4 minute read
Of the Community. For the Community
Of the Community. For the Community
NYSDA VP strives to provide her Hispanic patients with comfort and understanding.
On the occasion of marking Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked NYSDA Vice President Amarilis Jacobo to offer her thoughts on the significance of the observance and what influence her heritage has had on her as a person and professional. Dr. Jacobo is a native of the Dominican Republic. She currently treats patients at two locations, one in Harlem, the other in the Bronx.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?
It means the celebration of our ancestors and their trials and tribulations. What we as Hispanics have accomplished over the years.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your personal values and outlook on life?
It has not necessarily influenced my personal values, since these come from family, teachers, mentors and what I have gleaned from life. To me, it’s not just a month, it’s an everyday celebration and acknowledgement.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your career in dentistry, and in what ways does it shape the way you connect with patients, especially those from Hispanic communities?
Fifty percent of my patients are Hispanic. A meaningful segment of my patients have been clients for over 10 years. My practices are located in underserved communities. This enhances my ability to communicate with my patients and to better serve their needs. And it increases my patients’ comfort level interacting with me, a Hispanic dentist.
In what ways do you think Hispanic culture has contributed to the dental community?
Our culture is intertwined with the American and overall dental culture. Our participation helps broaden and enhance the wellness and healthcare dialogue.
How can dental associations and organizations better support Hispanic professionals?
Educate Hispanic professionals about the role dental associations and organizations play in their careers and create collaborative programs.
What advice would you give young students aspiring to pursue a career in dentistry?
They have to work hard, achieve good grades, be tenacious, disciplined and want to care for people. Dentistry is a rewarding career because you as a provider are not only strengthening your patients’ health, you are also boosting their confidence by giving them better smiles.
Who are Hispanic figures, past or present, who inspire you and why?
I take my inspiration from my family: my father, a force for good within his community; my mother, an educator who always pushed me to do more; and my sisters, because of their determination to succeed. How does embracing diversity, including Hispanic heritage, enhance the dental profession overall?
It has opened the door to many in the profession at every level, not just dentists but educators, hygienists, clinicians, researchers and more.
What unique perspectives do you think Hispanic dentists bring to patient care and the dental profession as a whole?
In the U.S., there are 60+ million Hispanics—nearly 20% of the population. Having access to a Hispanic dentist provides patients with confidence, as they are being seen by someone who knows how to interpret their concerns.
What does the concept of “community” mean to you, and how has your culture influenced your views on community involvement and giving back?
Community is your family, your neighborhood, your church, your spirituality, your friends and neighbors, as well as your colleagues. My father was a community activist, so I grew up knowing the importance of giving back to the community. In my teenage years, I cleaned community gardens, helped the seniors at church and in assisted living centers. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today.
