The VNACJ Community Health Center is proud to welcome Dr. Minahil Sami to the team! In honor of Dental Hygiene Month, we’re excited to introduce one of our newest dental providers dedicated to promoting oral health and wellness in our communities.
Originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Sami earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology from the University of Scranton. She went on to pursue two concurrent degrees at the University of Pittsburgh, where she achieved both a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD). Following her graduation, Dr. Sami began her career serving patients at a smaller Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where she discovered her passion for community-based care. Dr. Sami brings compassion, skill, and a strong commitment to preventive dental health to VNACJ Community Health Center. We are thrilled to have her join the team during a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
What inspired you to choose a career in dentistry?
I always knew I belonged in healthcare, what inspired me to choose dentistry was my love for creating art and working with my hands. I love the feeling of being able to help a patient smile just a little brighter. Many of my patients are not only on dental journeys, but also emotional ones; it is a personal honor to be part of it all.
Why did you decide to join the VNACJ Community Health Center?
My commitment to public health stems from my experience as an immigrant and my personal reliance on FQHCs as a child. I admired my healthcare heroes growing up and I know the impact they made on my life. VNACJ Community Health Center upholds the same values I share to make healthcare accessible to some of our most vulnerable populations.
With October being National Dental Hygiene Month, what message would you like to share about the importance of oral health?
Sadly, socioeconomic status is the greatest indicator of oral health. Additionally, caries (cavities) is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the US. We face the challenge of addressing these oral health disparities but we cannot make change alone. This October, as it being National Dental Hygiene Month, we want to promote oral health care by up keeping oral hygiene at home, having a low sugar/carb diet, and coming to visit us at the dental clinic!
What do you enjoy most about working with patients and the community?
As a new part of the team, I look most forward to building patient trust and rapport. I want my patients to get to know me as a skilled provider whom they can look forward to visiting.
What is one dental question you are often asked by patients, and how do you respond?
Many patients ask about my own oral hygiene routine! I recommend any type of electric toothbrush to be used at least twice a day and I am a big fan of traditional floss (water flossers are great but no replacement 🙂 )
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? (hobbies, interests, or fun facts)
I love to make art in forms of painting and decorating cakes. I enjoy my free time with friends, family, my husband, and two cats whenever I can.
