Dr. Carlos Moretta’s path into dentistry rather than medicine was, quite literally, an accident. Having decided he wanted to enroll in the radiology tech program at his local community college in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Moretta went up to an information desk and found he was in the wrong wing. The receptionist, instead, gave him a few brochures about the dental hygienist program, which told Dr. Moretta how much he’d get paid and how much schooling he’d need to complete. When he saw the specs, he was sold.

In this episode of the Prosperous Doc®, our host Shane Tenny, CFP® welcomes Dr. Carlos M. Moretta to discuss his medical missionary work, the way his worldview has changed, what inspires him to continue his work, and why he encourages others to take part in a medical mission.

Tune in to hear some stories from Dr. Moretta’s most memorable missions and what he learned along the way.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dr. Carlos M. Moretta

What he does: Having been board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Moretta has maintained a faculty position at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, where he practices in the graduate oral and maxillofacial surgical clinic.

Company: Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

Connect: Website

⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡

[02:32] An odd start: Sometimes, the biggest mistakes yield the greatest outcomes. This is exactly how Dr. Moretta ended up enrolled in a dental hygienist program.

[08:44] Enriching: These medical missions not only add value to your CV but add to your quality of life as well. They enrich your career and your life. 

[16:38] Pure gratitude: When working in remote villages across the world, Dr. Moretta is always appreciative of the pure, genuine gratitude his patients express. Without medical missions, many of his patients would never receive the type of care he provides. 

[24:00] Big realizations: Throughout his travels around the world, Dr. Moretta is constantly reminded of one major thing: we are all more alike than we are different. 

[29:57] Always a lesson: No matter the equipment or medical space available in different parts of the world, there is always a lesson to be learned. Dr. Moretta acknowledges that his Westernized medicine doesn’t make him better than other surgeons he comes across doing their best with what they have. 

[39:45] Getting started: Dr. Moretta shares some ways for others to get started in this type of missionary work, such as ADA Service Projects and Mission of Mercy. 

[40:56] Impactful people: Many people come to mind when Dr. Moretta reflects on all the positive forces that have gotten him to where he is today. He mentions Dr. Stephen Waterbrook, Dr. Ken Pearson, and Dr. Paul D. Huynh, MD. 

Disclaimer: Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories and financial wellness advice. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving doctors and dentists in Charlotte, NC. To find out more about Spaugh Dameron Tenny, visit our website at www.sdtplanning.com. You can also connect with our host, Shane Tenny, CFP at shane@prosperousdoc.com or on Twitter.

Compliance code: CRN202607-4718335