Each month an active member of our AAE Connection Community will be highlighted.
Say hello to Dr. @Judy McIntyre
Position: Hopkinton Endodontics/Self - Endodontist/Owner
Career Highlights:
Encouragement from my dental school mentor, Dr. Lin, to write to the then-AAE-President Dr. Samuel Dorn for the creation of what is now the Resident & New Practitioner Committee was an extremely rewarding accomplishment; I was happy to serve on, and then subsequently Chair this committee.
Being accepted to the UNC Endodontics program under Drs. Martin Trope, Asgeir Sigurdsson and Linda Levin was definitely a highlight, which parlayed into others. Among the other highlights, learning surgery and doing various rotations during residency has proven invaluable. AAE Hawaii 2006 was also quite memorable, and I met Mitsuhiro Tsukiboshi (of autotransplantation notoriety) there. Publishing has been rewarding; my [then] 13-year follow-up autotransplantation case's publication was a very proud accomplishment as well as a few dental trauma articles. Collaborating with the UNC Pediatric Dentistry Department, notably Drs. Jessica Lee and Bill Vann, clinically as well as for publications was worthwhile as I treat many children.
Of course, making lifelong friends in residency, as many of us do, was the most rewarding (along with the career that resulted). Last year at AAE 2019 Montreal, meeting many new friendships formed through our Instagram-endo community was a delightful way to continue professional friendships.
My first associateship with Dr. Robert Jepko was another highlight; a great guy and awesome endodontist - I appreciated his mentorship and friendship, and still do!
Why Endodontics: I experienced dental trauma at a very young age, which meant that I was at the dentist often. Thankfully, I enjoyed my dentist and my visits there; they were all painless and he was a great guy whom I admired. When I thought about lifestyle and my particular interests growing up, dentistry seemed like a good fit. In college, I assisted an orthodontist who encouraged me to apply to Harvard at the last minute, and I was accepted. There, Dr. Jarshen Lin's mentorship as well as my particular interest in dental trauma naturally paved the path into endodontics.
Best Piece of Career Advice: The "always learning" philosophy is one that has been humbling and yet so true, each and every day. Our specialty is a bit unique in that as we continue along professionally, our career does not necessarily become easier. Over the years with resorption, calcification, and other unique treatments, we are continually challenged and faced with difficult scenarios. I am always impressed and amazed by the endodontic community and their continuous strive for excellence when treating patients.
Endo Challenge: Opening my own office has been a great challenge while also has been extremely rewarding. Leaning on colleagues and friends as resources has been immensely helpful; there's so much to learn about running a business and they don't teach it in dental school or residency!
Reason for Becoming an AAE member: I've always been "involved" and feel strongly about contributing my thoughts and time to better our profession. One specific example is the committee work regarding new CDT codes; who knew there was so much work to get new codes? There is a significant amount of "behind-the-scenes" work that many practitioners don't realize. The creation of the Resident and New Practitioner committee and the APICES program would be other great examples.
Fun Fact: I enjoy travelling and can't wait to explore some warm destinations once the world becomes a bit more safe after COVID.
Community Question: I've been wanting to ask this question for a while, so I'm thrilled for this platform.
As we're seeing more cracked teeth, even ones with questionable long-term prognosis, I've been wondering what colleagues might consider about proceeding with endodontics. I've been thinking about this, and what I'm considering is medicating until symptoms, if any, resolve - this includes probing and/or any other clinical reflections related to the crack. Then, obturating below the crack and then using either BC Putty, MTA or Biodentine to "fill" the rest of the crack area and restore. I'm wondering if something biologically compatible within the crack in addition to full coverage restoration to prevent the further propagation of the crack might help some of these teeth. I would love colleagues' feedback and insight.
If you have a member you would like to recommend, please email your submission to communityadmin@aae.org