Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Robertson.
Hi Fatima, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a BA/DDS degree in May 1998. As a part of a combined degree program, I was able to complete my college degree and dental degree in a six-year period. My desire was to move immediately on to a periodontal residency, however, my need for instant gratification won over and I took a job as an associate dentist.
After working for two years, I decided that it was time to return to school and go after my dream job. I returned to my alma mater for an advanced degree and was awarded my periodontal certificate in May 2003. My family and I relocated to Dallas in search of warmer weather and a fresh start. Because I wasn’t familiar with any individual or group practice, I felt it would be a safer move to scope out the territory before tying myself to a practice. I took a job as a staff periodontist with a multi-office dental practice. I was responsible for rotating through eight dental offices every two weeks. Travel and the irritating task of packing and unpacking became a daily routine.
While at one of the offices, I met my current business partner. We bonded over our love for our sorority and Kung Pao chicken. We would combine our practices and build an empire like no other. We opened the Center of Endodontics, Periodontics and Implantology in March 2006.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been practicing now for 24 years, but it almost didn’t happen. I wasn’t exactly the top pick to get into dental school. My test scores weren’t top-notch, and I was waitlisted after the interview. At the very last minute, someone cancelled, and I was admitted. Because I was a relatively “bright” kid, I’d never really learned to study. I had trouble keeping up and was placed on academic probation and marked for suspension. The only way I could stay in school was to get at least a B average on all of my midterms during year 2. (Side note: that midterm season is fondly referred to as Black October because you have no less than 5-6 midterms in the space of one week.) I busted out all B’s on every exam including scoring exactly 160 out of 200 points (80%) I needed for my toughest class, physiology. When I read the score, I ran to the bathroom and cried like a baby.
I fought the rest of the way and even had aspirations of becoming a periodontist. Because of my struggles, I was told that I probably shouldn’t apply during the upcoming cycle. It was recommended that I work as a general dentist first to gain “real life experience”. I worked for two years as a general dentist, but sadly I wasn’t fulfilled. But because I was mentally exhausted, I had no intention of filling out the applications for residency until my husband made me sit down and do it.
Well, I’ll tell you that even with a new marriage and infant, I completed my Perio residency strong.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Fatima Robertson, DDS, PA?
I am a periodontist, so my practice focuses on surgical correction of gum disease and treating conditions that affect the tissues “around your teeth,” such as bone loss, gum recession and periodontal (gum) disease. However, more recently my practice has become focused on more cosmetic procedures such as gum lifts to correct a “gummy smile” or gum grafts to correct gum recession. It’s kind of like having plastic surgery to improve your appearance but in the mouth.
Most celebrities that you know have had their smiles corrected by someone like me. It makes such a difference in the confidence that you exude. As a matter of fact, my tagline is “setting the framework for a beautiful smile” because it’s literally what I do on an everyday basis. We get to come to work every day and create beautiful works of art by sculpting the body to look its best. I don’t take it lightly that I hold the power to transform in my hands. It’s my ministry.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
At this time in my life, I’m most excited about making these my “I did it” years. There have been many projects that I’ve been working on or pursuing since my 30’s and 40’s that are just now coming to fruition. I’m finding so much peace in knowing that my labor was not in vain.
I had put things on the shelf that I’m just now cycling back to. There were some circumstances that I thought were dead, but God is finding a way to bring them back to life again. I’m finding a renewed sense of energy to complete them once and for all. That makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fatimarobertsondds.com
- Instagram: drfatimarobertson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatimarobertsondds/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-robertson-91444853/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYHQglCaDWiynBkeX-ymqg
- Other: https://www.iamdrfatima.com/
Image Credits
Xavier Jordan Photography
