Learn about one member's GDA experience.
This column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. This month, we hear from Dr. Nathan Camp in the Northwestern District.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An architect.
What was your first job?
Cutting the grass at the dental office.
Why did you decide to become a dentist?
I discovered that dentistry offers an outlet to use my creative, artistic abilities, while also engaging my interest in science and healthcare.
How did you become a GDA member?
I joined the GDA as a tripartite member when I began practicing in Georgia in July 2017. It’s my belief that organized dentistry is critical to maintaining and advancing self-governance in our profession.
Who introduced you to GDA?
I attended my first Northwestern District meeting in the Fall. It was held in Marietta, GA. I was encouraged to attend by my father, who has been very passionate about involvement in organized dentistry. The meeting was very enlightening and the food was quite good
.
What was your most memorable experience with GDA?
I’m sure with time I will make many memories with the GDA, but in the short
time that I’ve been a member, the most memorable thing is being able to join and
have MedPro [malpractice insurance] provided for the first year at no cost to me.
What advice would you give a dental student about GDA?
Don’t wait to join and get involved. The GDA has abundant resources for new
dentists. Membership in this professional organization will provide you with the
tools you need to succeed in your career.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Or how do you spend a typical weekend?
I enjoy reading, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with my wife, Christina,
and our two dogs, Coco and Sparky.
What is the single most important thing, in your opinion, the GDA can do to help members?
The single most important thing the GDA does is defend our profession, maintaining our self-governance, in order that we can practice how we were trained to practice, delivering the best care possible.
What advice would you give to people aspiring to go to dental school to become a dentist?
Don’t think it’s too late to go back to school or to change your major while in college. I didn’t decide to go to dental school until my Junior year of undergrad. I had to take a few extra prerequisites, but it’s worth it if dentistry is truly your calling.
What is your all-time dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be to circumnavigate the globe, visiting every continent, backpacking Europe, touring the British Isles, then recuperating for a week on an island in the Carribbean.
Without saying “I am a dentist,” if someone asked, “What do you do?” what would you say?
I am an artist, a scientist, and a doctor.
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