Dr . Karin Brian SECOND DISTRICT
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist when you were younger ? If not , what did you want to be when you grew up ? My interest was sparked sometime during my senior year of high school , while applying to colleges . I knew that I wanted to be in a “ creative ” health science , and medicine was unappealing . The Career Aptitude Tests suggested being a financial analyst or a mortician ! I suppose they picked up on my left-brain dominance , which fortunately lends itself towards a career in dentistry as well . The last two weeks of my high school senior year confirmed my aspirations during a career experience program . I had no car at my disposal so I needed to find a place near where a friend was doing hers . A dental office happened to be in the same medical complex . When I inquired , the owner enthusiastically agreed to let me shadow .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? That same dentist became my employer and insisted on me attending a few local meetings with him . I thought everyone became involved . I ’ ve always enjoyed giving my time and talents over the years to serve organized dentistry with no expectations of advancement or applause . My motivation over the years has always been simply to have fun while doing some good .
When and where did you attend dental school ? The Class of ’ 91 , University of Maryland , aka BCDS .
Where do you currently practice ? I consider myself “ mostly retired ” after being an employee dentist for most of my career . Currently I do some locum tenens work , primarily with colleagues that know me . If I count my years dental assisting after high school , I have enjoyed 38 years in the profession . I plan to continue as long as my heart is in it .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? It is increasingly difficult to keep the delicate balance between providing affordable , compassionate and skilled care to patients while keeping it a profession that allows for some enjoyment of the return on one ’ s investment . It is essential that dentistry remains a career choice that attracts exceptional individuals willing to take on this challenge .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? I fear we won ’ t have enough leaders in the pipeline to fill the volunteer need as the boomers and Gen Xers retire .
Dr . Brian ’ s personal story
I was born in southern New Jersey . We moved to Downingtown just before I was in fourth grade . My father ’ s job almost landed us in Boulder , CO . I often wonder how my life would have been different had we moved there .
I ’ m the overachieving youngest of three . I have an older sister , Kim and brother , Keith . The Brians have always easily fit around a dining room table .
I ’ ve been married to my husband Tom for 28 years ! Culture shock as he is one of six . Our Christmas brunch requires a day to recover from and opportunities abound to spoil our many nieces , nephews and their children .
I enjoy organic gardening and love using our bounty for cooking and home winemaking . Also enjoy most any type of fishing with my husband . I ’ m the parliamentarian for my DAR chapter and try to participate with as many of their service activities as possible .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I was the youngest person in my high school class , second youngest in my dental school class .
I ’ ve always had a fondness for turtles yet have never kept one as a pet .
Once upon a time , I was fluent in French . I could get by now if necessary !
Who was your greatest role model ? Easily , my dad . A self-taught “ Jack of all Trades ” that mastered many . It wasn ’ t until after his passing that I learned of his many accomplishments and incredible diversity of knowledge .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? That ’ s a tough one . Deceased , or currently living ? Given how much I enjoy the cooking and wine , it would be a blast to spend a day with Julia Child or Jacques Pépin !
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 13