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1 November 2022

It’s true! Going to the dentist’s office gives children anxiety

By Crawford International

But a visit to Dr. Andrea Chilro, Crawford International College Pretoria Alumna, will leave you with a ‘no fear’ experience and a perfect smile.

Dr. Chilro exudes positive energy when educating her patients about the importance of all things oral health.

Doctor, what did you study to become the ‘queen of crowns’?

I completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery CUM Laude from 2015-2019, at the University of Pretoria.

CUM Laude! Now that’s a reason to smile. Well done. Why did you choose this career path?

I enjoy expressing my artistic nature by recreating smiles and helping my patients become more confident.

Is creating confidence part of your purpose?

Yes, I would say it is. People who smile often enjoy a fuller life, have lower stress levels, and may even live longer. If we are contributing to all of that then I suppose I am fulfilling my purpose. I don’t do it alone though. I'm currently in my second year in private practice at Montana Dental in Pretoria, alongside a fantastic mentor, Dr. Christiaan Victor. Working with him and the team is a real privilege for me.

Where is dentistry headed?

Dentistry is forever evolving with new technologies being developed. We are now moving to a more Digital Dentistry CAD/CAM computer-aided design and manufacturing, which allows us to do same-day crowns in one visit! And this is just the tip of the iceberg... it’s very exciting dentistry times.

Would you say South Africa is on par with the global industry trends?

Yes, we are relatively on par with the international trends with Digital Smile Designs and Biomimetic Dentistry, which is minimally invasive. Here we try to mimic the natural tooth and preserve your own teeth as far as possible.

What advice do you have for students wanting to go into this field?

Dentistry is a very demanding field of study and without a passion for it, you will struggle to excel. You need to be proactive and be able to work well under pressure. This includes completing studies while seeing patients at the same time, so time management is key.

Would you say Crawford International had a hand in helping you prepare for your goals after school?

Absolutely. Crawford International taught me proper time management skills and how to be self-sufficient. The school also gave me a good foundation in the subjects I required to apply for my degree. A big thank you goes to my Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences teachers.

What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?

Don't compare your success to the others around you, you are the only one who can better yourself for yourself. So don't be lazy, put the hours of hard work in and they will pay off.

Surely, it isn’t all work for you?

No, it’s not. I'm passionate about art and I love throwing myself into a canvas on weekends. I also have a wonderful man in my life, Sean Meyer, as well as two adorable cats Stormy and Maia, both adopted with love. Stormy gives wonderful cuddles and Maia is prone to gum disease, thus I have to fight with her to brush her teeth as often as I can... the job never leaves me!

What does the future hold for you?

I have enrolled in a postgraduate diploma in Endodontics (root canals) at the University of Pretoria for 2023. I am also currently doing courses in orthodontics, furthering my knowledge to always try and keep up with the ever-evolving field of dentistry. I want to always provide the most up-to-date treatment using new technologies and techniques. For now, I plan on staying in South Africa to give back to the community I grew up in. But hey, who knows where the future may lead you? One day and one smile at a time! 

Read more Crawford International Alumni success stories here.

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