Dr. Claudia Cotca, D.D.S., M.P.H, is the founder of the Washington Institute for Dentistry & Toxicology, a clinical practice and think-tank. She brings a diverse background and deep expertise in chemistry, molecular biology, toxicology and dental surgery to her practice. From Romania to Washington, Claudia is an international role model.

When did you know that you wanted to become a dentist?

At the age of five, when I was in Romania, I remember sitting in a dental office with my mother and sister, and thinking to myself, "When I will be a dentist, I'm going to do things differently." I have gained other areas of interest along the years but everything was somehow applied to my interest in dentistry. And, here I am.

Why did your family leave Romania?

My father defected during the communist regime. My parents wanted to bring their girls up in a country where we could have the freedom to choose without the oppression of government. In December of '87, our family reunited in Michigan after our father defected. I attended school there and then to the University of Michigan where I studied for 10 years. I received a bachelor of science in chemistry and cellular molecular biology, a master's degree in public health in toxicology and doctorate in dental surgery.

What triggered your interest in toxicology – a branch of biology and medicine concerned with the study of adverse effects on any substance in living organisms?

Though I had an interest in dentistry, I wanted to bring something unique to my studies of dental surgery. I chose toxicology so I could have a deep understanding as to how the human body processes and responds to therapeutics and therapy. I wanted to be able to extract the right conclusions at the right time more effectively as a clinician. I wanted to have something unique that provided a more thorough understanding of diagnosis and optimal treatment.

It's often challenging for medical practitioners to successfully operate their own practices. You've been very successful. What advice do you offer?

It's important to maintain a balanced approach from a management perspective. Cost cutting measures may make sense from business perspective; however they cannot always be implemented due to their impact on quality of care. It might seem like a good idea to cut corners from a business perspective, but you can't do that in a medical practice when it impacts the quality of patient care. The patient always comes first.

You're actively involved in the community, and a powerful networker. What motivates you?

It's part of my personality. I love meeting people. Everybody has a unique set of talents, and I love discovering those things. America has such a sense of community, and Americans accomplish such incredible things through the community. There's so much benefit from being a part of things and giving. When you give you do receive, and you extend yourself in ways you might not have expected.

Have you had a mentor, and if so, will you describe the relationship?

Well, I have to start with my Christian beliefs. I believe in God, and I strongly believe that whatever I'm given comes from Him. As far as individuals and relationships go, I've had numerous mentors from all walks of life. I've had mentors in my studies and many doctors and other non-medical leaders in their respective fields who have been strong, positive role models and mentors. But I'm a believer that you should have many, many, many mentors.

Finally, as a dentist, businesswoman, and a community leader, what advice to you have for women today?

Follow your instincts. We live in a county where no one in the world could achieve what we can achieve here. I hate to be cliché, but …take advantage of the opportunities you've been given. I appreciate freedom extensively. Freedom is such a valuable and most essential attribute to the expression of the human mind, the human life. I think people all over the world crave it, it is a natural yearning. If you want to achieve something, go for it!

As Dr. Cotca continues her dental practice and think tank, she is planning to establish a non-profit organization that provides dental services to children in Romania. For more information: www.dclaserdentist.com