WE RECENTLY ASKED DR. BRANDON a few questions about his career as a pediatric dentist. Here are his answers. We thought you’d enjoy learning more about Dr. B.
How old were you, and what made you decide you wanted to become a pediatric dentist?
It was the summer after my freshman year of college in which I decided to pursue dentistry. At that point, my requirements for a career were:
- Ability to be my own boss/own my own business
- Flexibility to work when I want
- Ability to meet and engage with different people
- Not sit behind a desk,
- Be mentally & physically challenged
Late one night while home from college, I began researching careers. Dentistry seemed to fit the bill of my ‘career requirements’. I happened to have a dental appointment the very next day. I spoke to my dentist about going to dental school and dentistry in general. His response was, “I always have thought you would be a good fit at dentistry.” So, I went home, called my adviser, and changed my major to a Biology/Business double major.
I did not decide to pursue pediatric dentistry until my 3rd year of dental school. As part of my program, I went on a required 2-week rotation in the pediatric department. It was a very natural fit for me and my personality. It was fun, I felt comfortable, and enjoyed every aspect of what I did. There was really no alternative.
Where did you attend high school and how long did it take you to become a pediatric dentist?
I hail from the busting metropolis of Mexia, TX (Est. population 6000), born and raised. Many have heard of Mexia because of the unique name, a handful of (in)famous people, and its close proximity to Waco. I remember graduating from high school and realizing that many of the friends I graduated with I also went to the same day care when we were 3 and 4 years old.
Prior to dental school, I obtained a double-major degree from the University of Texas at Dallas (Biology/Business Administration) which took 4.5 years. 4 years of dental school and then 2 years of a pediatric dental residency….. just shy of a decade of school.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in dentistry?
- Dentistry is a great career, but just like any career, it is ever changing. Be open to change and modification within the scope of how you view the career today. I had an old dental school instructor that always told us, “If you’re practicing dentistry the same way in 5 years you are today, I’ve failed you.”
- It’s a grind. It is a long, tough road that requires the support of many people around you. Don’t feel you have to ace every exam or make an A in every class. More people will give up on their dream not because they’re not smart enough but because they lack the discipline or focus to do the things required to get them to their goal
- Don’t buy into the notion of “Borrow as much money as you need, you can pay it back later.” This is a terrible, terrible lie. And a terrible idea. No one ever created wealth while paying back student loans. Go to a public university. Work on weekends. Pay cash. Live below your means. Your life will be better for it.
What is one thing you find most satisfying about being a pediatric dentist?.
To this day, I find the most satisfying thing about what I do is that which I found so compelling and led me to pursue pediatric dentistry initially. What I enjoy most is this: taking a child who has a sincere fear of coming to the dentist, speaking with them and working with them, and having a positive dental experience result. I believe this foundation of positive experiences can change the outlook on dental visits for a lifetime. To impact someone’s life for the better in this way makes everyday an exciting opportunity for me.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Dr. Brandon better! And, as always, THANK YOU for being part of the Treetop family.
Do You Have Questions for Dr. Brandon?
Please include it as a comment below! He will answer it right away. Thanks!
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