From the Winter 2019 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
This group of “doers” is comprised of volunteer dentists who are 10 years or less out of dental school. They are the current and future leaders of our profession.
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Practice Location: I cover most parts of the state north to south, from Fort Collins to Alamosa. Practice Type: Dentist anesthesiologist, providing office-based anesthesia for dentists and dental specialists. Where did you go to dental school? University of Southern California School of Dentistry and Ohio State University College of Dentistry What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Teaching as an anesthesia attending at Ohio State University. Because of this, I plan to go back into full-time academics so that teaching can be my very last job too! What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Believe in yourself and bet on yourself. What worry keeps you up at night? Trying to complete a construction project in Denver that has been dragging on for three years! What do you value most? Spending time with my family has become more important to me with the passing of each year of my career. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? After finishing training, I wanted a way to meet people with similar interests who were navigating the same parts of their careers in dentistry. I’ve found the CDA and local component events to be the best way to make these connections. |
Kendra Ousley Practice Location: Atlanta, GA Practice Type: General dentist Where did you go to dental school? Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Hostess at Cheddar’s Restaurant What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Do not worry about the things that are out of your control! Surround yourself with good professionals because you will always need advice throughout your entire career. What worry keeps you up at night? My professional degree and expertise as a licensed dentist are being challenged by others who do not have a dental degree—and my colleagues are not always voicing their concerns. I do not want our profession to be taken right under us! What do you value most? Creating memories with my family and friends. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? I appreciate getting clinical advice from peers; emotional, mental and financial support from trusted dentists; and comradery.
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Practice Location: Parker, CO Practice Type: General dentist Where did you go to dental school? University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? I worked at DSW as a cashier and would spend my paycheck on shoes galore! What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Three things are required for success: 1. show up and be present 2. ask a ton of questions 3. seek to provide value in everything you do. What worry keeps you up at night? Life having passed without me impacting my community for the better. What do you value most? Relationships—our connection with other humans is what makes life worthwhile. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? Creating relationships with my peers and building a support system that can grow is a great benefit of organized dentistry. |
Practice Location: Englewood, CO Practice Type: Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Where did you go to dental school? University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Soccer referee What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? “Must have molars.” What worry keeps you up at night? I try to keep all worries in perspective. What do you value most? The mentoring I have received during my training, and the support of my colleagues since. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? To advocate for dentistry in the healthcare arena, and to network with other Colorado dentists and specialists. |
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Practice Location: Denver, CO Practice Type: Public health Where did you go to dental school? University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Besides mowing lawns as a kid, I worked at Target for six years through high school and college. What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Don’t take office drama home with you. Most of us chose dentistry over other professions because of the work-life balance, so taking work home with you doesn’t do you any favors. What worry keeps you up at night? Student loan debt; but having a plan to pay them off helps tremendously. What do you value most? I like to have fun while working hard and serving patients. And or course, I value the time I spend with my dog too. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? The CDA, and particularly the New Dentist Committee, provides a great resource for networking and meeting other professionals who I can always bounce ideas off. |
Practice Location: Arvada, CO Practice Type: General dentist Where did you go to dental school? University of Iowa College of Dentistry What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? I was a dishwasher in a local small-town restaurant. What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? My mom is a dental assistant and told me to treat my staff well. Your staff can make your life easier or more difficult. You choose. What worry keeps you up at night? Debt. Whether it’s a mortgage, practice loan, equipment loan, or student loans; it all seems insurmountable. What do you value most? In dentistry I value the friendships made. Since I’m not from Colorado and didn’t go to dental school in Colorado, I value and rely on my friendships made in organized dentistry. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? I can’t do it all myself and I don’t want to do it all myself. Being a member of the ADA gives me the access and network to resources I need. |
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Practice Location: Broomfield, CO Practice Type: General dentist Where did you go to dental school? Roseman University of Health Sciences What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? I worked at Sears as a cashier and in customer service. What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? If you treat patients well and be honest, you will be successful. What worry keeps you up at night? My patients’ and team’s well-being and happiness. What do you value most? My family, friends and health. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? Since graduating and moving to a new state, I have been a solo practitioner/associate. I didn’t know any dentists in the area. It was important for me to find a community of support within the local area. Becoming a member has provided that support system, and opportunities like study clubs, CE and networking with like-minded professionals. |
Practice Location: Cherry Creek, CO Practice Type: General dentist Where did you go to dental school? Creighton University School of Dentistry What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? I was an orthodontic dental assistant prior to applying to dental school. What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Just do what is best for the patients and the financial benefits will follow. What worry keeps you up at night? When I feel like I have let someone down who I care about. What do you value most? Honesty—and I value it most in all aspects of my life. In practice I think it is one of the most important values that shines through when talking to patients. A patient can immediately feel when you are being honest with them and it instantly builds rapport. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? I find that being a part of organized dentistry helps keep me the most with networking in the local dental community, not only with colleagues but with local representatives for products and other services in dental industry. |
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Practice Location: Denver, CO Practice Type: General dentist Where did you go to dental school? University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? My first job was tutoring at an afterschool program. I was also a Lululemon educator, where I helped motivate people to live healthier lives while also selling some sweet workout gear. What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? The best advice I received is more directed to the patient, in which I explain to them that, “dentistry isn’t expensive, but neglect is.” It is simple, yet true. What worry keeps you up at night? I worry why I don’t have a more professional headshot to send out. What do you value most? I value the people in my life who love me for who I am. Authenticity is key. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? As a new dentist in a new state, organized dentistry has really allowed me to get connected within the dental community. |
Practice Location: Fort Collins, CO; Denver, CO; Canon City, CO Practice Type: General dentist, part-time at a private practice and part-time at various correctional facilities/prisons throughout the state of Colorado. Where did you go to dental school? University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Officiating youth ice hockey games What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? “If you can’t pack cord then it probably needs crown lengthening.” What worry keeps you up at night? Student loans What do you value most? Spending time with my wife and dog. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? To stay connected with existing peers and to broaden my network. |
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Practice Location: Englewood, CO Practice Type: General dentist, group practice Where did you go to dental school? University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Telemarketing! What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Try to learn something new every day. What worry keeps you up at night? I do guided meditation for sleep, so I don’t stay up at night. What do you value most? Integrity in my work, service to others and caring for my patients. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? Membership in these organizations is a way to stay involved, network and support my colleagues. |
Practice Location: Colorado Springs, CO Practice Type: Orthodontist, DSO and private practice Where did you go to dental school? Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Howard University College of Dentistry (residency) What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? Fit model What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? Treat your patients well and they will treat you well. What worry keeps you up at night? Change. I worry about unexpected things happening to me, my loved ones and my patients! What do you value most? I value time to pursue things that make me feel recharged. Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? Because of all the ways the CDA supports me! |
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Practice Location: Denver, CO Practice Type: General dentist at The Dental Collective, a modern comprehensive dental implant center and general practice dental clinic. Where did you go to dental school? University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine What was your very first job (dental or non-dental)? My first job as a dentist was bussing tables in Venice Beach for five months while I waited for my California dental license. What was the best piece of dental mentoring advice given to you? “If you want to be the boss, you got to pay the costs!” -Dr. Eugene Brooks. I always remember this and continually strive to be the best version of myself as a person and a dentist, no matter the sacrifice made nor the shortcomings of my failures. What worry keeps you up at night? This last year I have been burning the candle on both ends learning the ins and outs of metal-free digital dentistry and CAD/CAM dental technologies. What do you value most? I value authenticity and happiness! Why are you a member of the ADA, CDA and your local component? Organized dentistry has played a large role in my development as a professional. It has been great to follow along in the successes of my friends and colleagues and share in our happiness and failures! |
Other CDA NDC Members (not listed above): David Pelster Justin Pearson, NDC Past Chair (2016-2018) Kevin Moore Krista Moore Lilit Alikhanyan |
Shaheen Moezzi, NDC Chair
Amisha Singh, NDC Vice Chair 
Lauren Basile, NDC Student Liaison Chair
Amy Rosinsky
Lindsay Compton, NDC Past Chair (2015-2016)
Beth Knott
Melissa Goodpaster, NDC Social Chair
Chad Fruithandler
Paul Stavrakas, NDC Outreach Chair
Evin Worthington
Sheila Soroushian 
Joey Potter