Dr. Alicia Valentini, DDS, MS is a distinguished periodontist, Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and GHDS member specialist who practices in central Houston.  Here we share our interview with Dr. Valentini.


Interview with Dr. Alicia Valentini

 

Where are you from and where did you attend college, dental school, and residency if any?

“I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN A SMALL TOWN IN ARGENTINA CALLED PILAR, SANTA FE, WHERE I COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL. LATER, I MOVED TO THE CITY OF CÓRDOBA TO PURSUE A GRADUATE PROGRAM AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF CÓRDOBA IN ORDER TO OBTAIN MY DENTAL DEGREE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I RELOCATED TO HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DENTAL BRANCH. DURING MY TIME THERE, I SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED TWO POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS. THE FIRST ONE WAS A ONE-YEAR PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM IN PERIODONTICS, FOLLOWED BY A MASTER’S IN SCIENCE WITH A CERTIFICATE IN PERIODONTICS. IN 2007, I ACHIEVED THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE OF DIPLOMATE IN PERIODONTICS.”

 

What is your favorite part about your practice?

“THE PRESENCE OF MY TEAM AND THE CHANCE TO WITNESS THE PROFOUND INFLUENCE I CAN EXERT ON MY PATIENTS’ LIVES EACH DAY ARE THE MOST DELIGHTFUL ASPECTS OF MY PRACTICE. WHETHER IT ENTAILS RESTORING THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE WITH A CAPTIVATING SMILE, ALLEVIATING THEIR DENTAL PAIN, OR ASSISTING THEM IN ACHIEVING OPTIMAL ORAL HEALTH, THE AWARENESS THAT I HAVE MADE A SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT FILLS ME WITH IMMENSE CONTENTMENT AND SATISFACTION.”


What would you say is the mission statement of how you practice dentistry?

“AS A PERIODONTIST, MY MAIN GOAL IS TO OFFER A COMPLETE AND CARING SERVICE THAT REVOLVES AROUND SAFEGUARDING AND IMPROVING THE ORAL HEALTH OF MY PATIENTS. BY UTILIZING CUTTING-EDGE TECHNIQUES AND TAILORING TREATMENT PLANS TO THEIR UNIQUE NEEDS, I CAN EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO ATTAIN THE UTMOST PERIODONTAL HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL-BEING. MOREOVER, I STRIVE TO ESTABLISH ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS FOUNDED ON TRUST, INTEGRITY, AND A COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM.”

 

How do you balance work and personal life? 

THROUGH EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT, SETTING CLEAR BOUNDARIES, AND FOSTERING OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH BOTH MY PATIENTS AND MY CHILDREN, I GUARANTEE THAT I AM COMPLETELY FOCUSED AND DEDICATED TO BOTH ASPECTS OF MY LIFE. THIS APPROACH ENABLES ME TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS AND SATISFACTION IN BOTH MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND MY ROLE AS A MOTHER.

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE FIELD OF DENTISTRY GRANTS ME THE FLEXIBILITY TO MANAGE MY TIME EFFECTIVELY, ENABLING ME TO ATTEND SCHOOL EVENTS. ADDITIONALLY, MY FAMILY AND I CHERISH THE OPPORTUNITY TO EMBARK ON ANNUAL VACATIONS, DURING WHICH WE SET ASIDE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME FOR LEISURE AND RELAXATION.”

 

What advice would you have to current dental students?

“Like any profession, the field of dentistry can be demanding and filled with unexpected twists and turns. There are sometimes challenges and setbacks that one may encounter on this journey. However, making it a point to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and maintain a positive attitude will allow you to conquer any obstacles that come your way and excel in this ever-evolving profession.”