Karen Wolf, D.D.S.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
ADA member for fourteen years
How many years have you been an ADA member?
14+ years
Briefly describe your practice.
I am a private practice periodontist who owns my own practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I help out as an adjunct faculty in the Department of Periodontics at the University Of Iowa, College Of Dentistry on Wednesdays.
What generation dentist are you?
First
What's the most-often asked question from your patients?
Why did you choose to go into this type of work? |
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What is the most interesting thing that has happened or you’ve done as a dental professional?
I love my work, but I have to say helping people feel better about them makes me feel like the years of education and training were worth it. Also, I was involved in the American Student Dental Association in my undergraduate training program. This involvement took me to many different places in the United States to meet many other dental students. I was Student Commissioner on the Commission for Dental Accreditation which also has allowed me to meet many people with the ADA, CODA, ADHA, and ADAA. I was a site visitor for the ADA Commission for allied studies...Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs.
Why did you choose dentistry as a profession?
Well that is a LONG story, but in short... a dental hygienist (Austa White, RDH) visited our elementary school while I was in grade school. I found her large toothbrush and tooth mouth model so interesting that I thought, "Someday I want to go to schools and teach children how to brush their teeth too". Well I began working for my hometown dentist as an on the job dental assistant during my high school years. Then after graduation I went to dental hygiene school and worked as an RDH for 15 years full time. It was then that I realized that with the baby boomers getting older, and the 6 month wait to get patients into the periodontist...that we needed more periodontists out in the world. So I began my dental training in 1994 and finished at the U of Iowa in 1998. Afterwards I went on to periodontic residency at Iowa for another 3 years and finished in 2001.
What's the most difficult challenge you've faced in your practice?
Learning all of the practice management information in a crash course after buying my own practice was a whirlwind. There was not a lot of mentoring help. Luckily my husband has a business management/accounting degree which has helped more than words can say!
Name one unique thing on a wall in your clinic or displayed in your waiting room.
We have a Teamwork picture of about 50 parachutes flying through the air holding onto each other making a snowflake design. Each person is an integral part of the whole team...without one person; the same effect would not be accomplished. We hope that drives the message home for our staff team.
What is/was the most challenging aspect of dental school?
Staying on top of what you needed to complete at any one particular moment...staying organized definitely helped keep things in sync. There seemed to be so many projects, quizzes or exams that needed to be completed at the same time. Without planning ahead, you could not have completed all of the tasks on time.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a dentist?
I would still be a dental hygienist for sure. I love the one on one you have with your patient and connecting with each person while helping the patient achieve their goals. Helping others achieve their goals definitely helps you achieve your goals in life as well.
Name/describe your favorite CE course taken in the past two years.
There are so many, however, I always learn new ideas from the American Academy of Periodontics Annual Sessions yearly. I also enjoy the camaraderie that I have during my adjunct faculty teaching days at the U of Iowa. Other periodontists are great to bounce ideas off from and receive feedback from. At the U of Iowa we have availability to the newest research through the graduate residency program and research papers to follow up our questions or needs for patients in our own practices.
What do you do to relax?
I spend time with my husband and our 4 pets. We like to visit family and friends here in the Midwest and watch old movies. Our weekend outings to find new places enjoy cuisine are fun and interesting. Occasionally, we like to go to a dinner theater.
What is the most daring thing you’ve done in your lifetime?
Both my husband and I quit two really good jobs in Central Illinois in 1992 and moved back to Iowa to allow me to go to dental school. Not having any children, we knew we could only starve ourselves. With the help of family and friends, we made it through that difficult time and are glad that is behind us now.
What are you most proud of?
The fact that I survived breast cancer (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy), during my last semester of Periodontics residency and finished on time at the University of Iowa.
What is the last book you've read or are currently reading?
Right now, I am trying to improve our Staff Office Manual so I am reading the ADA's Employee Office Manual three ring binder for updates.
How do you deal with stress?
I see a massage therapist every other week to help work out any sore muscles and relieve stress.
Where is your favorite vacation spot or activity?
Canada is a beautiful place to visit. I have been to Vancouver and Banff and they are both on my list to revisit. Our next vacation, I would like to plan an Alaskan Cruise.
What are your hobbies?
My pets, computers, needlecrafts, and watching old movies.
Who is your favorite singer or musical group?
James Taylor has always been a part of our lives at our house. His story telling way of talking about his life through the years has been interesting to follow. Also knowing that even when you think that someone of that stature should have a "perfect" life...he allows his listeners in on enough of his life to know that it has not always been a picnic for him either in this life.
What do you do for exercise?
Well this is a definite area I need improvement in. I have been so busy with my practice over the past couple of years; I need to take time for myself a little more. I am a member of an exercise club here in the area and I need to make more time to go there. I like to walk my dogs and bike also.
Name one thing you have in your home from your childhood.
My pink baby shoes are on an antique dresser of my grandmothers in our extra bedroom.
Name the last movie you saw.
"The Music Man" By Meredith Wilson in entirety. We had my dad here over the Fourth of July Holiday and he had never seen the whole movie prior. He enjoyed it as much as my husband and I did again!
Name your favorite movie.
White Christmas...this is a yearly event at our house. We have to watch this movie as the season for decorating is opening. It takes you away to a time when there seemed to be fewer cares and problems. At least for a couple of hours, you can pretend that is true in your life.
Whom do you admire?
Well there are lots of people that I would put into this category for one reason or another. However, I can not say that any one person takes the prize for all categories. If I had to choose someone, I would have to pick my father. (My mother passed away last fall or it would be my parents.) My father is a humble man with a wonderful personality.
Who has most influenced your life?
My parents of course; they taught me the morals and values that I still have to this day. And my husband, Bruce, has a very good business head on his shoulders...he is my daily confidant and support system.
What musical instrument do you play?
Well I did take piano lessons as a child, but I have not had the opportunity to keep up with that talent. Now, the only musical part of my life would be vocals in various choirs through the years.
What's your favorite Web search engine?
Google
What concerns you about the future?
Of course large debt that needs to be paid off and whether we will have a comfortable retirement.
Any words of advice?
Never let anyone steal your dreams! AND “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time...any fool can do it...there ain't nothing to it. Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill. But since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride....” by James Taylor
Anything else you’d like to mention?
I would like to say thank you to the ADA for looking out for our profession and the future of our profession. Keep being the "lighthouse" for our profession. Warning us of dangers ahead and letting us know when we can move ahead when there are still waters.
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Disclaimer: The ADA Member Profile is not a referral service and does not constitute an endorsement by the American Dental Association. The information contained in the profiles has been supplied by the individual being profiled and has not been verified except for membership status.
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