Today we’d like to introduce you to Dontra Scott.
Hi Dontra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in a single family household, my mother did not always have the means to ensure my siblings and I regularly visited the dentist. I vividly remember my younger sibling screaming from the pain she felt from an infected tooth and having a traumatizing experience during a root canal. That moment would shape me in ways I would not understand until later in my journey.
I attended the University of Maryland, College Park. I was exposed to students from all around the world, their different cultures, languages, and aspirations . As fate would have it I sought out a pre-med advisor on campus and she asked me “What do you want to do with your life?” I knew I wanted to help people.
Recalling the impact oral health had on my sibling I pursued my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Training at Howard allowed me to be immersed in a diverse environment surrounded by the brightest minds. After obtaining my degree in 2010 I moved to New York City and served as chief resident at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital (BronxCare Health System) residency program. I was able to provide emergent dental care to a mainly underserved population.
After two years in general practice residency I was accepted into the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics at New York University. While at NYU I was able to provide care for the diverse population of New York City and around the world. I participated in outreach programs that afforded me the opportunity to educate and provide endodontic care for underprivileged populations in Puebla, Mexico and Granada, Nicaragua. I was awarded a Specialty Certificate in Endodontics from NYU in 2014.
After moving to Texas I practiced as an associate in different practice settings. In 2020 I earned Diplomate status with American Board of Endodontics and opened Heights Endodontics in Houston, TX.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being the first to do anything is seldom a smooth road. As a first generation college student I have encounter my fair share of struggles along the way. I had always performed exceptionally well in academics, but navigating life at a large university was something I had no roadmap to follow. For the first time my natural ability to perform well in the classroom was not enough. I had to become comfortable asking for help. Being open minded, adaptable and willing to accept criticism along with new ways of thinking were critical to my development and success as a student.
Earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, attending residency in the nation’s largest city, and becoming a board certified specialist requires years of intense preparation, discipline, and navigating challenges along the way. Often I found myself as the only person in the room who looked like me. There were times when I had no one to relate to in terms of background, life experiences, or cultural significance. Roughly 5% of U.S. endodontists are African Americans and an even smaller percentage of that number have recieved board certification. Staying grounded in your faith, having the support of family and mentors, while staying dedicated to your goals are important.
In 2020 deciding to open a start up practice limited to endodontics was a journey on many fronts. Learning about the business world is not in the forefront of dental education. My business partner and I had to navigate decisions from real estate design, practice loans, contractors, equipment vendors, to tax implications often with just the advice of mentors or colleagues. We did all of this during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating a dental practice comes with daily challenges. Whether it comes from patient management, navigating insurance benefits, staff training and shortages or referral support. Thankfully resources are available to help educate business owners, but often experience is the best teacher.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our practice is limited to endodontics. We are root canal specialists. Endodontists are dentists who have undergone years of specialized training after attending dental school. We only do root canals and treatments related to root canals.
At Heights Endodontics we provide elite root canal care in a friendly, comfortable, and tranquil environment. Our office uses the latest technology available, including digital radiography, CBCT, ultrasonics, and microscopes. Our doctors are conscientious, informative, advanced trained specialists focused on eliminating your dental fears and pain.
We pride ourselves in being well rounded, culturally aware, empathetic providers who are here to help patients save their natural teeth. Visit us if you need an initial root canal, retreatment of a previous root canal, a root end surgery, tooth trauma or just want a consultation with a provider who will explain things in a way you can understand. We are here to help!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I want to start this off with stating things do not always go as planned. You have to set goals and take the small steps daily to reach them. Develop a habit of discipline and remain focused on reaching your goals. Mistakes will occur and learning from them will allow for your continued growth. Do not be mad at yourself for what you don’t know.
Secondly, find a mentor and find one early. A good mentor is someone who is in the position you want to find yourself in one day. You want a mentor that will be honest with you about their journey and the difficulties along the way. Come prepared to gain value from the relationship and be ready to ask insightful questions. Set expectations with your mentor to ensure the relationship is a valuable one. A great mentor will push you to be more successful than they were. What you get out of a mentor starts with what you put into the relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heightsendo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heightsendo/?hl=en
