Inspiring Paths with Dr. Elizabeth Fadoju
We are highlighting Dr. Elizabeth Fadoju, the dynamic force behind the blog "Floss and All," where she candidly shares her journey to becoming "The Tooth Fairy." Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Fadoju's path to dental excellence is nothing short of inspiring.
With a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland College Park and a minor in Spanish Language and Communication, she pursued her dental dreams at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. There, she earned both a Master of Arts in Science and Dental Education and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), all while being commissioned through the Health Professions Scholarship Program in 2017.
Dr. Fadoju's career has taken her from Branch Health Clinic in San Diego to the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN69), where she deployed for seven months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her exemplary service includes being handpicked as Dental Administrative Fellow to RADM Rick Freedman and earning a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.
Currently, she is a Comprehensive Dentistry Resident at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School, and now (as of last week) has her Master of Science in Oral Biology! Recognized as a 2021 Top 30 under 30 Alumnus by the University of Maryland College Park Terrapin Club, Dr. Fadoju’s accolades also include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, among others. Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Dr. Elizabeth Fadoju in the In the Crossroads: Inspiring Paths Series!
How do you balance your career with your creative passions
Fortunately, my career allows for quite a bit of creativity. I lean into some of my interests that have relevance in dentistry, namely photography and patient communication.
What are some creative outlets you've explored outside of work?
I love to read and write. While these days my reading mostly consists of dental journals and research articles for my masters thesis, I have a stack of leisure books and Sunday NYTimes papers to dig into this summer.
I have started several blog posts during my last few years in the Navy and look forward to getting my thoughts on paper.
Have you ever turned a creative hobby into a side hustle or business? Share your experience!
Never! I admire people like you, Niccara, who can take something they are interested in and use it to meet a need in others. I don’t know many politics girls who also model, podcast, write and have a whole charcuterie business!
How do you find time for creativity in your busy schedule?
There is always time for things you really care about. I find that when I lose steam in academic or professional pursuits, an intentional pivot to focus on something creative helps me relax and makes me feel like I am being productive. Self care is not selfish.
What advice do you have for people who are looking to start a new creative project or hobby?
There is no lack of information these days. Social media offers windows into the lives of day to day people and is a great start to explore community in a side passion. Before I start anything I always do my research and survey the landscape. Often I land at a book, a blog or an a podcast that is exploring that very thing.
How has pursuing creative outlets impacted your mental health and well-being?
It has reminded me that I am a whole person not identified solely by my career. When academic stress or professional anxiety starts to creep up or my imposter syndrome rears its head, I find peace in knowing that I have unique talents that cannot be measured the same way as my 9-5 and that they can often reach people in ways that working as a dentist cannot. I am grateful to be able to do both.
Have you faced any challenges or setbacks in your creative journey? How did you overcome them?
My creative journey has been rather limited so I can’t say I have faced any setbacks. I often think what life would look like if I allowed myself to lean in all the way.
What role does creativity play in your personal and professional development?
It is what drives me to continue on hard days. I love taking photos like most millennials and while my peace signs and duck lips are not revolutionary, dental photography is a space that offers a lot of use for patient, provider and lab alike. I gravitate towards other clinicians who share there work and look for ways to improve. As a natural writer and communicator, I look for ways to connect with my patients and other young people on the journey to join the profession.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue pursuing your creative passions?
I am not always consistent, but am encouraged by the feedback from my community when I do take the time to share my mind and my creativity.
What resources or tools do you recommend for women seeking to explore their creativity?
Social media is great but often there is much to be gained in books. These days audiobooks, podcasts, all can summarize a great deal of content in a way that is digestible.
