Member Feature

The following interview-style article details Dr. Jeanne Bertino’s path in life and in dentistry. All words and thoughts are her own, with minor editing for clarity and length.

I owe my multiple science careers and my journey to dentistry to the Russian satellite, Sputnik, launched into space in 1957 and the NDEA (National Defense Educational Act).

This satellite launch caused the USA to panic when they thought that the Russians would win the space war. In 1958, the Defense Department sponsored a program which funneled money into select schools for top students who would benefit from small class sizes with the best teachers, in an effort to foster math and science skills. We had equal numbers of males and females in these classes in my suburban New York school, so I never thought that “girls” could not do science or math. I also did not find out about this program, or how it directly impacted me, for many decades.

Who knew that thirty years later I would be a “gum gardener” who sewed for a living as a periodontist in Seattle! I came from a long line of seamstresses who fed their families with these talents. My grandma in Brooklyn was an Italian immigrant who worked in the clothing factories and my grandma in Texas was a farm lady who sewed clothes for the rich ladies in town. My mother was an artist, a seamstress, and a tailor who taught women in state sponsored home extension programs. As a child of the 50’s, most little girls were taught to knit, crochet, darn socks, sew clothes and play piano or violin.

Unbeknownst to me, these activities developed natural fine motor skills, which later benefited dental skills. Subsequently, I concluded that many of the early women dentists had an edge over the men once we got to clinic, except for those who played instruments or made model airplanes.

The next step in my career planning was a pivotal, and emotionally crushing, conversation with my very practical father who informed me that I was NOT a debutant and that he was NOT a rich man who would subsidize my future career as a concert pianist. I was a talented classical pianist and was being encouraged to apply to the Juilliard Conservatory in New York City. Dad reminded me that musicians often went hungry and got side jobs as waiters in restaurants. I was skinny and energetic and often ate five porkchops in one sitting. Dad thought that a career as a science teacher would guarantee more steady meals. He would send me to college, but thereafter would only feed me five meals in a row - then I was out the door to fend for myself. So my lofty dreams of a debutant ball; studying at the Sorbonne, and a year of travel on the European continent followed by a concert piano career…went out the door as well.

With a strong science background, I went to Cornell University to train as a science teacher. I taught junior and senior high school and then worked as a medical editor in a scientific publishing company in Philadelphia. My husband was at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. In 1972, the Title IX Educational Amendment was passed, leading to dental and medical schools actively seeking out women with strong math and science skills. I knew some “girls” who were in dental school and decided to apply myself. It presented a challenge and an adventure. I was privileged to get a great education at Penn, especially in Periodontics. Traditionally, many male dentists entered the military after graduation because they had a deferred draft obligation. They received advance training and lots of experience. So I decided that I would do the same.

My first assignment was Yokota Air Force Base near Tokyo, Japan where I had three years of supervised rotations in various specialties and lots of clinical experience. I lived in the

Japanese community and learned to eat sushi and to ski in the Japanese Alps. Next stop was Denver, Colorado where I had more clinical rotations and skied every weekend. My favorite specialty was Periodontics because it involved microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, surgery, psychology and patient education. The decision to continue my education brought me to the University of Washington and Seattle where I have lived ever since. The mountains and lakes were the great attractions for skiing, hiking and kayaking.

My private practice associateships were with Dr. Terry Thomas and Dr. Murray Robinovitch, who both taught me so much about private practice and emphasized the importance of establishing strong community and professional relationships.

So, after twelve years in group dental settings, I launched my own solo practice in October 1994 in North Seattle. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of periodontics and feel that I am still learning every day. Every day is an adventure and every person I meet is a potential new friend, with many patients becoming long-term friends. The Pacific Northwest has a skilled and dedicated dental community whose members collaborate and encourage each other to rise to our greatest professional potential. A lot of friendships develop over wine, beer, and good food while we listen to evening dental lectures. We are the envy of the dentists across the country who tell me grim stories of competition and adversarial situations in their practice communities.

Recently, we have welcomed a talented and well-trained associate, Dr. Anusha Etikala, into the office. It is exciting to share knowledge and to consult on cases. My enjoyment of practice continues, and I marvel that we are surviving COVID-19. I am so proud of my staff for their efforts. There is always a new mountain to climb and some are harder than others. Dental training makes us strong, disciplined, and mostly resilient.

I am so proud to be a member of this community.

My volunteer work at the Union Gospel Mission Clinic has been very gratifying. It is a well-organized program in a modern clinic. “Business as usual” has been placed on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions but once the community is back to normal, they will eagerly welcome more volunteer dentists. I enjoy helping the people in their programs and I leave with humility and immense gratitude for the wonderful personal and professional life I have experienced.

Currently, my husband Stan and I spend time in both Wyoming and Washington. My stepchildren (four) and grandchildren (six) are avid ski racers, so we spend a lot of time in the snow in the winter. In the summer, we enjoy sailing and kayaking in Seattle. Two of my granddaughters are at Cornell University, my undergraduate alma mater.