Q&A with Dr. Antonella Trache – Presenter at the 25th Annual Current Concepts in Dentistry

If you hadn't pursued dental surgery, what other profession do you think you might have chosen? What drew you to that field?
Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a dentist, so I cannot imagine doing anything else. In recent years, however, I discovered a new passion for teaching and now I get to do both—dentistry/surgery and teaching.

After 11 years of general practice, I decided to pursue oral surgery. At that time, I felt that I had seen and done as much as I could as a general dentist, and I needed a new challenge. What drew me to surgery was the complexity and precision of surgery, and the additional knowledge that I was about to gain (in a way, quite removed from the field of dentistry itself).

Your proudest professional moment is...
There have been so many milestones in my career, and I have been proud of each one of them. But if I had to narrow it down to one only, I would have to say my Afghanistan tours. They were both such unique experiences from professional and personal points of view.

The biggest lesson you take out of being an educator is...
Students will always challenge their educators. Being constantly on top of current research and literature is a necessity.

What career advice would you give to new dentists/dental professionals?
Stay humble and be good to your staff! Success is not measured in how well you perform dentistry, but in how you make people feel.

Who would you consider your mentor and why?
Along the years in my career, I have had many mentors at different stages. By adopting different qualities from each one of them, I feel I have been able to shape who I am today.

What's your guilty pleasure food?
Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls)—chocolates from Austria filled with pistachio, marzipan and nougat.

Which famous person (dead or alive) would you like to have dinner with?
This question made me pause and think. I like to read biographies and watch movies based on real-life events and each time, I want to know the subject character a little better. So I guess it depends on when I am asked this question in relation to what I just read or saw. At this time, it may be Michelle Obama. She is a strong woman who has successfully balanced career and family while staying true to herself. She has shared her husband’s spotlight with incredible poise and diplomacy.

What superhero would you choose to be? Why?
I am not particularly into superheroes. If I had to choose however, I would be Mantis because she is an empath. Like her, I am highly sensitive to emotions of people around me, and I form deep bonds with friends and colleagues.

After a long day working, how do you unwind?
Ideally, with a cup of tea and a good book or show. In reality, with a glass of wine and a mindless show.

You cringe when...
My husband misspells words.

Desktop, tablet or phone...your main go-to is...
Tablet.

What’s your dream vacation destination?
Anywhere where I can explore architecture, art, local cuisine and history.

What’s one thing you NEVER travel without?
Excitement for adventure.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I find that I use phrases that rhyme quite often: “who’s who in the zoo,” or “easy peasy lemon squeezy.”

Which talent would you most like to have?
To play the piano. I studied piano when I was very young, and I did not appreciate it at the time. Now I regret not having stuck with it long enough.

Explore more articles featuring Dr. Trache:

• “Profiles of Dentists in the Royal Canadian Dental Corps” | CDAessentials, Vol. 11, Issue 6 | 2024
• “Stories of Leadership: Women in Dentistry” | CDAessentials, Vol. 11, Issue 3 | 2024

• Posted June 27, 2025