Interview with Dr. Débora Levine
Debora F. Levine, DDS, MS is a specialist member of the GHDS/TDA/ADA and the American Association of Endodontists who practices in Bellaire, Texas. We are pleased to share this interview with Dr. Levine.
Where are you from and where did you attend dental school, and residency if any?
I’m originally from Venezuela, where I completed my dental education at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in 1993. There, the path to start your career is straight from high school at age 17, going directly to dental school instead of to college. It is a 5-year program and at that time, there weren’t as many options as you have today. I remember looking through the career booklet and deciding what to apply to because I really liked math as a subject. Although, I decided to go into dentistry with a blend of science and hands-on care.
During my time at the dental school, I served as an Ad-Honorem, student teacher for Operative Dentistry for 3 years, and in my fourth year, I also worked as a dental assistant for an endodontist. Our training was hands-on from early on, starting to see patients beginning our second year of dental school, and the last year was a rural year where we gave back to the community. I volunteered to go to the Venezuelan Amazon, where we would go deep into the jungle for 2 weeks at a time, living in huts without electricity. The local children helped by translating their dialect to Spanish, and our work mostly involved extractions as we could not travel with a lot of equipment.
After graduating, I worked 2 years in private practice before moving to Houston to further my education. I completed a Preceptorship Program in Endodontics at UT-Dental Branch, followed by roles as a research assistant at the Dental School and at The Bering Dental Clinic, which is a clinic dedicated to HIV patients (now known by a different name). I then pursued my Endodontic training at Baylor College of Dentistry, a Member of the Texas A&M University System in Dallas, earning my Certificate in Endodontics and a Master of Science in Oral Biology in 2000. Baylor offered me the opportunity to stay another year for the PhD program because my research was in molecular biology, but I chose to start my professional career. My time at Baylor was profoundly enriching as well, marked by excellent faculty, a collaborative international environment, and significant growth in endodontic clinical skills, academic knowledge, and research.
What is your favorite part about your practice?
My favorite part of practicing endodontics is the one-on-one time I get to spend with each patient. Listening to their concerns, addressing their fears, and ultimately helping them find relief from pain is incredibly fulfilling. It’s particularly rewarding to see patients transform from being anxious and in discomfort to feeling significantly better and even expressing that the procedure was more enjoyable than they anticipated. I try to make the experience as comfortable as possible. For instance, I offer patients the option to watch movies through glasses during their root canal procedure. I vividly remember one patient who was watching a Jerry Seinfeld comedy routine. He was laughing so hard that he turned bright red under the rubber dam – so much that I was worried he might choke! But when I asked if he wanted to switch to something else, he insisted he was having a great time and wanted to keep laughing. It’s moments like these that I love and remind me of the importance to make every patient’s experience positive and comforting.
What would you say is the mission statement of how you practice dentistry?
Our mission in practicing dentistry is to provide each patient with the highest standards of care while ensuring their comfort throughout the experience. We are committed to deliver state of the art treatment with a focus on outstanding, personalized care. Patients don’t enjoy going to the endodontist, so to address their anxiety and ensure a relaxed environment, we offer various forms a sedation as well, tailored to their individual needs. Whether it is nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation, we strive to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our goal is not just to meet but exceed patient expectations, ensuring that each person leaves our practice feeling well cared for from the moment they contact us and then enter our doors.
How do you balance work and personal life?
Balancing work and personal life is crucial, and being in endodontics and dentistry in general, offers a unique opportunity to achieve this balance. With thoughtful planning, you can tailor your schedule to meet both professional responsibilities and personal needs.
This past year, I’ve had to adapt to a new reality. After undergoing cerebellum surgery due to a metastatic brain lesion, I’ve had to navigate the challenges of working increasingly with my non-dominant hand. Thankfully, Dr. Elie Ezzie at Bellaire Endodontics has stepped up admirably, handling patient care while I focus more on management, marketing, and administrative tasks. This shift has definitely allowed me to balance and dedicate more time to personal activities and recovery.
Being a business owner certainly demands commitment, but it also provides flexibility to say “yes” to life. When my kids were young, I also made it a priority to block out time in my schedule for their performances and I would maintain an exercise routine at home so I could be with them. It’s this kind of balance that makes the profession rewarding and life fulfilling.
What advice would you have to current dental students?
For current dental students, my advice is to approach each patient with genuine care and empathy. Treat them as individuals, considering their unique needs and desires. Spend time listening to their concerns and provide recommendations that truly serve their best interests. The satisfaction that comes from helping your patient and giving your best effort is immensely rewarding, and your professional reputation will naturally follow.
Additionally, I feel it is very important to work in a positive environment. Your staff is crucial to your success, so invest in creating a supportive and enjoyable culture. Surround yourself with colleagues who share your values and take the opportunity to learn from them and discuss clinical cases and business strategies. Building a strong team and a respectful workplace can greatly enhance your professional journey.