NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Fall 2018

38 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE behavior management, such as learning how to deal with and overcome anxiety issues in children and their parents. Some patients come in through the Florida Department of Children and Families, which also entails a sociological aspect that Yap Starkman said she enjoys. GRAND EXPECTATIONS The two are partner doctors at nine Great Expres- sions clinics spanning Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. “As partner doctors, we are leaders in each of our offices because of years spent with the Great Expressions Dental Centers,” Yap Starkman explained. “We also serve as mentors, allowing new dentists to shadow us to gain insight on how patients are seen and treated. As specialists, we know we are traveling to meet our patients’ needs.” The two chose to affiliate with Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) because they would rather focus on treating patients than on the business aspects of running an office, such as human resources, insur- ance, leasing space, and marketing. “When you’re in school, you have this mindset that you’re going to hang your shingle—that’s a very traditional approach to dentistry,” Yap Starkman said. “Since we graduated, the focus is a lot different. It’s not that putting your name up on the wall necessar- ily indicates success, but it’s more what you can do for your patients.” The couple also found that affiliating with dental service organizations enables them to focus on their first priority—family. “We’re not staying at the office late at night,” said Yap Starkman. “I’ve seen our child- ren’s every recital, every performance, and graduation.” Through Great Expressions Dental Centers, they also engage in philanthropic efforts by donating dental home care supplies, dedicating a day to help the indigent population, and prepping meals for the community. Being a pediatric dentist who also is a mother has not changed the way she deals with patients, but it has changed the way she deals with parents, said Yap Starkman. She said she could empathize with the anxiety parents feel when hearing their child cry. “Even though I know everything is okay, I put myself ALUMNI IMPRESSIONS ALUMNI Impressions A cheerful atmosphere throughout the clinics helps keep patients comfortable.