Written by Ana Elefterescu
I want to take you back to a time when I had no idea I would dedicate my life to serving rural communities through dentistry.
I was a bright-eyed 16-year-old, captivated by a duality; a fierce curiosity for the precision of healthcare and an undeniable pull toward the freedom of the arts.
Then, I discovered ikigai, a Japanese principle that defines a well-lived life as one where passion, purpose, and skill intersect with the world’s needs.
Suddenly, dentistry began to emerge, not as just another career option, but as a path that could bring all these elements together.
But at that point, all I had was a beautiful philosophy. I needed to put it to the test.
I stopped romanticising and committed to a journey fuelled by curiosity, challenged by reality, and strengthened by purpose.
I didn’t fall for the prestige or the shiny tools, in the end I was swept off my feet by the stories.
The patients who found the courage to smile again and the ones who faced their fears because someone took the time to care.
The butterflies I felt as a young girl with a purpose didn’t fade; instead, as I worked and volunteered in the field, they evolved into a quiet certainty that the person I was becoming and the work I was meant to do were already intertwined.
This certainty deepened through volunteering with the Tzu Chi Foundation, where I assisted dentists treating individuals facing homelessness, displacement, and marginalisation.
Watching professionals transform fear into trust and hesitation into confidence, I saw the power of empathy in healthcare. With the Carey Right Track Foundation, I connected with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in rural communities, where healthcare gaps are stark.
These experiences have been some of the most rewarding parts of my journey, showing me that dentistry extends far beyond the clinic. It offers avenues to educate, advocate, and collaborate with communities.
Dentistry constantly pushes me to think critically, act precisely, and care deeply. In return, it offers the privilege of being part of something greater than myself.
If you’re still searching for your “ikigai” maybe a career that blends science with creativity and lets you make a tangible difference, is the kind of “life purpose” you’ve been longing for.
It’s a field that continually evolves, offering endless opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute.
If you’re drawn to the technical challenge of clinical work, or the artistry of smile design, or even the impact of public health initiatives, dentistry is sure to fill your cup with something tangibly meaningful.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
