So what got me into dentistry, I was always…as a little girl, I loved science. And I wanted to know more. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. So throughout school, I was pre-med thinking I’m going to go to med school and that’s what I want to do. When I graduated from college and I got married, I realized I wanted more. I wanted a career. I wanted to be a doctor, but I also wanted a family.
So I took a year off and did research at the Health Science Center, which I absolutely loved. I had worked there at that point as an undergrad, washing lab dishes. But then once I graduated and had my degree, I was able to actually conduct research under a doc. I loved it, but I missed patient interactions. I wanted to be able to be involved with communication with people.
And so then I decided I’m going to apply to med school. But at the time, I was working in the dental school. My research lab was in the dental school. And I had some great colleagues, mentors at the time, that opened my eyes to dentistry that I really had never even thought about because I didn’t have any dentists in my family.
These docs took me around and introduced me to a lot of dentists. And I got to see firsthand what I had overlooked for many years. And then became very clear that dentistry was going to be the field for me. I could take care of people. I could have a flexible schedule. I could raise my family.
Not that you can’t do that with medicine, but at the time, that was the clear choice. And so I applied to dental school and I got in there at the Health Science Center. The most rewarding aspect of dentistry really has to do with just the patient, the patient interaction, knowing that they’re coming in with a concern or a problem. And we’re able to help them.
Whether it’s doing the dentistry or maybe it’s just putting their mind at ease, that’s the rewarding part. Is them allowing us to take care of them. That’s a great day when we’re able to achieve what their expectations are. And we’ve also built a relationship beyond just the teeth, the trust that’s involved there. That’s the rewarding part of dentistry for us, for me.
Dr. Cherie S. Kozelsky Values Relationships
Dr. Cherie Kozelsky believes in an honest and individualized approach to treatment planning and patient education. She values professional relationship with patients and colleagues. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Dr. Cherie is committed to remaining current on the latest dental techniques for her patients’ benefit. That’s why she pursues ongoing continuing education opportunities. Plus, she is involved with several prestigious organizations, including Seattle Study Club, San Antonio District Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association.
When not busy practicing dentistry, Dr. Cherie enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her husband and three children.