This month’s spotlight features Dr. Kibrom T Mehari, Lt Col, USAF, DC Chief of Dental Services. Read more to learn about Dr. Mehari and his career in dentistry and the military.

What is your current role and can you give us some background of your experiences?

I am currently dental flight commander at Joint Base Charleston, SC. As a Chief of Dental Services, I am responsible for leading the clinic to deliver quality, cost-effective and timely health care services to members of all branches of the United States Military. We provide medical support to military deployments, special operations, humanitarian missions, and natural disasters. I have been stationed in Illinois, South Carolina, United Kingdom, The Pentagon, Texas, and Turkey. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN. I accepted the United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program to attend Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, then received my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. I completed Advanced Education in General Dentistry 1&2 and received a Master of Science in Oral Biology.

What made you want to join the Military?

In the beginning, it was strictly money. Dental school is very expensive, and I wanted to minimize my student loan debt as much I could, so I applied for the Military Health Professions Scholarship Program. However, over time, I started to enjoy the military dental practice and decided to make it a career. 

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your career? 

The most rewarding part is taking care of the patients, creating smiles, educating the young members, and mentoring new providers. The challenging part is doing all this while doing our number one job, supporting the United States military operations. 

What would you tell somebody who wants to join your line of career in the military?

Like any other career, it has its pros and cons. You will have opportunities to support the greatest military in the world while advancing your education and you will be able to travel the world while serving, but you will also be moving a lot and may even deploy. It would be challenging to move your family almost every three years. 

What is your Greatest professional accomplishment?

Completing the comprehensive dentistry residency, and having my research published.

Is there a philosophy that drives your career? 

Always be open to learning something new, something more. 

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into Dentistry?

Dentistry is a rewarding career, but it is also a challenging one. Dental schools are costly, and student loans are almost like a mortgage, averaging 300-500k for 4 years. The 4 years will be hard work, but in the end, it will be worth it. Do not expect to make a whole lot of money at the beginning of your career post-graduation. You will also need strong family support to be successful. Most importantly, be patient. 

What skills have you found to be vital for your job?

Managing expectations of your patients. Always be ready to educate your patients. Read and learn new innovations and studies in dentistry. Practice your craft with evidence-based dentistry. Appreciate new technology but not at the expense of shortcuts and well-researched practice. 

Outside of all your hard work and professional efforts, what do you do for fun? 

Spending time with my wife and two daughters.