5 Questions
ADEA membership is made up of a diverse group of professions that span all facets of dentistry and dental education. But we are more than just our professions.
In the feature 5 Questions With... , we shine a spotlight on various ADEA members, asking them five questions (both professional and personal), giving us all a chance to get to know one another better.
Nathaniel Kemp
North America Special Markets/DSO Manager
W&H Impex North America
1. Tell us about one of your “big wins” recently?
One of our biggest wins recently is partnering with more schools on our Proxeo Twist Cordless polisher. The schools we have worked with were really happy with the quality of the Proxeo Twist Cordless unit, and they were able to use any prophy angles that they wanted, instead of being locked in to ordering a specific prophy angle. We even came up with a hard case to carry it, which made it much easier on the students.
2. What’s the best career advice you ever received?
Build your own brand. I had a dental manager that told me, build the “Nate Kemp” brand. After he shared that with me, I thought about what was really important to me, and I came up with these three things: I want to be known for doing the right thing for my customers, doing the right thing for my family and doing the right thing for my company. Since then, I have worked for multiple dental companies, and I have always found success by following these guiding principles. Dental is a small world and people need to be able to trust you.
3. In 10 years, the biggest change about dental education (or dentistry) will be …
I believe the biggest change could be artificial intelligence (AI). There are so many possible applications for AI in dentistry. It doesn’t replace the role of the clinician but enhances the care that they can offer to the patient. I am very curious to see what it opens up in dental education.
4. What’s your favorite TV show—and why?
One of my favorite TV shows is Phineas and Ferb on Disney+. I realize that this is a kids show, but there are so many jokes for grownups in the show too. The main reason I love this TV show is because it is our family’s “go-to” for laughs when we need them. Melissa, Brodie and I will all watch Phineas and Ferb together often. It’s such a great show.
5. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I served in the Army Reserves starting when I was 19. My military occupation specialty (MOS), or job, was an Ammunition Specialist, which handles the issue and turn in of ammunition along with transport. I mainly drove a huge offroad forklift, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed my time in my Army unit, and it is one of the experiences that helped me grow into the person I am today.