Meet some of our new Associates!
Dr. Steffi Estevez
Cameo Dental Specialists
Dr. Ben Schwabe
Oakbrooke Endodontic Associates
Dr. Steffi Estevez, Cameo Dental Specialists
Dental School: University of Maryland
GPR : New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Residency: Nova Southeastern University
What advice you have for residents?
Don't have too much pride and don't be afraid to ask for help. I've learned to be more open minded in the way I do my treatments. I've asked my coworkers how they do their treatments and I've learned a lot by trying out different parts of their methods in my work.
Take advantage of those difficult cases in residency. I used to dread those difficult cases in residency, but those are the ones that are helping me today. I can count on one hand how many "straight forward" root canals I've done since graduating from residency. I think it's important to start learning how to navigate challenges and acknowledge that challenges and setbacks are a natural part of professional growth. Learning how to navigate and overcome obstacles with resilience and a positive mindset is such a valuable skill.
During my residency, I underestimated the significance of building professional networks. However, my short time at Cameo and in the field has enlightened me on the advantages of networking with peers, mentors, and professionals in related fields. The support and advice I've received have been instrumental in my professional journey.
What attracted you to Specialized Dental Partners
Joining Specialized Dental Partners (SDP) allows me to work in an established practice right after residency without any personal investment, a crucial factor in today's world where many residents face substantial debt. Considering the financial challenges, investing in opening a practice on top of educational debt would have been extremely difficult. Recognizing the SDP vision and the supportive community of clinicians, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The extensive network of clinicians who support each other, not only within the practice but also across the country, convinced me that Cameo and SDP were the right fit for my professional journey.
Dr. Ben Schwabe, Oakbrook Endodontic Associates
Dental School: Marquette University
Residency: Albert Einstein Medical Center
5 Years of service in the US Navy
What's one piece of advice you have for residents?
My advice to current residents is to engage your faculty, especially part time attendings who are currently in private practice. Pick their brains as much as possible and ask questions about their real-world experiences. If you're able, visit them in action at their office for a day. There are so many nuances to private practice endodontics. Some can only be appreciated once you graduate, but it is possible to prepare for many of the challenges while in training. Also, try to find and maintain a network of endodontists, general dentists and other specialists with whom you can interact with and learn from. Moving from a supportive environment like residency to an environment without structured support can be a bit shocking. Having a network you can rely on to bounce ideas off and receive advice from is crucial to continued growth. There are many resources out there these days that connect us to world class individuals. It would be a shame to not take advantage of these opportunities. Finally, restore as many cases as possible in residency. The landscape of endodontics is changing to a focus on "endo-restorative" and residency is the best time during which to hone these skills.
What attracted you to Specialized Dental Partners
First and foremost, I was most attracted to the people at Specialized Dental Partners. It was obvious from my first interaction with the team that SDP had built a culture of positivity, growth and excellence. There was also a level of excitement and genuine kindness amongst the partners and team that was especially attractive. Specialized Dental Partners offered me the opportunity to join a tremendous network of highly skilled and dedicated specialists and I am grateful for the opportunity.