Henriette Bowman loves to see people with healthy smiles, gums and teeth. This is why she decided to get into dentistry many years ago. Her goal is to help brighten the smiles of as many islanders as she can via her practise “Dident Dentist” in Cupecoy. This way, party goers (and non-night owls) can hit the clubs and party hard knowing that their best asset and brightest attire are their pearly whites.
Bowman tells us more about herself, her work and her future goals in this week’s Hot Seat.
Who is Henriette Bowman?
I am a happily married 56-year-old mother, who is enthusiastic, creative and who loves to write and paint. I have one son and a dog. And with me, there is never a dull moment.
Where are you from and how did you end up on this beautiful island?
I was born in the Netherlands and decided to buy some land in St. Eustatius 26 years ago. One year later, we started building there. We all still love being on that island as well as on St. Maarten
How and when did you discover your love for healthcare?
Since I was six years old, I already knew that I wanted to become a dentist. My favourite uncle had a practice and I was always aware of his kindness to his patients and how they loved him and also how much he helped them.
Educational background?
I attended the Zaanlands lyceum and did my VWO. After that, I worked for a couple of years then I went to Vrije University in Amsterdam. I first pursued studies in dental hygiene and after that I started dentistry.
Why dentistry?
Dentistry has different fields to practise in. I discovered that doing diagnostic and parodontologic work was one of my favourite things in this field. I am driven by the process of making sick tissues in the mouth healthy again and advising patients what is going on in their mouth.
Employment history?
I always worked for myself. I have found out that working with other people can be a bit more challenging. I opened my first dental clinic with specialised dentists and dental hygienists in the Netherlands. I have been operating this clinic for 25 years now. I figured out that managing a clinic was my thing next to applying diagnostic activities. Recently, just three weeks ago, I started my dental practise Dident Dentist in Cupecoy in St. Maarten. I have professional Lien de Graaff working in my St. Maarten practice as dental hygienist. She has 25 years of experience and I want to thank her for working with me. I am very grateful for having such a professional as part of my practise.
What do you like about your job?
I love to help people. My clinic in the Netherlands is focussed on treating anxious patients. My goal is to give patients a safe impression about dentistry, in the treatment but also in the aesthetic part. And not to forget the most important part which is dental hygiene. A dental hygienist provides the basis of how to keep your gums healthy, preventing a bad smell and losing your teeth prematurely.
Best moments as a dentist?
After unnecessary long delays, the final opening of my St. Maarten practice has been my best moment.
What differentiates you from similar professionals in the field?
I don’t know how other dentists on the island work, but my local practice will be focussed on top quality, aesthetics and dental hygiene.
Some people have a fear of going to a dentist. What is your approach to help reduce this fear in your patients and make them feel more comfortable for a procedure?
I was afraid myself of going to the dentist when I was young, so I do understand this fear. But after 25 years of experience helping people in similar positions and knowing mostly what the problem is, I can make patients feel less anxious and more comfortable. Next to this, we can work with nitrox gas to provide some additional sedation in case of a severe anxiety. Also, we can apply a special injections treatment so patients almost do not feel anything.
What are your concerns when it comes to the healthcare field?
The bureaucracy! It took me a year and a half after my first formal request to open the door of my St. Maarten clinic.
How do you think these challenges can be addressed?
Work as closely as possible with all good willing professionals on the island and always deliver top quality dentistry.
What is your advice to youngsters who want to follow in your professional path?
Focus on quality and people.
What are you involved in outside of your job?
I love to write in the newspaper to let people know all the ins and outs about dentistry.
Future goals?
My future goals are to work as long as I can in this field. I would also like to write and launch a book about my good and bad experiences starting my practice on this island.
Hobbies?
Writing, painting, making sculptures and creative arts.
Philosophy?
I believe in Karma; always do good and it will come back to you.
Biggest fear?
Driving on a highway.
What’s your favourite type of music; what artistes do you listen to?
Music of the 60s and artistes such as Tina Turner and Dire Straight.
If you could ask any three persons (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you cook for them?
I would ask my late parents and I would make coconut chicken with mango. They loved that.
