After dental school, Antonio Atte, DMD 2021, completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic Director at the UCLA School of Dentistry. We connected with Dr. Atte to learn more about his time spent at UBC Dentistry and his passion for the profession.
What first inspired you to have a career in dentistry?
My uncle, Davide Di Giovanni, DMD 2000, was a huge influence on me. He studied microbiology and dentistry at UBC, and I ended up following the same path. Our family jokes that my uncle and I speak the same language! It’s a lot of fun, and we’ve even asked each other for advice when it comes to patients. Looking back, I also recognize how my faith has helped open doors along the way, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that brought me to where I am today.
What’s your favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
There was a basement study room in JBM where a group of us spent a ton of time together, whether we were studying, eating or just hanging out. It felt like we lived there! I have so many fond memories of hanging out in that room.
My fourth year of the program was when the global pandemic hit. It was challenging in some ways but also made me realize that I took seeing my classmates every day for granted. It made me appreciate my tight knit group of friends even more.
What do you enjoy about oral surgery?
It’s very unique and a true marriage between dentistry and medicine.
I love solving complex problems, and it’s gratifying to help people on one of the worst days of their lives. There are also many different procedures—from facial trauma to pathology to corrective jaw surgery—so there’s never a dull day!
What inspired you to teach at UCLA?
I teach partially because I had such great instructors myself, so I know firsthand the impact they can have. For example, Dr. Ian Matthew is one of the reasons I went into oral surgery. I also enjoy watching students progress—seeing someone go from struggling to developing confidence is very rewarding.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Build a group of colleagues around you for support. Walk humbly and treat every patient the same way you’d want your family member to be treated. I would also say take everything in stride and be open to new opportunities. And don’t forget to be confident in what you’ve already achieved—don’t sell yourself short!
What’s it like living in LA?
The film and food scenes here are great. I love trying new restaurants and watching screenings of both new and old movies. There’s also lots of opportunities to stay active. It’s not dissimilar from Vancouver; the weather is just more predictable, and you get more beach days!