Interview with a New Dentist
Name: Dr. Khash Gharavi
Graduation: 2017, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto
Achievements: President of the FCDSA/FAEMDC (2015-2017)
Current role: Associate at three GTA practices
Future goals: Gaining experience and exploring options
Practice ownership plans: Within three years
Lessons and advice from your educational and practical experience.
What has surprised you most about practising dentistry?
Each practice has such different treatment philosophies. Working at multiple practices, I find when I consult with principal dentists about challenging cases their opinions vary widely between conservative and more aggressive approaches. It’s helpful to be exposed to diverse schools of thought to help me figure out my style and approach.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
Don’t try to be a hero. When you start a procedure, things don’t always go according to the plan. You have to recognize when you should stop and consult a more experienced colleague or specialist.
Communicate with your patients. It shows you care and they appreciate that you’re doing what’s best for them.
What advice would you give to students?
Form good relationships with your instructors. Pick their brains. Dig beyond what’s being taught in the current lesson. Learn as much as you can from these experts. I found that most of them were happy to engage with me. Looking back, I wish I had done more of it.
Your experience with CDSPI.
How does CDSPI compare to other financial services companies?
When I was a student, lots of companies had events, dinners, presentations and the like, but when they spoke, I always felt we were just lumped in with other professions. CDSPI was the only one that was focused on dentists. They really know our business and tailor their products and services to us. CDSPI also takes a more holistic approach. It’s not just about finances, but about ongoing learning and being connected to the full dental community.
Has CDSPI affected the way you think about finances?
Yes. When I started dental school, I thought that when I graduated I would focus on paying off debt as aggressively as possible. Listening to advisors at different CDSPI presentations, I learned that you need a detailed debt-management plan combined with a long-term investment strategy. It helps give you confidence about the future.
What about CDSPI Insurance? Did you shop around to compare?
At first glance some of CDSPI’s plans seemed more expensive. But then I dug a bit deeper and compared what I’d be getting for what I’d be paying. I realized that when you look at features, CDSPI plans are much better value.