Life in Loupes

In this special reunion episode of Life in Loupes, Dr. Gabe Holdwick sat down with Dr. Sean Aiken, Dr. James Wanamaker, and Dr. Jonathan Vogel to continue the conversations they started in their individual episodes. Recorded onsite at ASDA's 2023 National Leadership Conference, our guests discuss topics like harnessing opportunities, cultivating mentorships, and finding your way as a dental team leader.  

In this special segment of Life in Loupes, the 2023-24 Executive Committee will provide an inside look at why they joined ASDA and later pursued leadership roles. They will also provide insight into how you can get involved with ASDA at the chapter, district and national levels. 

Listen to our season finale with Dr. Christian Piers, DDS, whose journey showcases that a career in dentistry isn't limited. Dr. Piers is a Board-Certified Orthodontist who previously served as ASDA's Editor-in-Chief, and then as ASDA National President. He discusses his unique journey that combines his love for dentistry and writing. If you're concerned about how to explore your passions in life while maintaining a successful career in dentistry, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode, you'll meet Dr. Brooke Fukuoka, DMD, who is recognized as a passionate advocate for patient populations that are often overlooked in dentistry. Dr. Fukuoka has accomplished a lot in her career, from working at an FQHC to volunteering for the Special Olympics. She owns her own practice, Your Special Smiles, which treats those who need special care dentistry. Dr. Fukuoka also provides dental services at Family Health Services Idaho. Brooke shares how she honed her talents to a specific patient population and how she continues to advocate for others.

Listen to Dr. Holdwick's conversation with Dr. Daniel Hammer, DDS, a commander in the US Navy and an expert in cutting-edge reconstructive surgery. Dr. Hammer is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery. He completed his residency at Walter Reed and later his fellowship at John Peter Smith Hospital. His illustrious career in military dentistry is accented with honors such as being named a “10 under 10” recipient from the American Dental Association in 2019. His journey proves that there is a multifaceted career out there for everyone, no matter how specific your interests.

Dr. Holdwick will speak with Dr. Alexandra Otto, DDS, a pediatric dentist and co-founder of Kids Tooth Team Outreach, a 501c3 that provides free care to underserved children in Texas. She is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and American College of Dentists and is a recent American Dental Association “10 under 10” recipient. In this interview, Dr. Otto shares how she started her practice and how she is expanding it to become a multi-location business, showcasing that there is always room to grow.

Meet Dr. Chris Salierno, DDS, whose success ranges from online blogging with The Curious Dentist to lecturing internationally on clinical dentistry and practice management. Dr. Salierno previously served as the ASDA National President, Chair of the American Dental Association New Dentist Committee, and Chief Editor of Dental Economics. He is now the Chief Dental Officer of Tend. In his interview, he shares tips and tricks on how to balance passions with work and provides insight into how you can change your own path within dentistry.