HERE SHE IS

What started you down the path to dentistry? I grew up playing the piano, and I believe this is where I fi rst discovered that I love working with my hands. I also grew up enjoying pottery classes, and later realized how closely dentistry mirrored pottery. Dentistry is such an art form in many ways, and I quickly discovered it was a profession where I could both help others and appease my creative side— shaping and forming the anatomy of teeth. I knew I wanted to be in a profession that helped people, but I also knew I wanted a career that would provide a proper work/life balance … allowing me to have a family one day.

How do you give back? I volunteer at free dental care events such as the annual Missions of Mercy dental clinics held in North Carolina and Florida. The patients who attend these dental clinics are some of the kindest, most gracious people I have ever met. They are extremely grateful to be relieved of their dental problems, and it makes me feel so fortunate to be able to do that for someone.

With your family so spread out, how do you stay connected? I try to make the most out of my commute to and from work by calling my parents and sisters who all live in different states. It’s a great time to check in with them and catch up on each other’s busy lives. I also like to FaceTime with them while I attempt to cook … partly to chat with them but also because I am far from a great cook and need all the help I can get!

Can you share your self-care routine? How do you relax and unwind? My boyfriend and I love to go on walks and catch up on the day … we also attend workout classes together in the mornings. I love to unwind by watching a Marvel movie with my two cats, Minnie and Tucker, and I still love to play the piano as well. Hiking, traveling, and pickleball also top my list.

Do you have any favorite “words of wisdom” that guide you? “Doubt killed more dreams than failure ever did.” This quote is very special to me because as a young female just starting out in a largely male profession it was easy for me to doubt myself— rather than giving myself the benefi t of the doubt that I am so eager to give others. I have slowly learned (and am still learning) to trust my knowledge, education, and compassion to steer my decisions and not let negative or deterring thoughts intrude. w

molly DR. McCURDY

WATERSIDE DENTAL CARE

Dr. Molly McCurdy, DDS, is a general dentist at Waterside Dental Care, located at 175 Cross Center Road in Denver. Welcoming patients weekdays 7am7pm and on Saturdays, you can reach Dr. McCurdy and the entire Waterside Dental team at 704.951.8300 or online at www.WatersideDentalCare.com.

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