Meet the neighborhood dentist
Dr. Ogbonna Bowden is a dentist who is obsessed, rightfully so, with giving back to society. In this heartwarming episode, he shares his Mother’s experience after a routine dentist appointment. She was so agitated and frightened that she said she wouldn’t go for another dentist appointment unless he became a dentist himself!
Ogbonna says this is what sparked his interest and influenced him into becoming a dentist.
While he wasn’t born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, he does mention that his parents' sacrifices motivated and drove his success.
The importance of a support system
Having a strong support system is important for all people, in all ways. Ogbonna says his strong support system helped him navigate the hectic and stressful process of getting his degree. This same support is now being passed down as Ogbonna works to give aspiring dentists and doctors in his community. His goal is simple, to help these young folks achieve their goals and continue to give back to the community.
An avid learner, Ogbonna shares that he’s constantly improving and reading books to feed his mind. He is always striving to become a better mentor and help his mentees.
Unsurprisingly, his habits also influence his family. His six-year-old daughter has picked up the habit of reading 30 minutes before bed just like her father.
Speaking of influence
For most people, our parents are our first teachers and mentors. This is certainly the case for Ogbonna who admits that watching his father as a community mentor was inspiring. In fact, his father used to offer tuition to local kids so that they could perform better in their exams and compete at the state level.
A mobile dental office!
Health care is a right and Ogbonna Bowden is committed to ensuring that all people, especially children, have easy, affordable access to dental care. That’s why he takes his dental office on the road! With his mobile dental office, he visits schools and offers free check-ups for school children and community members. His smile is one everyone looks forward to and he’s helping young people learn the importance of oral health.
