From an early age, pediatric dentist Dr. Victoria Sullivan knew she wanted a health care career, and she almost followed in her father’s footsteps as an OBGYN.
But, thanks to her own very patient childhood dentist, the associate professor in 51ԹϺ's School of Dental Medicine discovered dentistry — especially for kids — to be the far more engaging choice.
Tell us about a time in your life when you were daring.
I recently took up target shooting. I went to a competition alone, which required me to stretch way outside my comfort zone. The reward? I had a really good time and I made some new friends. I am definitely the shooter who makes everyone else feel better about their respective skills, but I really enjoy the experience.
What inspired you to get into your field?
I was a child with cavities and a bad attitude. I tried to kick my dentist when he went to work on my teeth, and I vomited on his shoes when he gave me fluoride. My dentist was so patient and friendly with me. I ended up shadowing in his office, and he became a good friend and mentor. He came to my wedding and wrote my recommendation letter into pediatric dentistry. I realized that I truly valued him in my life. I wanted to reach other children like he did with me and help them love dentistry and be great patients.
Who did you look up to in your field when you first started?
Dr. David Good is the dentist I felt taught me the most and inspired me the most when I first started as a resident in pediatric dentistry.
Is this what you thought you would do when you grew up?
No, I thought I was going to be an OB-GYN like my father. He was my role model and hero when I was growing up, and I wanted to be just like him. However, as I grew up, I realized I needed to work with children and, although health care was where I wanted to be, I found dentistry the more engaging career.
What’s the big misconception about your job?
Many people believe that pediatric dentistry is not “real” dentistry. In fact, pediatric dentistry requires extensive medical knowledge, delicate and precise behavior management, and important dental rehabilitation.
The work we do is incredibly meaningful, and contributes to the health and well-being of our most vulnerable patient population. We manage complex medical cases, intricate social situations, and work with speed and focus. My two biggest pet peeves as a practitioner are the statements, “Well, they’re just baby teeth,” and, “Sure you restored 10 teeth in one hour, but it was just pediatrics.”
Tell us about a big a-ha moment.
My biggest ah-ha moment in dentistry came from my son and my nephew. I had been a successful syndromic dentist in Southern California, but my son and my nephew were both born with autism spectrum disorder. In learning to be the best possible parent and family member, I realized I needed to change my approach to situations. I had to change the management style I used to handle high-stress situations in order to help my son and my nephew.
I also realized that to help my patients who were like my son, I needed flexibility and a paradigm shift. I sought more training and developed new techniques for managing my patients. I earned a master’s in cognition and education, and attended workshops in yoga, reiki, hypnosis, visualization, alternative stress management, and coping tools. This led to a holistic change in my practice style, new techniques in behavior management and family management, and collaborative work with psychologists, counselors, and a variety of therapists. I ended up becoming a special needs expert, and created a dental practice focused on neuro-atypical patients.
Tell us about receiving a meaningful lesson from a student.
So, I have been a “wet-finger” dentist for almost 30 years and have been very comfortable in my lane of dentistry. I had never really enjoyed doing endodontics – I felt a bit traumatized from my dental school experience and training. One of my dental students kept telling me endodontics [the treatment of dental pulp, such as in a root canal] had changed and is much more user-friendly than what I remember. He also pointed out that I wasn’t meeting my patients’ needs by shunning this portion of my field.
He actually gave up days of time to teach me what he had learned. He stayed with me and worked with me through access openings and apical barriers, and modern endodontics from access openings to final fill. This has made me a better dentist and a better attending. It reminded me that these students I have the honor of teaching are my colleagues and can offer new ideas and learning opportunities, as well. Being at 51ԹϺ has challenged me to be open to new techniques, new instruments, and alternative approaches to problem solving.
I so enjoy the students, watching them handle stress, raise their families, experience success with procedures or patient management, and, finally, launching into their careers. This is fulfilling to me on a profound level.
What has been you greatest day, and most challenging day at 51ԹϺ?
My greatest day at 51ԹϺ was watching my daughter receive her white coat. Having a child who has chosen my field and watching her blossom into a strong and innovative young dentist is just the most moving experience I have ever had.
My most challenging day at 51ԹϺ was when I had a major communication breakdown between myself and an administrator. It is so important to feel valued and appreciated as an educator and professional and, unfortunately, this administrator’s conversation with me denigrated my skills and training. This was a very painful and disheartening experience; however, I had many colleagues and students who recognized my skills, training, and efforts and were able to mitigate the hurtful actions of that person.
What is one problem you would fix?
The problem I would most like to fix in this world is tribalism. We need to recognize we have more in common with all humans regardless of country, color, race, religion, or lifestyle and treat others with respect and kindness.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be brave, take the trip, try the food, branch out and don’t waste a minute. Things don’t matter; experiences do. Make friends and make memories. The work will still be there, but you cannot go back in time.
Is there an object in your office that has significant meaning?
I have a purple monster in my office that sits on the front corner of my desk. It reminds me to be whimsical, strong, and childlike in my enthusiasm. I look at him every day first thing to anchor myself in the joy that I have in my position and my function. I remember to recommit myself to my goal of being a meaningful contributor to the growth and quality of my profession one act at a time and one student at a time until I have returned everything dentistry has given to me. Sometimes, things and people look one way on the outside, but are very different on the inside. I am always on the lookout for the real story, the hidden gem, and the untapped potential.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am an introvert, and I find adult dynamics exhausting and confusing. After a day of interacting with lots of people, I need to go home and recharge with quiet and a glass of wine. Being social does not come easily to me, and I have to work really hard to be so far out of my comfort zone.
Do you have a gear recommendation?
I have several, actually. First, saddle chairs from Amazon. This will help save your neck and back, and train you on good body position. You don’t need to spend crazy money to be comfortable.
For the office, lasers, sonic scalers, and extra short needles all make work easier. Isolites are amazing and help your dentistry be of a higher quality. Electric hand pieces and digital X-rays are two things I cannot live without.
Finally, comfort objects and television provide my patients with security and distraction, and make them lifelong fans of me as their dentist. It takes only a few moments to show you care and your patients really appreciate it.
What was the last book you couldn’t put down?
I absolutely adore reading. I generally have two or three books going at a time. I enjoy science fiction, fantasy, romance, true crime, self-help, religion, dentistry books, hobby education, classics, and human history chronicles. The last book I lost a night of sleep over was The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker. The psychology and study of human behavior and instinct was absolutely intense, and his writing is masterful. I think I will be pondering those lessons for a very long time.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is reading a romance novel or watching a Disney cartoon in flannel pajamas with hot tea and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Nothing makes me feel better than a movie with a happy ending.
What’s your ideal summer vacation?
My ideal summer vacation is a trip to Europe. I enjoy the combination of history and museums with beautiful landscapes. I enjoy the chic cityscapes and spectacular restaurants as well as the beaches, mountains, lakes, and oceans. The absolute best element is the people and cultures I get to experience. Every time I go, I see something new and learn so much more.
What’s your tip for staying cool during the summer?
My best tip for staying cool in the summer is a vacation to a cold climate spot. I also eat dinner in the pool during the summer.
