Since opening its doors in 1964, the UBC Faculty of Dentistry has graduated over 3,500 dental professionals who continue to impact communities worldwide. From dental hygienists to dentists to dental specialists, we are incredibly proud of our alumni family!
As part of our “in conversation with” series, where we connect with some of our outstanding alumni, and to celebrate Oral Health Month, we spoke with Jessey Minhas, DMD 2005, who practices general dentistry at Family Dental Care in Prince George, BC.
What do you love most about your work as a general dentist?
I like the immediate gratification and tangible nature of being able to fix things. In clinical dentistry, people come to you with a problem, and you can fix it and improve their overall oral health, which is very fulfilling.
You have participated as a Summer Student Practitioner Program mentor. What encouraged you to get involved with the program?
It’s a unique program because it offers a symbiotic relationship—students come to gain experience, and we get help with our patient load. It’s also an opportunity for my team to showcase what life is like outside of the Lower Mainland. A lot of the students who come to us grew up in urban centres and have never experienced dentistry in a more rural location. We’ve had students move here after graduation to become associates, which is also very exciting.
What do you enjoy most about mentoring students?
I’m kind of a dental geek! I really like teaching because it’s an opportunity to supplement the training students receive with real life scenarios that dental schools don’t teach. I like being able to show them new technology and procedures—I see it as fast tracking their learning as they prepare to enter their final year of school.
What is one of your favourite memories of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
The relationships I built with my classmates. It’s such an intense program, so you’re with these people for more than 40 hours a week. I got married in my second year and joked that I spent more time with my classmates than with my wife!
What advice would you give to current students?
First, I would say not to worry. If you enjoy dentistry and you’re committed to learning, you will have a fulfilling career.
Second, I would say find good mentors, whether it’s instructors, retired dentists or study club participants. Often someone has made the same mistake, either clinically or from a business perspective, so having people to bounce ideas off and get advice from is important.