INTERVIEW WITH DR. KATARZYNA PASZKO: HOW PRACTICE AND STUDY IN DENTRISTRY SHAPED HER CAREER

From Tor Vergata University in Rome and the prestigious New York College of Dentistry, to her current position as a lecturer at the Śląska Wyższa Szkoła Medyczna in Katowice, Dr. Katarzyna Paszko introduces us to the world of dentistry and aesthetic medicine. Additionally, the young doctor generously shares her valuable experience with medical professionals who are just starting their careers.

Can you tell us about your experience studying at Tor Vergata University in Rome? How did it influence your approach to dentistry and endodontics?

Studying at Tor Vergata University was absolutely amazing experience. Italy is one of my favorite countries. My dream came true when I became a student in Rome. I studied dentistry in Italian for one year. I’ve learnt new language and seen how every department works. I was always impressed by oral surgery but I remeber also many hours in Pronto Soccorso (First Aid) where patients came with acute pain and it gave me new look at endodontics. Canal treatment started to be very interesting for me and became a new challenge.

You completed a dental practice program at New York University, which is known for its excellent dental school. What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your time there?

New York University College of Dentistry is a very prestigious and modern dental school. Every lecture I attended there was interesting. The class I liked the most was one from veneers preparation. Then it was my first time in life when I’ve done this. I also saw historical Bellevue hospital which I read about in books. Endodontics department was very calm place where everybody was focused on microscopic treatment. I definitely fell in love with a view there – dentists work in a high skyscraper with a beautiful landscape of Manhattan in front of their eyes.

You have experience working in both endodontics and aesthetic medicine. How do these two fields intersect, and how do you use your knowledge of both to provide better care to your patients?

Dentistry and aesthetic medicine have a lot in common. Creating smiles has influence on the whole face. Looking at teeth we also focus on lips and lower part of the face. Smile reflects the movement of face muscles. Dental restorations should always be aesthetic. Endodontics is very precise branch of medicine which helps to improve your manual skills which are so important in use of the needle – main tool in work with botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers.

As a lecturer at Śląska Wyższa Szkoła Medyczna in Katowice, what do you find most rewarding about teaching and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals?

The highest satisfaction for me is students’ gratitude. I teach medical doctors and it’s a big challenge to meet the requirements of such well educated group of people. I always try to explain topic, keep up to date with the newest knowledge and show the best methods of treatment. It always keeps me fulfilled when my students are interested and grateful for what I do.

What advice would you give to aspiring dentists or medical professionals who are just starting out in their careers?

I would tell them my favorite quote said by character Harvey Specter from ‘Suits’ : “The only time „success” comes before „work” is in the dictionary.“

We’ve noticed that you wear the YEYA medical uniform. Can you share with us how you like it and what sets it apart from other medical uniform brands you’ve worn in the past?

What makes YEYA different from other medical companies is very elegant style and great materials. In these clothes I feel very comfortable during the day and my movements are not restricted. I really like the shape and quality of these scrubs!