Dr Erika Vasilescu

For a long time, I wanted to become a caver, because I longed to roam the mountains and explore caves. My dad steered me towards dentistry, for practical reasons, and I listened to him. And I think it’s a profession that suits me; I reckon I could do any job that involves working with my hands.

If anything, I’d say that the specialism chose me. Many years ago, when it came to choosing a specialism, Dr Oana Taban steered me towards endodontics; I liked it and went on to develop my skills in that field. I enjoyed it so much that, over time, I realised it suited me down to the ground.

In endodontics, everything depends on me. There are no intermediaries between me and the patient, and it depends entirely on me whether I can resolve the medical condition. And then, somehow, the result is immediate; I see things happening and I can accurately assess my capabilities as a professional.

The biggest challenge is, of course, working with people. And I say this not in terms of communication, but because we are all different, because each case is unique, and you have to find the right approach for everyone.

I think this is where the challenge lies: getting the patient to understand that, sometimes, it is in their best interests to undergo a more labour-intensive procedure, that surgery may benefit them in the long term, or, for example, why it takes a year for a bone injury to heal. And so, it is important to explain the entire treatment to them from the outset and to understand what their expectations are.

In fact, in recent years, patients have begun to understand the importance of saving their natural teeth and have become more receptive to the solutions proposed by the endodontist.

I always ask patients what they want at the first appointment. I don’t try to persuade anyone if they don’t want that particular treatment. Ultimately, if it’s a solution they agree with and want, then things go smoothly and communication between us works much better.

Dr Erika Vasilescu is one of those specialists whom the profession chose, rather than the other way round. She began practising endodontics in 2007, under the guidance of Dr Oana Taban, CEO and Founder of DENT ESTET, and has since gone on to specialise in endodontic surgery and holds certification in endodontic treatments using a microscope.

She completed her studies with a Master’s degree in Dental Pulp Disease Management at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

I work very well with the team. As a result, we have eliminated downtime and made treatments and working hours more efficient. I talk a lot with my colleagues; we discuss cases beforehand and give each other constructive feedback.

Also, the fact that I receive constant feedback on the progress of cases, and with the help of technology, we can monitor them constantly and much more closely. And we give them the necessary attention, not just during the period when they come for treatment, but also during the maintenance phase.

It gives me great joy to see the progress of cases and the recoveries. You can’t help but feel happy when you see things progressing as they should; ultimately, it validates you as a professional. It’s a huge source of professional satisfaction!

I’m an empathetic person and I can sense what people are going through; I understand immediately what they want. I consider this a gift, especially in a profession where you work with people. I encourage patients to talk to me, to explain what’s troubling them and what they want.

I consider it vital to ensure the patient feels psychologically at ease, so that they feel, at least professionally, they are in good hands. I really have great respect for people and for their worth.

I go rock climbing, do via ferrata and go hiking whenever I get the chance. For me, getting out into nature is like a cure; it helps me switch off both physically and mentally and recharges me in every possible way. I’m a dynamic and meticulous person, both at work and outside of work.

Nature brings me a great sense of balance. I often go cycling and do stand-up paddleboarding, and when I’m indoors I spend my time exclusively with my children and reading.

Dr Erika Vasilescu is one of those specialists whom the profession chose, rather than the other way round. She began practising endodontics in 2007, under the guidance of Dr Oana Taban, CEO and Founder of DENT ESTET, and has since gone on to specialise in endodontic surgery and holds certification in endodontic treatments using a microscope.

She completed her studies with a Master’s degree in Dental Pulp Disease Management at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy.