Grad had to pull teeth to get here

When Max Almodavar receives his doctorate of dental medicine from the School of Dentistry today, he will be embarking on his third career. Almodavar, 34, has pursued many paths on his way to becoming a dentist, including that of pharmacy technician and police officer. In fact, police work in Cheltenham Township on evenings and weekends helped support him and his family as he attended dental school.

After high school, Almodavar worked at a grocery store, and then as a pharmacy technician, for several years.

“I was happy, but I wanted more, so I decided to go back to school,” he said.

He was enrolled as a biology major at University of Southern California–Stanislaus when a friend persuaded him to try out for the police academy.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to go to school and attend the police academy, or whether I’d even get in, but I did and have enjoyed several years serving as a police officer both here and in California,” he said.

Still, he retained a lingering interest in science. After several years on the police force, Almodavar began to explore the field of dentistry. In researching dental schools, he focused on those with the best opportunities to work with patients. With 150,000 patient visits a year, Temple’s School of Dentistry far exceeded those at other schools, most of which average 50,000 visits.

Temple’s clinical requirements also exceed those of other schools. And Almodavar, with his unbridled ambition, performed 440 tooth extractions while at Temple, breaking the old record of 360.

“At first, I was apprehensive about pulling teeth, so I kept volunteering to get more practice. The next thing I know, everyone is calling me for assistance,” he said.

Almodavar is very lucky, in that he loves his work.

“As a dentist, you can change a person—for instance, someone who has no teeth or broken teeth,” he explained. “It’s even better when they really want to change. I also love how everyone is different. No one has the same teeth.”

Dentistry has woven all the pieces of his career together.

“In dentistry, I’ve used everything I’ve learned in my previous jobs,” he said. “As a police officer, I had to be just and strong. As a pharmacy technician, I learned to be on the lookout for drug abuse. And in dental school, I learned about professionalism and how it shapes you, enabling you to work with many different kinds of people,” said Almodavar.

He has already received several job offers and is currently looking for an opportunity to join a dental practice in either Bucks or Montgomery county.

Twelve family members and friends will attend Almodavar’s graduation ceremony, including his mother, stepfather, wife, son and siblings. — Eryn Jelesiewicz