The Implausible Career
By Karin Brian , DDS
Around 20 years in , accepting that much of life is out of my control was like an epiphany . Worrying about what might happen is futile .
It is 1979 , or thereabouts . A 13-yearold girl who could have been the original Amy Farrah Fowler excitedly reads the computer printout generated from a day spent expertly filling in ovals on a test with required No . 2 pencil . Weeks later she is dismayed to read her “ clerical ” score is higher than “ scientific ” and way above “ crafts and the arts .” The career planning test suggests accountant or auditor ? No , thank you . Meteorologist or computer operator ? She muses over those suggestions a bit longer . Analyzing weather data behind the scenes sounds fun but definitely not live broadcasting . She experiences a queasiness recalling the required public speaking semester of 6th grade English . There were several trips to the school nurse that year .
As I reflect upon those days now – not a single health care profession was suggested , so how did that awkward girl become a content semi-retired dentist ? The chance meeting of a mentor ( though he didn ’ t know it at the time ), parents that recognized their third child ’ s notion of being a dentist wasn ’ t whimsy , and an incredible spouse .
During senior year of high school , the opportunity to observe in a dental office and then work my first “ legit ” summer job as a dental assistant was life-changing . Mom drove me every day since my brother got dibs on pop-pop ’ s car , but she never complained about the double commute . Learning from my mentor was enjoyable and the possibilities were enticing . Subsequent years spent working for a temp service during college breaks affirmed my career decision . With the knowledge learned from assisting many practitioners , I began to discern what “ good dentistry ” looked like , and knew I could make a difference as both a skilled and compassionate dentist . A family friendly career with earnings potential was a bonus . It hadn ’ t even occurred to me until interviewing for dental school that I didn ’ t even know any women dentists !
While in dental school there was little time for serious thought as to how I would practice following graduation . Returning to my hometown without completing a GPR was always the hopeful plan .
26 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL