Her Story
About Vera
Vera Akob is a dentist who has been working in the field of dentistry since 2017. She began her journey by enrolling in the dental hygiene program at USC, completing it and then working full-time as a hygienist for two years. Seeking to expand her scope of practice, she returned to USC for dental school, graduating in May of the previous year and obtaining her dental license. Akob has experience treating both pediatric and adult patients, performing procedures including extractions, bone grafts, and suturing. She completed her undergraduate studies at USC as well. Akob attributes her success entirely to her upbringing, citing her father's emphasis on personal responsibility for getting work done, which fostered her consistency, along with her mother's example of pushing beyond comfort zones and her own self-drive to advance her career. She advises young women entering dentistry to maximize their potential, noting that it is possible to have both a family and a successful career, as she has done while raising her children.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vera
01What do you attribute your success to?
My dad's words that work only gets done if you do it, which taught me consistency. My parents' upbringing, my self-drive to push forward and negotiate, and my mom's example of pushing outside my comfort zone. I attribute it 100% to my upbringing.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have the potential, don't let it go to waste. Maximize it. Do it, do it, do it. Nothing can stop you. You can have a family, you can have kids. I did it through all of it. If you have the potential, just go through it.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is balancing being a mother first while having a career. I became a dentist for my kids but realized I need to be a mother for them. It's hard to put career on hold sometimes but family comes first, and you can always return as long as you stay up-to-date.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith and ethics are the most important. They keep me grounded, treat everyone equally regardless of title or income, and ensure I stay true to my core values so I can sleep well at night without cheating myself for extra success or income.
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