Ask Me Anything — Hibret Benjamin

As part of the UCSF School of Dentistry's monthly Ask Me Anything series, Dr. Hibret Benjamin, DDS, answered questions from the community around the theme: "What does it take to run a successful private dental practice and balance family life?"

Dr. Benjamin is the founder and CEO of Marina Tooth Fairy Dental and Benjamin Dental Group Inc. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she migrated to San Francisco at age 13. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of San Francisco and completed her DDS at UCSF. She now specializes in comprehensive interdisciplinary dental care, including full mouth rehabilitation, complex implant surgeries, and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to her thriving private practice, she teaches as a clinical assistant professor at UCSF, serves on the Dean's Council and alumni board, and enjoys time with her husband Jeffrey, son Cobe, and their dog Ace.

Q&A Highlights from the Session

Michael Reddy

Hello Dr. Benjamin, thank you for participating in today''s Ask Me Anything! I have a few questions for you that I hope will be helpful for our dentistry community.

• To start, what is one key thing that you tell students about starting a private practice?
• If you went back to dental school, what would you tell your former self?
• What was the most important lecture you had (or wish you had) in dental school?
• You are a member of the Dean''s Leadership Council (our school''s dental alumni board) and you serve on other dentistry committees. Why do you serve on these professional organizations given your busy schedule?

Again, thank you for supporting UCSF SOD and for taking the time to participate today!

Hibret Hailu Benjamin

Dean Reddy—Thank you for the thought-provoking questions. There is a load of questions that requires a thoughtful reply as it is precious to students, fellow faculty, alumni, staff, and practicing dentists out there. Let me see if I can do it justice with my reply. I will be starting by addressing why I get involved with leadership at UCSF; then, I will address what I share with students regarding private practice.

We all have a drive, a passion that feeds us to do what we do. I can only answer to what gives me joy, satisfaction, a sense of dutiful fulfillment, and I hope that resonates with others that are looking to do the same. I do believe for me, personally, dentistry is a calling. Not only because of the love I have working with my hands, the art and science of dentistry—the main reason is the fact that I love helping people. I find joy in the sheer act of kindness and service. I think most of us go into health care because we care. Without this very innate desire to help, we won''t have progress. I come back to help students and serve in leadership roles because I want to help the new generation from within and represent the voice of the underrepresented community—representation matters in all capacities. I am doing my part, and I hope it will make a difference in the future.

Find a mentor that cares. A mentor that can tell you the truth and not sugar coat it to save your ego. You owe it to yourself to know the truth about your strengths and weaknesses and be willing to work on all of them.

I probably would have gotten involved in local study groups sooner than I did. I joined a study group 3–4 years out of dental school, and it has been a great source of support and knowledge at the same time. I have been a member ever since. I would advise students to think about joining one as soon as they graduate.

What I would tell my former self is: Great job on following your dream and never giving up when facing obstacles. I am proud of you for finding yourself at the right place at the right time because you knew that every moment was an opportunity. Thank you for working so hard in the beginning, so now we have time to give back.

Thank you again, Dean Reddy. It is truly a pleasure helping UCSF and particularly SOD. It is truly a joy for me to help in any capacity if it helps our future generation and our community as a whole.

Kenny Cho

Hi Dr. Benjamin, I'm a current dental student. I was wondering if you had any advice on how to handle working as a new grad, potentially starting a new family, and student loans? Thanks

Hibret Hailu Benjamin

Kenny—What a great question! Thank you for asking the very question that all dental students or any graduate students facing large debts today and planning on starting a family have on their minds.

There are many routes of going into general dentistry if that is what your plan will be after graduating. I am assuming that is what you are planning, and I will answer that as I am a general dentist who came out of dental school and started working in private practice right away. Granted, those times were very different; however, all the wisdom should apply. Here are a few things every new graduate should (MUST) do in their last year of dental school:

• Figure out where you see yourself establishing a practice. Reach out to local dental societies and build your network early.
• Start shadowing private practices to see what a successful practice looks like. Interview dentists and learn from their success and mistakes.
• Work with your coach on clinical skills and start taking online courses on communication and treatment presentation.
• Improve how you explain treatments to patients—effective communication is key to treatment acceptance.
• Be resourceful and kind with classmates—your future network begins now.

The success of doing dentistry will come whether you stay as an associate or become an owner. The key is understanding that when you graduate, you are given a license to practice dentistry. Keep learning. Stay curious. Take courses. The more you grow, the more success will come naturally.

Find mentorship before money. Dentistry is an amazing career and you will be rewarded if you stick to your values and the golden rule.

As you can imagine, I can write on this topic all day. I hope this helps you start figuring things out before you graduate. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

Matthew Kutys

Hi Dr. Benjamin, I want to echo Diane's thanks for dedicating time to this AMA. While I am not a practicing dentist, I am running a new research lab within the SoD and I recently became a new father. Would you be willing to provide advice, or your most effective strategies, for balancing family life with your practice work?

Thanks so much – Matt

Hibret Hailu Benjamin

Matt—Congratulations are in order. What a joy! Enjoy every moment as they grow up very fast.

Having my son was the most rewarding and joyous moment of my life. I had my son after owning my practice for 4 years, right after the 2008 recession. You can imagine the uncertainty of running a small business in a large medical building with no visibility. I was fortunate enough that I purchased a small practice that I could maintain my staff and stay afloat through it, all the while pregnant.

I believe having a partner that supported me at home was the main reason I was able to balance it all. While I was pregnant, I started planning my leave 6 months before my due date. I used my classmates from UCSF as a resource. I emailed and called upon their help. I was lucky enough to have found three individuals who stepped up to cover my practice.

At the same time, I gave birth, and being on leave for 4 weeks—as far as balancing taking care of my son, supporting my husband, and still running a successful practice—is an ongoing process.

The most important decision I make every day is to prioritize my day, week, and month. I have learned not to say yes to everything that comes my way for the sake of my mental health and—most importantly—for the respect and support of the people I love.

I exercise 3–4 times a week and use daily meditation (via the Calm app) to remain grounded. There are many resources to help us balance life around what we love. The key is to listen to your body and mind, and support them in a timely manner.

Diane Barber

Hibret—Our most sincere thanks for taking the time from your busy clinic schedule to answer questions from our students, staff, and faculty. I look forward to reading a lively exchange.

Hibret Hailu Benjamin

Diane—It is my pleasure to help. One of my biggest beliefs is to give back to the community and the next generation. I am where I am today because of those that took the time to teach and show me what I did not know. It is a privilege and honor to be asked to be a part of this, so thank you in advance.