Mike Racich, DMD 1982, always imagined himself as a dentist. We connected with Dr. Racich to learn about his time at UBC Dentistry and his passion for teaching and mentoring.
What first got you interested in a career in dentistry?
My family dentist. As a child, I loved tinkering with things, and when my dentist took the time to show me some of what he was doing, I saw how much hands-on work was involved. It’s safe to say that dentistry appealed to me from a young age. As I grew up, my interests remained aligned with a career in dentistry, and I was happy to be admitted to UBC Dentistry three years into my biochemistry undergraduate degree.
Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
While I was in school, I didn’t truly appreciate the quality of education I received. But once I got out into the real world, it became clear just how amazing the UBC Dentistry instructors were. People like Drs. Marcia Boyd, Bill Wood, Trevor Harrop, Alan Hannam, Alfred Ogilvie and John Fraser had such a huge impact on me.
I will also say the weekends were too much fun, at least the ones I can remember!
Along with working as a dentist, you’ve also started study clubs and continuing dental education courses. What inspired you to do this?
I’ve been mentoring for nearly 30 years, initially inspired by others in the field, but one event in particular got me started. I wanted to join an organization, but it required me to give a presentation. My wife Dorothy is very creative and artistic, so she helped me put together a presentation using software similar to PowerPoint—it was the 1990s, so it was especially impressive! Everyone enjoyed the presentation, and I was asked to present at study clubs afterward and never looked back.
I enjoy how teaching is a two-way street—I learn just as much from the dentists I mentor as they do from me.
I’ve also authored several peer-reviewed publications and have written four books: The Basic Rules of Oral Rehabilitation, The Basic Rules of Occlusion, The Basic Rules of Facially Generated Treatment Planning and The Basic Rules of Being a Dental Patient.
What advice would you give to current dental students?
Live your dream! Be a lifter, not a leaner. Give back and raise the bar for yourself and for others. If you do this, your job will be more fun and you’ll be inspired to stay in the profession longer.
What do you enjoy doing outside of dentistry?
I am a lifelong learner, and I don’t see myself retiring anytime soon, but I am fortunate to build my own schedule. I bought a practice right after graduating and sold it about 15 years ago, so now I visit several clinics in the Lower Mainland a few days a week, and continue to mentor and participate in study clubs. Aside from this, I love to read, swim and spend time with my family. I’m in an amazing stage of life!