“I’ve learnt that dealing with diverse personalities on a daily basis implies that not everyone will agree with your opinion, and that is okay if the job is done,” says Dr Lotive Shabalala, who gives Tukkievaria insight into her career and day-to-day working life.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Mbabane, Swaziland. Attended primary school at Baha'i Primary school, half my high school at Setsembiso Sebunye High school and the other half at Mananga College, where I completed my matric in 2004.

Where did you work prior joining UP?

I have had a very short “working” career. My family and friends used to joke and say I was a professional student, because I have been in “school” for the majority of my life.

Growing up, I wanted to be a psychiatrist, it just sounded so fancy, but I eventually ended up studying dentistry at UP. God always has a way of getting you to exactly where you need to be, which may not necessarily be what you had in mind. My journey was via a BSc degree in human molecular biology at the University of Free State and a little bit of a medicine.

After community service, which was at Tshwane District Hospital, I locumed for a few dentists around Pretoria, while pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Prosthodontics. I started at the University of Pretoria Oral Health Center as a sessional clinical supervisor in my current department, and eventually got a permanent position.

What is dentistry (short definition), and how did you choose dentistry as your career?

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity (the mouth), as well as the oral mucosa, and of adjacent and related structures and tissues, particularly in associated maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area. (Wikipedia)

I would like to think dentistry chose me. I always knew growing up that the medical fraternity would be my home, I just had no idea how. 

The only exposure I had to dentistry growing up was the doctor that used to pull out my teeth, but I never considered it as a career.

After I had my son, I met a young lady dentist, doing her community service in KZN, who was passionate about dentistry. I asked a few questions, and I was sold.

The biggest selling point was that the working hours are not as hectic and demanding as medicine, which for me, translated into being able to be more present for my family. I wanted to give my kids a chance to experience a little bit of how I grew up - my mum was a teacher, and she was always available and present.

Can you describe the challenges you face as a woman in executing your responsibilities? How have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is the perception that dentistry is more about strength than skill. Dentistry, I’ve discovered, is about finesse. Your hands are your biggest asset. Even after all these years, I still must learn new skills by taking courses and attending workshops. The beauty of dentistry is that someone else always has a different and more efficient way of doing things, so learning must always be ongoing.

Women are holding their own in dentistry. As a young, black female, I am discovering that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, no matter how old you are. I’m inspired by people like the CEO of our hospital, Prof Shangase, a black woman occupying spaces that will change people’s lives.

What does your day-to-day role entail?

My day includes clinical supervision of the fourth and fifth-year dental students, lecturing second and third-year students, supervising third-year students in the clinical skills lab, and screening patients at patient management.

What you like to improve in your section/department and why?

I work in the Odontology department, which is general dentistry, and it has four divisions, which are Endodontics, Paedodontics, Basic Restorative Dentistry and Dental Materials. I would like to think we are the biggest department in the hospital.

It would be amazing if we had more staff members in this department, purely for them to have the time to pursue special interests, see more of our own patients and be able to do more research.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I love to teach. When I ask a student I’ve been supervising if they learnt anything and the answer is “a lot”, that makes my day, because it means I have imparted not only knowledge and understanding but I have helped improve a skill.

More than anything, I want to create an environment that is conducive to learning. I want to change the perception that to teach you must be scary, tough, and no- nonsense.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

Not everyone is receptive to your efforts, from students and patients through to colleagues. I’ve learnt that to deal with diverse personalities on a daily basis implies that not everyone will agree with your opinion, and that is okay if the job is done.

What do you do in your free time?

I spend time with my very busy husband, and I entertain my two children as best as I can! My son is 11 and my daughter is 3 - the age gap sometimes means doing separate activities for each, if they can all get me off the couch!

What is your advice to colleagues about the challenges encountered in the workplace?

Nothing in life is easy or smooth sailing; least of all this job. Showing up daily should not be about changing the world but about changing your little corner of the world, even if it comes down to one person in your lifetime.

What are your personal likes and dislikes?

Likes: Laughing, doing outdoor activities.

Dislikes: Unreliable people

Quick quiz:

Sport: Basketball, soccer

Food: Braai meat

Movies: Romantic comedies

Actors: Sindi Dlathu, Abdul Khoza

Musician: Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond

All-time hero: My parents