We're shining the spotlight on Dr. Gharib, Associate dentist at Kerhoulas Dental Streetsville in Mississauga, Ontario. Dr. Gharib tells us about the most significant influence that impacted her decision to pursue dentistry, the importance of time management, and how she enjoys being part of a team to provide quality patient care.
Tell us about any milestones in your life that led you to your career path today.
I wasn’t sure about being a dentist, but I knew I wanted a job in the healthcare industry. We moved to Canada when I was three, and my parents worked hard to give us a good life. They ensured we had the proper education to become whatever we aspired to be. Seeing my parents devote everything to us was the most significant influence that drove me to become a dentist.
What do you enjoy most about being an Associate dentist within the dentalcorp network?
That's simple – knowing that I am part of a team. The dentalcorp network constantly works with us to improve our patient experience and ensures we have a great office that patients can trust.
What challenges did you face getting started in your career?
Time management. We devoted a lot of our time to each appointment during dental school, and I was used to that environment. But in private practice, I had to adjust to provide the best patient care within the appropriate time frame. I learned to utilize my time to connect with each patient and ensure they were comfortable in my care.
When you decided on a career in healthcare, what influenced your choice to become a dentist?
I began to shadow my childhood dentist, which influenced my choice to pursue a career in dentistry. Growing up, I visited his dental office often and became comfortable with the feeling of treatment, and the welcoming environment made me feel relaxed. From these experiences, I knew I wanted a career where I could provide that same feeling to others. Choosing dentistry was an easy decision and has been extremely rewarding.
How would you describe excellence in patient care, and how does dentalcorp help you deliver it?
It is giving patients the best outcome by providing the quality of care you are proud of. dentalcorp has been essential in helping achieve this by providing a comfortable environment to work in and valuable resources at my fingertips.
Do you have a favourite patient or practice story?
When I started practicing, I had a patient who was extremely embarrassed by their teeth. Due to many different factors, most of their teeth needed treatment. I remember going through multiple appointments to rebuild their mouth and give them a smile they were proud of. I happened to see them outside of the office months later, and their big smile showcased their happiness with the treatment results. It's an experience that will stay with me forever.
What is the best advice or guidance you have ever received, and how do you apply it in your professional life?
The best advice that I have ever received is to treat each patient like family. I apply this advice to my professional life and daily practice and strive to do my best for each patient I treat. I'm always confident, happy with the results, and glad to see familiar faces in my practice.
