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Woman of Distinction
Dr. Christy Chen Dentist, Wife, Mother, Friend, & Valued Citizen By Barbara K. Cooper Christy Chen is a very accomplished woman. She’s a dentist, with practices in Escondido and Carmel Valley. She’s a wife and mother, personally devoting herself to a beloved husband, young son and daughter and their home in the Scripps Ranch area. And, professionally devoting herself to her patients and our North County Community. As Dr. Chen so enthusiastically explains, “A dentist is a great combination of being an artist, a scientist, an engineer, a psychologist, and a therapist at the same time!” Immigrating to the United States from Taiwan as a teen with her parents and two siblings, the family settled in Alhambra, CA. Cal State was her choice for undergraduate studies. Professional choices often begin with a twist – in Dr Chen’s case, it started with a cavity! In her junior year of college she painfully availed herself to a close friend who was taking her dental board competency exam and needed a perfect patient and case scenario. Familiarizing herself with the dental field, Dr. Chen realized her vocation. So after graduation, it was on to Northwestern University in Chicago, IL to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1996. Deciding to set up practice in Escondido was an easy choice for Dr Chen, owed to its history and diverse ethnic population. The Carmel Valley office has a newer family base, so in establishing a second practice in 2005, she brought her expertise to this growing area. Winning the trust of her patients and delivering comprehensive dental care is paramount to Dr Chen. She added, “In family practice, geriatric patients are seen more for restorations and young patients require encouragement for good oral hygiene habits, but family practice also includes being certified for implants, orthodontics, conscious sedation, always making patients feel comfortable with gratifying results.” Dr. Chen is a member of the American, California, and San Diego County Dental Societies. ‘Giving back’ in our community is essential to her, as she participates in the ‘Share a Smile’ national program, providing free prophy and sealants to underprivileged children. She offers training to our next generation of dentists through externship programs and UCSD pre-dental society, as well as personally volunteering.
Dr Chen’s Chinese heritage is acknowledged throughout her life, although admittedly being more Americanized than her parents; both Chinese and Western holidays are celebrated. Mandarin, the official Chinese language, is spoken at home so that the children will always have a common thread with their grandparents and keep strong family bonds. The children also attend North County Chinese School on Saturdays to further instill Chinese culture and traditions, as well as subscribing to Chinese educational programs from Taiwan, with books, DVDs and children’s programs. I inquired of Dr Chen’s opinion regarding ‘women in dentistry’ and that old ‘glass ceiling’ scenario and any advice for young women considering her field. A couple of statistics immediately came to her mind, “In 2009, 44 percent graduating dentists were women and in 2010, 22 percent of practicing dentists were women. So, yes, the glass ceiling is less apparent, but the stereotype of the male dentist seems to stubbornly persist.” Her most obvious personal observation being that while at dental conventions with her husband, who is not a dentist, he will be addressed rather than her. Also, she notes that her tools of trade, the dental instruments and equipment, have always been made for larger male hands and just recently are being retooled with improved design and taking women’s physical size into consideration. Would she advise women to follow her lead, “Yes, absolutely! Dentistry is a great career for women as it offers so many options and patients appreciate the gentle touch a woman dentist brings to the field.” Dr Chen plans to continue her practice for many years ahead, perhaps teaching as well, as the personal satisfaction she derives from the interaction with her patients is a priceless reward. What is the key to balancing her busy life? She states succinctly “Focus, focus, focus! Working efficiently and productively in the office.” Being an overall happy person, she chooses to reflect on good and let go of any unhappy situations. With a loving and supportive husband who shares common interests and philosophy of raising children, supportive extended families who have always been cheerleaders, life is full and rewarding. Weekly date night is a must, usually dining at a favorite restaurant like Pacifica’s in Del Mar, or Cavillion in Santa Luz. A couples skiing get-away, and travel abroad on occasion add to their full life. “The ‘bucket list’ seems to get longer each year!” Her children are her greatest accomplishments; her career, her patients and friendships (established throughout the years) follow. Dr Chen concluded, “Most importantly, I need to stay healthy to keep up with all the demands in my life, so I exercise at least three times a week and smile always, it’s easy!”