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

If you hadn’t pursued anesthesiology, what other profession do you think you might have chosen? What drew you to that field?
I pursued biochemistry out of curiosity. I pursued dentistry because of my need to work with people. I pursued anesthesiology because of the purity of relieving pain and fear. I might have pursued medicine, but was put off by messages regarding the difficulty in dealing with death. I don’t regret my choices, but I realize how powerful messages and mentoring can steer young people.

Your proudest professional moment is...

• Several students have told me, “You changed my life.”
• Being an author on legislation for the interstate compact; being at the signing by the Washington state governor; and seeing it spread to many states.
• Being on the DLOSCE steering committee to create a licensure exam that measures validity and reliability—very similar to the Canadian licensure exam.

The biggest lesson you take out of being an educator is...
Telling stories is essential to get their attention. Having a clear vision is required for coherent instruction. Assessing reliably and validly tells you if your instruction makes a difference. They watch what you say and do.

What career advice would you give to new dentists/dental professionals?
Stay curious about the world, but people in particular. Latch on to great mentors who have critical thinking skills.

Who would you consider your mentor and why?
Terry Tanaka, Chula Vista, California. Terry is brilliant, down-to-earth, cares about others, and has done important things.

What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Chocolate, deep and dark—except I don’t feel guilty. To be specific, chocolate pâté. If you’re going to indulge in a pleasure, own it.

Which famous person (dead or alive) would you like to have dinner with?
Robert Oppenheimer (dead) and Jacob Collier (alive). Both are incredible talents, leaders, and highly creative. They don’t fit a mold.

What superhero would you choose to be? Why?
Dr. Strange, because of his curiosity, skill, and determination to save the world. He is also an MD.

After a long day working, how do you unwind?
I read scientific literature, pull weeds, tend veggies, and use dangerous tools like chainsaws or bushwhackers.

You cringe when...
People believe lies that harm them—especially when they take small bits of evidence and create a narrative that they strongly defend in the face of solid evidence to the contrary.

Desktop, tablet, or phone... your main go-to is?
Laptop, mostly. I neglect my tablet. I read abstracts on my phone and send them to my laptop.

What’s your dream vacation destination?
A few weeks in Japan, tracing the travels of Musashi, staying in small inns, and enjoying the quiet beauty.

What’s one thing you NEVER travel without?
Good hiking shoes and socks.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Interesting.”

Which talent would you most like to have?
Mind reading and playing the violin without so much practice (in other words, magic skill acquisition). I would be willing to make some videos available.

Explore more articles featuring Dr. Carsten:

• “Why would an anesthesia professional be regarded as a national infection control expert?” – A publication in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) regarding infection control.
• “New Study Reaffirms Importance of Waterline Infection Control” – From the American Dental Association (ADA).

• Posted May 30, 2025