An Impactful Letter

So, when I got the letter from Impact Internships, it made my day. The Impact leader had researched my writing, social media activity, and community engagement and thought I might be a fit to speak to high school students aspiring to careers in health science and service. The President of the organization, David Rayudu, even read part of my latest book!

And the venue for the two-week curriculum was none other than my undergrad alma mater, Cal State University, Los Angeles.

I happen to love speaking to civilians, meaning non-dentists; and engaging young people is beyond inspiring. Funny thing is, dentists never invite me to speak…unless I win the chance in a contest. With props to former LA Raider Lester Hayes…so be it.

I was the first in my family to attend college and graduate. And my three-years as a Zoology major at Cal State, LA started with a first quarter 2.13 GPA. What followed was a talk with my dad and a full-time warehouse position; I acquired laser type focus, an appreciation for real work, and a non-negotiable commitment to honor my dad’s support. And orchestrating an all-time comeback against all odds, I became an effective, disciplined student.

I was accepted by all five dental schools to which I applied and chose the then, #1 school in the land, the University of Southern California (my older brother had died the year before and, for our family, my staying close to home was a blessing.) My parents chose my future over their dream home and I know I’ll choke up when I get to this part of the presentation.

During the 20-years that followed my escape from dental school, I enjoyed people…but not so much dentistry. In 1996, I met my first mentor possessing zero Von Bulow DNA.

Multi-millionaire Walter Hailey had four companies go public and had empathy for dentists…who most often didn’t walk around with “10s” on their forehead; he founded an organization aptly named Dental Boot Kamp. Walter and his team facilitated the arduous task of teaching us systems, an understanding of marketing, and an awareness of serving the community. And Hailey made the learning process fun; he also challenged me to follow my passion for writing. Walter saved my professional life…and many others.

Hate to admit it; but I’m a little conflicted about my talk only because, these days, dental school carries a $300-500 thousand price tag. And the education process still commits malpractice for its lack of business training. For the most part, new grads are welcomed into the business world with a $500,000 invoice to start a practice or a number and a name tag on joining corporate dentistry.

Still, the gift of a health service career can be fulfilling in ways students would find difficult to imagine. Today, we can detect airway issues in toddlers and add maybe 8-15 years of adult life. Technology has advanced creative opportunities; we’ve used lasers for over 20-years and apply digital modalities every day. We get to serve our patients, co-workers, and community just like family. We change lives; we make a difference.

And, time willing, I’ll do my best to share my multitude of mistakes, mostly the product of taking the risks that come with looking and listening to grow. I’ll also share my passion for a profession I’ve unexpectedly been hooked on for some forty years (thought I would've moved onto the Amalfi Coast years ago.) Maybe I can even be someone’s small fraction of Walter Hailey.

I’ll conclude with the video of a presentation I shared with about 1,000 people; it celebrated the Top GP Invisalign Restorative case of 2015 at the Invisalign Summit at the Aria in Las Vegas; there were laughs, thoughts, and tears. The late legendary North Carolina State Basketball Head Coach Jim Valvano would have called it a pretty good day. It was my chance to share what it feels like to help make someone else's dream come true; in this case, transforming a Disney administrative assistant of eleven years into a professional jazz and blues vocalist (first appearance: the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong.)

Doesn't get any better. I guess Positano can wait.