Q&A with Susan Sergie of North Coast Family Dentistry
Calista Shareholder Susan Sergie is a Yup’ik dentist who joined our Calivika Shareholder Directory in 2024. She specializes in pediatric dentistry and recently purchased North Coast Family Dentistry in Anchorage. We’re pleased to highlight Susan and her practice in our ongoing series of articles on businesses that have joined the Calivika Shareholder Directory.
Tell us about yourself and your inspiration to start a dental practice.
Waqaa! My name is Susan Sergie, practice owner of North Coast Family Dentistry in Anchorage. I am Yup’ik, originally from Alakanuk.
I was inspired to own my own business after traveling throughout the state of Alaska interviewing for an associate dental position. As I toured each practice, I began to think to myself, “I can do this.” It was then that I switched from being interviewed to doing the interviewing.
I’m a pediatric dentist who bought an existing general practice dental office. Once my patients knew that I specialized in pediatric dentistry, they sent their children, grandchildren and some even their great-grandchildren. What a blessing!
How did your dental career begin?
I started my general practice dental career in my birthplace, Bethel, where I became familiar with all facets of dentistry. When you live in a remote location, you’re it! While living in Bethel, I pushed myself to learn all that I could. I loved village travel but carrying heavy dental equipment was so hard on the body.
At first, I did not like working with children but soon thereafter I realized my passion for treating them. My colleagues would refer children to me they could not handle. While I was in Bethel, I found too many adults fearful of getting their dental needs met. I asked what happened to them that made them so fearful. Their response was “I had a bad experience when I was a child.” It was then, I knew I wanted to specialize in pediatric dentistry.
Starting out in Bethel definitely helped me as a dental provider with great mentors/colleagues. The two most influential mentors were Dr. Robert Allen, who had over 40+ years of dental experience and the other mentor was Dr. Linda Markle who was my supervisor when I first started my career in dentistry. Having a strong dental core team and being able to rely on one another is crucial.
What are some challenges that you faced as a new business owner?
After I bought the practice, I thought to myself, “What did I get myself into?” I was warned, the first few years will be the hardest. It certainly has been a rough start, not only that, recently my personal computer was hacked. You do not realize what your life is tied to until you lose everything!
While I was in Bethel, I found too many adults fearful of getting their dental needs met. I asked what happened to them that made them so fearful. Their response was “I had a bad experience when I was a child.” It was then, I knew I wanted to specialize in pediatric dentistry.Susan Sergie, owner of North Coast Family Dentistry
One of my patients instilled in me “Don’t have a ‘Why me’ attitude, have a ‘What can I learn from this’ type of attitude. I looked at this situation as a blessing and new beginning. Blessings can come to you in any form.
Technology is always evolving. That’s why I am a lifelong learner and continue to learn and grow every day.
What do you enjoy about your dental practice?
I love being my own boss. If I don’t like something, I change it!
I have been blessed through the love and support I received once it was known that I am the dental practice owner of North Coast Family Dentistry. Quyana for motivating me to take on new challenges! Blessings!
I do not advertise. People advertise via word of mouth. On my business card, it says “Welcome to OUR Family”, because once you walk in through my doors, you become family!
How does your cultural heritage inspire and shape your business practice?
Growing up in a small village on the mouth of the Yukon definitely shaped me into the person I am today. We, as a people within the community, look to the Elders for wisdom and guidance. We, as a people within the community, look out for one another and help one another especially when there is a time of sorrow. That’s what I love about my people! We have a strong sense of community, shared identity, shared purpose to lift up one another.
Are there many Alaska Natives in dentistry?
We need more Native representation! We understand the history, culture and traditional values. I am a member of the Society of American Indians in Dentistry (SAID). There was a time when I was the only Alaskan Native in their society. There was a session where they asked the younger generation, “If we were to re-brand the SAID name, what would you call it?” I raised my hand and proudly said, “SAND! Society of Alaskan Natives in Dentistry!” I remember that day perfectly. I was outvoted since I was the only Alaskan Native at that time. Today, as I reflect on that question, my suggestion would be “IDS – Indigenous Dental Society.” Since there are more Alaskan Native dentists nowadays, Indigenous would be more inclusive. Regardless, we as Indigenous people have a voice!