¡Aplauda Hampton Roads!

“Providing a professional, honest and efficient job, I think I help change the wrong ideas and perceptions that people have about Hispanics,” Carmen A. Cote, DDS said.

Carmen A. Cote: DDS, female, Hispanic, sole dentist and owner of her own practice. Cote is determined to spread the word that Hispanics are professional people too.

Current Profession?

I am a general Dentist in practice for more than 20 years. I started in Pediatric Orthodontics in Colombia. I worked in many clinics and hospitals. Looking for different experiences in dentistry, I came to the United States. It cost me almost a year of study and reviewing material, but I fulfilled all the necessary license requirements. Please visit me at Azalea Garden Family Dentistry in Norfolk.

Hampton Roads neighborhood you live in now?

I have lived in Hampton Roads since 2005, but in the city of Chesapeake with my husband and our beloved dog since 2006. And since April 2008, I have my cousin’s 10-year old daughter living with us. I brought her back from Colombia to our house to help her with education and to offer more family stability.

Personal mentor who influenced your life choices?

My mother! She showed me discipline and persistence in everything. Mom was an artist with her hands (she passed away June 2008). Mom painted, knitted and sewed. I grew up at her side imitating and learning it all. We presented some of our artwork in an art show in Colombia. Mom supported my career choice because she felt dentists had to have the gift of artistry in their hands to perform the job. I agree with her that an artist and dentist have a lot in common. You must pay special attention to details for both. I love being a dentist because of this!

How well do you think the United States in general, but Hampton Roads in particular, has done in creating opportunities and accommodating Spanish-speaking people?

I arrived in Hampton Roads as a licensed dentist and maybe because of this I have known only respect in this community. But I know that people do judge sometimes because of different accents and cultures. I say with much sadness that I remember a few situations where I had to prove my identity, more than what was being asked of others, I think this happened because of my Hispanic face.

Of what life achievements are you most proud?

Having reached my career goal of Orthodontist and having a wonderful husband are what make me proud.

How do you see yourself giving back to the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads?

In my current dental practice, most of my patients, about 90 percent, are U.S.-born Americans. Providing a professional, honest and efficient job, I think I help change the wrong ideas and perceptions that people have about Hispanics. I demonstrate that Hispanics are professionals too and can provide as good a service as people from any other culture.

Community Service?

I’m going through my first two years in private practice and it is challenging and doesn’t allow me the time to do much community service. But, I dream of volunteering my services to other countries someday. Right now I think my community services start in my office and in the way I show good administration and leadership to my employees. I do provide honest leadership along with good benefits and salary. Last December, I took five of my employees, all expenses paid by me, to New York for three days. We traveled by plane, stayed in a hotel and toured as much as we could, including the famous Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. None of them want to leave their jobs!

Words of wisdom for the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads?

Living in Hispanic communities and sharing our Latin customs with our children is a good thing to do. Yet, if we live in an American culture, then we must be open to relate and integrate within the new culture, including learning English so we can have better opportunities. We should really work at helping one another in the Hispanic culture to see more success among us. This is very important.

In your next need for dental work don’t hesitate to visit this cheerful dentist who considers your mouth a work of art. For more information call Azalea Garden Family Dentistry at 587-4433.

¡Aplauda!

- IRM

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