When the AAO Inclusion and Engagement Task Force needed colleagues to develop a toolkit to help constituent and component leaders engage minority members and inform them about leadership opportunities, Dr. Sana Augustus was happy to step up.
“A group of us worked together for several months to develop resources for the toolkit,” says Dr. Augustus. “We had a very effective process, and it was a wonderful volunteer experience. Dr. David Harmon of the I&E Task Force recently presented the toolkit at the 2022 AAO Leadership Development Conference in Orlando, and I understand that it was very well-received.”
Her work with the toolkit committee was the latest major project in Dr. Augustus’ lengthy history of volunteerism.
“I have tried to follow the example of Drs. Georgetta Manning Cox and Ruth Anderson, two dentists from the Howard University faculty who mentored me and helped me determine that I should pursue a dental career,” she says. The Silver Spring, Maryland native and former high school teacher ultimately decided to attend Howard University College of Dentistry.
“As a new dental student, I was so eager to learn all that I could and had not considered specializing, but gradually became interested in orthodontics as I realized how well-aligned it was with my interests,” says Dr. Augustus. “I loved the idea of building long-term relationships with patients. Physics was one of my favorite science classes, and I liked the fact that orthodontics is systematic and mechanically driven. In addition, the artistic and esthetic aspects of orthodontic treatment intrigued me.”
Following graduation from dental school, Dr. Augustus entered the Howard University orthodontic residency program. Soon after finishing she became a part-time faculty member at her alma mater and is currently an assistant professor. She also has simultaneously continued to work in orthodontic practices as an associate in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
“Eventually I became a full-time faculty member, but recently went back to part-time practice and am now in the process of starting my own practice,” she says. “I enjoy helping the residents and have been amazed by the extent to which teaching helps you continue learning. I am passionate about education and come from a long line of educators.”
Dr. Augustus’ great-grandfather, Dr. Elmer A. Henderson, was the first black assistant superintendent of Baltimore Public Schools, and his legacy continues through the Henderson-Hopkins School, a partnership with John’s Hopkins University in Baltimore.
During and since dental school, Dr. Augustus had been active in leadership with dental and community organizations but had not been very involved with orthodontic organizations when her AAO constituent group asked for her help.
“I gravitated to leadership roles and found it really enjoyable to serve, but had not yet become active in organized orthodontics,” she says. “Then Dr. Jean Asmar, who was president of the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, called to let me know that he recommended me as a candidate for board membership. After I learned more about the opportunity, I jumped in and am very glad that I did.”
Dr. Augustus is now the treasurer of MASO, which she describes as “a wonderful group of people and a culturally diverse, forward-thinking organization.”
Her work with MASO and her interest in leadership equity led to Dr. Augustus’ invitation to help with the AAO Inclusion and Engagement Task Force leadership toolkit initiative.
“There are great minds on the I&E Task Force, and they are doing important work,” says Dr. Augustus. “As the AAO’s leadership at all levels becomes more diverse and different perspectives enter the leadership process, the organization will change and evolve in exciting ways.”
As her experience in leadership grows, Dr. Augustus continues to take great joy in something that is at the heart of many orthodontists’ work satisfaction: changing patients’ lives.
“Recently an adult patient said to me, ‘My new smile will make it possible for me to be the person I was supposed to be,’” says Dr. Augustus.“ There is nothing more rewarding than getting to know patients and seeing their self-confidence grow as their bite and smile become what they have always imagined.”
The above story is published as part of the AAO’s observance of 2022 Black History Month. To learn about upcoming stories in this series as they are released, follow the AAO on social media:
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