As a District Dental Director for Benevis in the DC Metro and Baltimore areas, it is hard to imagine Dr. Zakiya Scott doing anything other than practicing dentistry. It’s her true calling, and it is a career that almost never happened. Scott never considered dentistry as a career until professors from Howard University College of Dentistry participated in a club meeting while she was an undergraduate student at the university.
“Friends and family would always say, ‘You’re smart, you’re going to be a medical doctor. But honestly, I couldn’t see myself doing it. I was in my junior year of college, and I didn’t know what I was going to do. I may have gone into a career that would not have served my purpose,” Dr. Scott said. “The professors introduced me to a career in dentistry. It was a lightbulb moment. I realized dentistry was something I can do.” After graduating from Howard University and taking some time off, Dr. Scott went to dental school at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry followed by residency at Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry.
Growing up in a family of seven, Dr. Scott remembers family visits to the dentist. “I remember being inquisitive and asking my childhood dentist, Dr. Isaiah Morrison, about his instruments and learning about laughing gas. I was a child with a sweet tooth and my parents got on me often about the importance of taking care of my teeth. My parents were my advocates and made sure I had access to the care I needed. Unfortunately, that is not an option for everyone,” Dr. Scott said.
Health disparities exist and, as a dental professional, Dr. Scott understands that not everyone has access to the care they need. Being able to expand connections to essential oral healthcare is one of the reasons she joined Benevis 16 years ago. She was part of a new team opening offices in Baltimore, which has now expanded to a group of twelve practices as part of Pine Dentistry & Braces and Porter Dental & Braces.
Dr. Scott values her and her team’s service to the community and growing the practice. “It's nice when I can go back to my first office location, and I see my name in a chart from 15 years ago. Some of the patients were teenagers, and now they are bringing their kids. It comes full circle for me.”
Beyond caring for their oral health, Dr. Scott supports the whole person. She believes the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact. Dr. Scott has three boys and often keeps extra clothes in her car for quick changes. She has been known to give patients clothes from her car when needed. “It doesn't always have to be this grand procedure that you did to change someone's life. It can be the little things. Having a clean and safe environment for my patients means the world to me.”
Patient care is a top priority for Dr. Scott, she finds the most joy when she is in the chair, providing care to patients and their families. Dr. Scott said, “It's my purpose to provide quality dental care in service to my patients. I think that is what has kept me connected to what we do, even as I have grown in leadership over the last 16 years."
Dr. Scott also hopes to inspire the next generation of dentists. “I tell my patients, and especially my teenage and college-aged patients, to consider dentistry when they think about what they want to do for their career. It wasn't something someone talked to me about, so hopefully I can plant a seed,” Dr. Scott said. “There aren’t a lot of dentists that look like me. Becoming a dentist was challenging and requires perseverance but know that you can do it. I hope that I can provide patients with a positive experience and exposure to a career I have enjoyed so much.”
Her biggest advice for aspiring dentists? Be a lifelong learner, have patience, and have fun. “A lot of people are fearful of the dentist, and it is important to listen, be flexible, and learn to compromise to earn patients’ trust. Create an environment you would want for your family.”
Despite the demands of patient care and her role as a District Dental Director, Dr. Scott can still find time for the things that bring her joy. “It is important to maintain a work life balance and to carve out time for yourself because life can get overwhelming. I have found time to grow my family, travel, and spend time with friends. I've been able to do the things that I still want to do within my career here.”
Some of her favorite things include reading, time with her family, spoiling her dogs, and traveling the world. “I'm a big fan of travel. The world is huge, and time is limited. Anywhere where I can put my feet in the sand is my favorite location.”
Learn more about Porter Dental & Braces and make an appointment at https://www.porterdental.com/ or call (410) 304-6961. Learn more about Pine Dentistry & Braces and make an appointment at https://www.pinedentistry.com/ or call (202) 602-1678.