Karl Woodmansey, D.D.S.
Dallas, TX
ADA member for 18 years
How many years have you been an ADA member?
18
Briefly describe your practice.
After 17 years of general dental practice in Montana, last year I returned to my dental alma mater, Baylor College of Dentistry, and began a graduate endodontic residency program. I'll graduate with my certificate in endodontics in September 2008. Beyond that my plans are uncertain. The lure of my home state, Montana, is strong and with so many friends there, I expect to find good practice opportunities.
What generation dentist are you?
First
What's the most-often asked question from your patients?
What exactly is a root canal?
What is the most interesting thing that has happened or you’ve done as a dental professional?
I've been a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve dental corps for the past 9 years and I've thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, education and adventurous experiences. I developed a far greater appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. military. |
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Why did you choose dentistry as a profession?
In the 7th grade, I decided I liked biology but wanted a more flexible career than medicine offered. My dentist and orthodontist were terrific role models and convinced me to pursue a dental career.
What's the most difficult challenge you've faced in your practice?
After deciding to specialize in endodontics, my greatest challenge was actually getting accepted to a graduate endodontic program. It took three years of application and reapplication to 25 programs before I was accepted at Baylor.
Name one unique thing on a wall in your clinic or displayed in your waiting room.
I have a cute Listerine advertisement from a 1930's magazine that is a visual word puzzle.It is really engaging—people will spend 10 minutes reading and solving it.
What is/was the most challenging aspect of dental school?
Dental school seems so long ago. Now as an endo grad student, I get to teach in the pre-clinical endo lab. This experience is really humbling and has refreshed my perspective on dental students and increased my admiration for the full-time faculty. Teaching is a difficult, yet worthwhile and fulfilling career.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a dentist?
If I wasn't a dentist, I'd probably be a military pilot. The only thing more exciting than mach 1 in an F-16 is the thrill of a spectacularly obturated molar root canal!
Name/describe your favorite CE course taken in the past two years.
I tend to gravitate towards endo CE. I saw Steve Buchanan at the ADA in Las Vegas last year. His presentations are always confident and visually smooth. Earlier this month I saw Dermot Canavan, a dental/facial pain specialist from Ireland speak about the mechanisms and treatment of complex dento-facial pain—spectacular images with an ability to simplify an extremely complex topic. I also saw Steve Niemczyk present some surgical endo case—nice work. And the topper was Rob Roda comparing implants & endo—good stuff!
What do you do to relax?
I have a big orange tabby cat that can calm me down when I get stressed. His purring "tames" me. I also have an old cruiser motorcycle that can make me forget my troubles. Sometimes I'll relax by creating—building something, painting, sculpting, etc.
What is the most daring thing you’ve done in your lifetime?
I've done some really long-distance solo motorcycle travels. I rode form Montana to Alaska and back and from Las Vegas to Cabo San Lucas and back. These were adventures I'll cherish forever.
What are you most proud of?
I'm proud of my professional accomplishments. In my career I've seen around 50,000 dental patients and have worked hard to provide exceptional care. Their satisfaction is my ultimate reward.
What is the last book you’ve read or are currently reading?
My residency program requires an exceptional amount of reading, but that isn't pleasure reading. I tend to read non-fiction, when I get time. I recently purchased a copy of Carl Sagan's book, Broca's Brain , and have it on my coffee table, awaiting my attention.
How do you deal with stress?
I really don't get too stressed. I'm at an age now where I can always ask myself, "What is the worst that could happen if...?"
Where is your favorite vacation spot or activity?
Yellowstone National Park is one of my favorite getaways. I appreciate the beauty of nature, so the national parks offer plenty of that. Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is a placid jewel where I love to breathe the piney air.
What are your hobbies?
I have golf clubs, but can't say I'm a golfer. I enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter, bicycling and hiking in the summer. Living in Montana afforded me fantastic fishing for blue-ribbon trout.
Who is your favorite singer or musical group?
I like country-western music, so any of the top 40 CW artists are my current favorites. I also like 80's music, which has become the "new" oldies! That is the music of my generation.
What do you do for exercise?
I belong to the Tom Landry Fitness Center at Baylor Hospital, which is conveniently proximal to Baylor College of Dentistry. I try to get there several times each week. I live near a really nice trail system that is great for long weekend walks.
Name one thing you have in your home from your childhood.
I still have my brown teddy bear from my childhood. As a kid, I loved the stuffing out of that bear and expect that he'll be with me in my hospital bed someday when my plug gets "pulled".
Name the last movie you saw.
I saw “Music and Lyrics” last weekend. It was actually quite good. I still had the theme song in my head 3 days later.
Name your favorite movie.
The classics are unbeatable—like Casablanca...
Whom do you admire?
This would be a long list. I've been fortunate to have developed some incredible friendships. If someone will be my friend, they have my deepest admiration.
Who has most influenced your life?
My parents inculcated in me an appreciation for education, and look—I'm still in school! Professionally I've been influenced by some of the great dentists that I've known. Currently I'm influenced by the fabulous faculty of my program and my exceptional co-residents.
What musical instrument do you play?
I have a 6-string acoustic guitar, but I left it in my storage unit in Montana when I moved last summer. Some evenings, I really miss it.
What's your favorite Web search engine?
I use Yahoo!
What concerns you about the future?
I'm pretty fatalistic. I don't over-worry about the future. I don't expect to change the fate of the universe. I just want to take good care of those things that I can control.
Any words of advice?
After 17 years of practice, just when I thought I was a pretty good dentist, my graduate program has rudely awakened me to the reality of my weaknesses. Despite attending an inordinate amount of dental CE, my return to school has illustrated the tremendous changes in immunology and cell biology that have transpired since my formal dental education. So my advice—"You'll never know it all, and sometimes you may not even know enough, but keep an open mind and learn as much as you can."
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