to Michigan residents attending Michigan universities and colleges. The Michigan Dental Foundation is devoted to becoming the philanthropic leader of the oral health community in order to fund student scholarships, provide oral health initiatives and access to care.
Smiling futures start here!