As he approaches graduation, Stefan shares his experiences, goals, and the inspirations that led him to pursue a career in dentistry. From his short-term ambitions to his long-term dreams, Stefan provides a glimpse into the life of a dedicated dental student ready to make his mark in the world.
Introductions
Stefan Toomey: “I’m Stefan Toomey and I am in my senior year at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
Talk me through your senior year?
Stefan: “In this year, we’re pretty much finishing our boards, which have a bunch of different components. We spend the whole year getting each part of that knocked out, as well as working with our patients to make sure they’re in a good, stable place before we leave. We also need to meet our graduation requirements, so it’s a good year but mostly focused on patient care.”
When do you graduate?
Stefan: “That’ll be in May.”
Interviewer: “Okay, so it’s coming up quick.”
Stefan: “Yeah, soon. I can’t wait. It’s very bittersweet, though. I’ve made a lot of good relationships here with colleagues who are going all over the country, even all over the world. It’s exciting to start our careers, but it’s always sad to leave some people behind.”
What inspired you to study dentistry?
Stefan: “My father’s a dentist. He’s a general dentist who sees a lot of patients with jaw joint disorders and migraines. Growing up, I noticed he was always present at my sports games and family events. Whenever we went out, he would always run into someone he knew. I thought it was cool that he knew so many people in his community. That, combined with my interest in working with my hands and helping people, really excites me and makes me want to go to work every day.”
Is work-life balance important to you?
Stefan: “Absolutely. Work-life balance keeps your work drive high. I knew I wanted a career related to medicine, but I was repelled by the hospital system and the idea of spending endless hours there. I have endless respect for those doctors, but it wasn’t for me. Dentistry provides a good work-life balance, allowing me to help people without sacrificing too much of my personal life.”
Can you share a memorable experience from your clinical rotations?
Stefan: “Absolutely. Nothing prepares you for your first patient. My first patient had a history of drug abuse, which was a lot to handle. I had to make a plan to control her active disease and improve the aesthetics of her smile. It was overwhelming, but I remembered why I’m doing this. With help from my faculty, I developed a good treatment plan. She’s now well-controlled, and we’re working on aesthetics. She even works at a clinic helping others with drug issues, which is really cool.”
How do you handle difficult or uncooperative patients?
Stefan: “It’s a wide spectrum. I sleep best knowing I approached the situation with a clean slate and positivity. I try not to judge people’s backgrounds and understand that coming to the dentist takes courage. For uncooperative patients, I try to level with them and understand their goals. Creating a comfortable environment is important, so I always have music playing during appointments. It helps lower blood pressure and keeps me on track.”
Do you have any short-term goals?
Stefan Toomey: “I really want to push myself. I want to see as much as I can, working on different cases, including those with complex medical histories, while I’m still in my 20s and have this drive. My short-term goal is to broaden my horizons as much as possible. I’m currently job searching and considering spending a year or two in Florida, working with a different population from Baltimore. I think it would be a great experience, and I might even pick up some Spanish along the way. All these things are about pushing myself to become the best version of myself so that I can achieve my long-term goals, which include owning a practice. I feel confident in myself and what I’m doing, and I sleep well at night knowing that.”
What are your long-term goals?
Stefan Toomey: “One of my long-term goals is to open a car detailing shop next to my practice. It’s a side hustle I started about five years ago, and I still do it out of personal enjoyment. It’s extra money on the side, but I really enjoy cleaning cars and making them shiny. It’s almost like a microcosm of dentistry because there are certain things we focus on in the car to improve the overall picture. I find it therapeutic.”
Interviewer: “The parallel between that and dentistry is very funny to me.”
Stefan Toomey: “Yeah, and theoretically, you could knock out two things at once—get your car detailed while you’re seeing me for a crown. I think that would be really cool and something people would enjoy. I’m hoping it’s the first of its kind.”
Interviewer: “That is cool and the fun part of owning your own business because you get to find and fill niches that you don’t know exist until you give them the option.”
Stefan Toomey: “Yeah, two birds with one stone, haha.”
Do you view yourself as an entrepreneurial person, or is that something you’ve developed through dental school?
Stefan Toomey: “I would say I’m a bit of an entrepreneur. I’m still developing my skill in talking finances with people because those conversations can go any which way. It’s important to make people understand the value of what you offer rather than just stating your rates. Many people view dentists similarly to car mechanics—they can’t see what we’re doing and only know the cost at the end. I think we need to do better in showing patients the problems they have. I’m trying to do my part in improving this, and I also discuss with my colleagues how they can improve their rapport with patients. We need to instill trust and repair our relationship with the populations we serve.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in dentistry?
Stefan: “Always remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Make sure you’re not motivated by finances. My father always told me that, and I realized why during dental school. It’s very taxing on your body, especially your neck, and it’s not always financially lucrative. You can find yourself in financial holes, especially if you don’t value doing good work. Quantity over quality can get you in trouble. If your intention is to help people, that will drive you through the tough times. There are trials and tribulations, but they pave the way for a long and successful career. I think I’ll find success in making people happier.”
Interviewer: “Interesting, I hadn’t even considered the physical toll dentistry could take on you.”
Stefan: “Yeah, there’s a risk involved. One of the first classes we have in dental school is called ergonomics. I wish they had it later in dental school because as a freshman, I didn’t understand its value. Now, after practicing for two years, I realize how important it is. You have to keep a straight posture and avoid slouching. We often use indirect vision, which means looking through a mirror and translating your movements. This helps maintain good posture and prevents strain. When we start, we’re often contorting our bodies, and the doctors tell us we need to figure it out or we’ll be hurting. It takes practice to master, and I’m still figuring it out. I’m better than I was last year, but I firmly believe in deep tissue massages, haha.”
As Stefan prepares to embark on his professional journey, his passion for dentistry and dedication to patient care are evident. His experiences and goals highlight the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in the field. Additionally, the physical demands of dentistry, such as maintaining proper posture and managing repetitive motions, underscore the need for comprehensive support and protection. Ensuring that dental professionals have the necessary safeguards in place allows them to focus on providing the best care for their patients without unnecessary worries. We wish Stefan all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make in the world of dentistry. If you’re interested in safeguarding your greatest asset, your body, enquire about life disability or malpractice insurance in the ribbon at the top of our website!
