1650 Dr. Monzer Shakally - From Syrian Refugee to American Dentist : Dentistry Uncensored with Howard Farran
Nov 9, 2023
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Dr. Monzer Shakally, a Syrian refugee turned dentist, discusses his journey to becoming a successful dentist in the United States and the challenges faced by dentists. He talks about his involvement in organized dentistry, working with the Arizona Dental Association, and his passion for political involvement. The podcast also explores his experiences with student loans, the rising tuition costs in dental school, and the importance of specialization in dentistry.
Specializing in a specific area of dentistry allows dentists to provide higher quality care and differentiate themselves in the market.
The dental industry needs more affordable options to address the prohibitively high cost of dental care in the United States.
Involvement in organized dentistry provides valuable resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth while advocating for the dental profession.
Deep dives
The importance of focusing on a specific area of dentistry
It is crucial for young dentists to find their niche and focus on a specific area of dentistry rather than trying to do everything. By specializing in a particular field, dentists can become experts in that area and provide higher quality care to their patients. This allows them to differentiate themselves in the market and potentially earn higher incomes. Whether it's cosmetic dentistry or endodontics, finding a passion within dentistry can lead to greater success and job satisfaction.
The need for affordable dental care
The cost of dental care in the United States is often prohibitively high, leading to many individuals being unable to afford necessary treatments. This highlights the need for more affordable options within the dental industry. Dentists should consider offering flexible payment plans, exploring different pricing models, or partnering with insurance providers to make dental care more accessible to a wider range of patients. By addressing affordability concerns, dentists can help improve oral health outcomes for individuals who may otherwise neglect their dental care due to financial constraints.
The role of dental organizations in organized dentistry
Organized dentistry plays a crucial role in advocating for the dental profession and addressing the issues and challenges faced by dentists. Dental associations and organizations can provide dentists with valuable resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth. Involvement in organized dentistry allows dentists to have a voice in shaping the future of dentistry, influencing legislation, and promoting high standards of patient care. By participating in organized dentistry, dentists can contribute to the advancement of the profession and work collaboratively with colleagues to address common concerns.
The impact of market competition on dentistry
Competition within the dental industry can lead to improved access to care, lower costs, and increased innovation. Dental service organizations (DSOs) have brought competition to the market by offering efficient and cost-effective dental services. While DSOs may face criticism, they have played a significant role in expanding access to dental care, especially in underserved areas. Dentists should embrace healthy competition and continuously strive to enhance their skills, improve patient experience, and find unique ways to differentiate themselves in the market.
The importance of addressing healthcare affordability
The rising cost of healthcare, including dental care, is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Dentists should actively seek ways to make their services more affordable and accessible to patients. This could involve collaborating with insurance providers, exploring alternative payment models, or offering discounts for certain procedures. By prioritizing affordability, dentists can ensure that more individuals receive the dental care they need, leading to better overall oral health outcomes.
Dr. Monzer Shakally, DDS is a newly practicing dentist in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Shakally was born and raised in Damascus, Syria until the age of 17 when he was exiled out of his country and forced to become a refugee in Cairo, Egypt. He was later relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, where he finished his last year of high school, and went on to the University of Iowa for his Bachelor’s of Science in Evolutionary Biology and minor in international relations. He remained in Iowa City for another 4 years until he graduated with a DDS from the same school. Dr. Shakally is passionate about organized dentistry and is a member on the Council on Government Affairs for the Arizona Dental Association. He recently was recognized as a LEAD Program Graduate, a program that prepares new dentists for roles of leadership in the profession.
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