Every other Friday we boys went to the gym and a professional would speak to us about their profession: fireman, cop, lawyer, physician, plumber, clergy, etc. One was a dentist. He spoke about dentistry but in terms of art. And science. And engineering, relationships and the ability to earn a good living all while helping people.
I had always been interested in science. I built model airplanes, ships, and cars, as well as woodworking as hobbies. I started questioning my dentist, and became fascinated by the drawers in his dental surgery.
During my Sophomore year, the major English assignment was to choose a career and then research it for the whole school year. I chose dentistry and I dived in: education, financing, income levels and more. My final notebook was a packed 3-inch binder. That was it. I knew it. I would be a dentist.
Three years of undergrad gave me great focus. Dental school was a real challenge. Graduating from the U of Oregon Dental School, I joined the Army as a dentist. I was selected for an internship at Reynolds Army Hospital and by the end of that I was 5-6 years ahead of my peers. Then a two-year Residency at Silas B. Hayes Army Hospital, CA and I was set. And excited.