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August 9, 2008

This month, Dr. Sheri Doniger, editor of Woman Dentist eJournal, interviews two women in leadership roles — Susan Karabin, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, and Sarita Arteaga, DMD, MAGD, president of the Hispanic Dental Association.

Susan D. Karabin, DDS, is currently the president of the American Academy of Periodontology and past president of the Northeastern Society of Periodontists. She is the immediate past president of the New York Academy of Dentistry and a fellow of the American College of Dentistry. Dr. Karabin received her dental degree in 1981 and certification in periodontics from Columbia College of Dental Medicine in 1984, where she has a faculty appointment as associate clinical professor. She has a full-time periodontal practice in Manhattan.

Sarita Arteaga, DMD, MAGD, is currently president of the Hispanic Dental Association and a faculty advisor for the Student National Dental Association/Hispanic Student Dental Association at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, where she received her dental degree in 1990. She also serves on the Admissions Committee. She is an associate clinical professor at the university and has been seeing patients at its health center since 1995. She attained a Mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of numerous dental associations, including the Hispanic Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association, and American Dental Education Association.

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Where did you begin your dental career?

Dr. Susan Karabin: I began my career as a dental assistant. I worked full time while I went to college at night. I have a degree in psychology, but as I neared the completion of my undergraduate degree, one of my employers (a periodontist) convinced me to go to dental school. While I was working for general dentists, I had no interest in pursuing this career path, but working for a periodontist really opened my eyes to a whole new world. I really enjoyed the science and microbiology of the field of periodontics, as well as the preventive and long-term caring for patients. I decided periodontology would be a good way to combine my special interests and skills. I finally finished my undergraduate degree in seven-and-a-half years and then applied to dental school. I attended Columbia College of Dental Medicine, had a one-year general practice residency, and finally I returned to Columbia for my training in periodontics. I stayed on to teach part time at Columbia for the next 19 years while I practiced full time and started a family.

Dr. Sarita Arteaga: My dental career began as a dental assistant in college. I had a part-time job to help pay for college costs. Also, my mother had returned to complete a degree in dental hygiene when I was in elementary school, which started the interest in dentistry.

Who do you look to as your professional mentor?

Dr. Karabin: Although I have had many mentors along the way, dating back to grammar school, I would have to say that Dr. Robert Gottsegen had the greatest impact on my professional life. He befriended me when I was a dental student, advised me on a residency program and graduate school, and upon graduation I joined his practice along with his partner, Dr. Paul Tannenbaum. He has mentored me ever since, from taking my boards to my service to the Academy of Periodontology. I owe everything to Bob.

Dr. Arteaga: My mother has been my most supportive mentor, but I can truly say that all of the dentists whom I have worked for as an assistant have been mentors to me in some way.

Do you feel you had any obstacles?

Dr. Karabin: There were always naysayers who thought I should have chosen an easier path, but I think it all turned out the way it was supposed to. I love what I do.

Dr. Arteaga: Yes, the lack of underrepresented minorities in the field and as faculty has especially been an obstacle. Initially, finances were a challenge as well.

Did you have one defining moment that solidified your passion to rise in the ranks of this prestigious organization?

Dr. Karabin: I would have to say that I have always liked being part of the inner circle of decision makers since I was a kid. I always challenged the boys to let me into their "game." So this was just a natural evolution for me. When I joined Dr. Gottsegen's practice, he instilled in me the importance of giving back to the profession, and especially the Academy. He guided me through the ranks. Dentistry has been good to me and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me.

Dr. Arteaga: There really isn't one defining moment, but a collection of several moments during committee meetings that I attended, or specific projects that I participated with that stirred my desire to rise in the ranks and contribute more as a leader.

How would you encourage students to maintain their activity in professional organizations?

Dr. Karabin: Students need to understand it is a competitive world out there. To be truly successful, you need to be integrated into the community of your profession. The best advice I can give them is to be as active in their local and national organizations as possible, and maintain a high visibility and earn the respect of your colleagues. I am a true believer in the old adage that you get what you give in this world.

Dr. Arteaga: I would try to get them more involved with the inner workings of the organization. Put them on a committee; let them see how much work is needed. Bring them along to a visit on the Hill to see where our voices need to be heard.

How much time will your presidency take from your family and practice?

Dr. Karabin: My presidency has taken a huge amount of time from my family but it's actually been many years of juggling family and professional life to get to this point. My sons are teenagers now and don't need (or want!) me around as much, and luckily my husband has been completely supportive. Hopefully, I have given my sons a good female role model of a working mom whom they can respect.

Dr. Arteaga: It will take some time away from family for travel and meetings, but I find ways to balance the time so it is not extreme, or combine it with vacation or family visiting time in different parts of the country whenever possible.

With all of your leadership responsibilities, how do you find "me" time?

Dr. Karabin: It's important to take care of yourself. I try to spend an hour with my trainer, an hour with my dance instructor, and hour with my manicurist every week!

Dr. Arteaga: I have a very supportive spouse who understands when I need me time. I try to attend a dance class or two per week, which helps with physical activity and time for mental clarity.

Who is your support system?

Dr. Karabin: Well, first my family — I couldn't do this without their cooperation and understanding. Next, my partners, who take care of my patients when I'm away. Certainly the staff at AAP, who always make me look good, and finally, my girlfriends, whom I depend on to keep me laughing and keep me humble.

Dr. Arteaga: My husband, Chris; my children, Elena and Isaiah; my Mom, Sarah Arteaga, who is always there when I need her; and Jesus Christ.

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