“When I look back, I think that my mother is an amazing woman”, says Dr Mina Paul,” She came to this country alone in the late 60’s on a fellowship to become a physician. My brother and I were in India at that time with my father and six months later we joined her. It was a tough beginning but we grew up very nuclear with very few Indian families around. My mom embraced the new way of life, introducing us to new foods, to the ballet and the symphony while at the same time celebrating our own heritage.  I now feel she was a great role model for us with her pragmatic approach which I still cherish till today”

This is the beginning of my conversation with Dr. Mina Paul who has distinguished herself in a field in which she has many firsts to her credit. A graduate of NYU, she went to the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, and then obtained a Masters of Public Health at Boston University, along with a Geriatric Fellowship at the same school. She now works as the Dental Director at the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center/Boston Medical Center. Dr. Mina Paul was re-elected as Chairperson of the Mass Board of Registration in Dentistry, 2013 for the 6th consecutive year. She is the first woman and  the first South Asian to be on this board .This October, she will also be the first woman President elect  for the Association of Dental Boards.She also sits on a committee  on women's  leadership and on the task force of various  government initiatives. She is also an examiner for the North East Regional Boards, where she serves on the Steering Committee as well. Dr. Paul also teaches as an adjunct faculty at all the three dental schools in MA and mentors young students for a career in dentistry. She has also authored various publications on Geriatric Preventive Practices of Dentists and Oral health and nutrition.

With such a a distinguished career and accomplishments, Dr Paul still remains very down to earth while sharing her experiences with Lokvani.

Why did you choose this particular career path?

When I was in high school I wanted to be a psychologist. I had a natural inclination for the sciences. I had this vision of seeing myself  in a white coat. It was in my junior year when I was debating between medicine and dentistry that I chose the latter.  I  have a special interest in the public health aspect of dentistry with an emphasis on access to care .In dentistry, you see the results in your patients almost immediately.That is what attracted me to this career.My specialty is geriatric dentistry which takes a very different approach on how to look at the elderly population. Your entire treatment plan  where maintaining good health is the prime focus. For example I have done a lot of surgeries for people with dementia. These patients have to be treated in a single visit sometimes in a hospital because of their illness.

What is the most positive impact that you have had in your field of expertise?

The answer to the global view to "the impact I might make” is to contribute to my profession in a variety of ways. Through the mentoring program I am able to make a personal impact on dental students and new dentists, to share the view and respect I  have of this very important health field. In serving as a role mode,l demonstrate that I am a motivated individual, a woman, one who works hard. Academically and Administratively I strive to broaden the dental profession horizons among my peers and globally as well. Clinically, I have always strived to ensure that my patients receive the best care from  me. The end result I hope is that my small effort  will result in a  change of perceptions both within the field and out and encourage the diversity of opportunity which exists in this profession.  

I want to make a difference because I truly believe that the dental profession is on the edge of a new phase of growth. We are currently positioned to change social mores and viewpoints as oral health care becomes recognized more as a necessity and not a 'luxury".  I view what i do as 'drop  in the bucket" and it is the many drops that fill the bucket.

What advice would you give women trying to follow your career path?

Do something you have a passion for, and not because you have an agenda. I think also good things come to those who wait. Take your time, solidify your skills, and keep your eyes open for opportunity. Also seek out mentors, utilize them and you will do very well.

What is your approach to parenting?

In terms of parenting I think we value independence more than anything else so we have encouraged our "little birds to fly early and with pride”. This is what made my daughter go to Switzerland in the 8th grade, my son to go to Hong Kong and another to trek the Himalayas.

What kind of support have you valued most from your husband?

He has always been proud of my work and supportive of my time when away from home. There was once an occasion when my flight were cancelled due to bad weather and I had to be at a conference and he drove me through a blizzard so I could attend it. We have been equal partners in everything.

What support from you has your husband valued the most?

I think I made his life very easy, adapting to the traditional roles of taking care of the home and the children when his career was very demanding. I was lucky to have a flexible career wherein I could adjust my working hours to fit  my schedule.

What do you do for fun?

I love going to rock concerts. We also travel a lot. We have been doing this with our kids for the past 20 years. We wanted to give the kids the world, discovering cultures, places and sampling different foods. I think that has helped them be global citizens ready for any kind of adventure.

What are your favorite reads?

'To Kill a Mocking Bird' has always been one of my favorites. My other favorite book is Cynthia Heimel's " sex tips for girls". Among the South Asian authors, I liked the 'The unknown error of our lives" by Chitra Divakaruni.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I am a product of the seventies,I like Bruce Springstein, Meat Loaf and Jagjit Singh. My favorite ghazal is Bheegi raat.

What is your personal philosophy of living life?

I would name two. One is, I give thanks every day. I look at the small things  in my life and feel blessed. Secondly, I believe in an element of fun in everything you do.

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