Dr. Steven E. Schonfeld answers questions about his experiences...

2006 Student Event: Ride the Wave to Success
Getting Involved in Organized Dentistry

Dr. Steven E. Schonfeld answers questions about his experiences.
Dr. Schonfeld is in practice in Eureka, California. He completed his periodontal residency at University of Southern California - LA in 1983.

What was your ideal plan after graduation?

After graduating from dental school, I got a PhD in molecular biology and then joined a dental school faculty in basic sciences.

How long have you been a periodontist?

23 years.

What appealed to you about becoming a periodontist?

I became a periodontist because my basic research in the immunology of periodontal disease started to become more clinical in nature. I think it is the most academic of the dental specialties. I also like the clinical procedures in periodontics.

How did you transition out of your post-doc periodontal program (e.g. associate, started/bought a practice)?

I remained on a dental school faculty in basic sciences with a joint appointment in periodontics. I practiced one day a week as a periodontist in a group of general dentists and other specialists; I transitioned into a small (1 day a week) solo private practice; renting space from an oral surgeon. Eventually I became chairman of the periodontics department, but left after 5 years as chairman to pursue a full-time practice of periodontics in rural northern California.

Did you have a mentor? If so, how did you find him/her and how did this relationship influence your career or practice transition?

No.

What/who influenced you to get involved in organized dentistry?

My component leadership asked me to run the component continuing education program and asked me to become an officer of the component. The California Dental Association trustee from my component asked me to serve on a CDA council.

How has it contributed to your success as a periodontist?

It gives me visibility in my component.

What is the benefit for me becoming involved in organized dentistry?

It keeps you informed of the challenges facing dentistry and makes you less isolated in your individual practice. By becoming a resource for your referral base it raises your visibility and helps out with referrals. You also have the opportunity to work with some very good people from all over your state or the USA (if you become involved at the national level). The friendships you make are valuable both from a professional and personal level.

When is the right time to get involved in organized dentistry?

Now.

With so many opportunities to become involved in organized dentistry, what is the best opportunity for a recent graduate?

Talk to your component leadership and volunteer for a position that interests you.

How do you manage your time with running a practice and being involved in organized dentistry?

You do eventually need to learn how to say "no.” Last year I averaged 2-3 trips a month working for the California Dental Association, California Society of Periodontists, American Dental Association and AAP. It can be difficult at times, but there are rewards in terms.

Are you currently involved in organized dentistry? If so, how has your “career” in organized dentistry evolved over time?

Yes:

What do you like most about being involved in organized dentistry?

Keeping up on developments and challenges in dentistry, being able to influence the development of my profession and working with a variety of volunteer dentists and staff from all over the USA.

What do you like most about being a periodontist?

Providing service to patients; clinical procedures.

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