48 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com MEN WI N HEALTH How would you describe your journey to becoming the dentist you are today? My journey has been challenging but ultimately extremely rewarding. I knew from a young age that I wanted a career that allowed me to have the freedom to be a mom as well as a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives. Dentistry was the perfect choice for me to be able to make that happen. What or who inspires you? I have been very blessed to have a lot of mentors in my life, but none has made more of an impact than my two parents. My dad, Dr. Daulton Keith, a retired dental surgeon who practiced in Charleston for 51 years, taught me the value of a strong work ethic and how to be a great communicator to my patients, treating them with the utmost integrity and compassion. My mom has been my biggest cheerleader and taught me the value of kindness, the importance of empathy and the power of prayer. I lean on her for support and guidance every day, and she is the true definition of a mother’s love. How do you respond to the challenges of being a woman in the health care field? Honestly, I have never felt inferior to a male dentist nor felt like being a woman in the health care field was challenging. If I had to say one way or the other, being a female dentist has been an advantage because women tend to be more nurturing and compassionate, not to mention it helps to have smaller hands. What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self? Never compare yourself with others. Everyone has a different journey and a different pace. Try to be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. Don’t stress over a few points on a test. Spend less money so you can take more time off for yourself, family and friends. Balance in all things. Remember to be rich in relationships and poor in regrets. Photo by Jenn Cady. Dr. Araby Ammons CHARLESTON DENTAL ARTS Charleston 843-766-7880 charlestondentalarts.com We are transforming smiles and the lives of patients with gentle, comprehensive, cosmetic and restorative dental care. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care in a welcoming atmosphere. We invite you to entrust your dental care to our caring team. ◆ Porcelain Veneers ◆ Dental Bonding ◆ Smile Makeover ◆ Full Mouth Rehabilitation ◆ Porcelain Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays ◆ Composite White Fillings ◆ Whitening ◆ Implant Restoration ◆ Replacement of Older Dentistry ◆ TMJ Evaluation and Therapy ◆ Cosmetic Partial and Complete Dentures 843.766.7880 915 St. Andrews Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407 charlestondentalarts.com It’s time to Love Your Smile Araby Keith Ammons, DMD
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