A Fireside Chat with Dr. Angela Russo

“It can be challenging to meet someone for the very first time at their most vulnerable, but it’s also a huge opportunity to offer life-changing care.” - Dr. Angela Russo

Dr. Angela Russo joined SMOMS in the summer of 2024 after serving the dental communities of Maine and New York since 2013. 

Q: What inspired you to enter the oral surgery field?

Dr. Russo: When I was studying in dental school, I spent some time working with the oral surgeons in clinic. I felt that of all the specialties, oral surgery had the biggest impact on patient care and pain management. They were truly changing the lives of patients! They really inspired me with their confidence and skill set–it was something I wanted to achieve too. 

Q: What was the first surgery you performed? 

Dr. Russo: Well an orthognathic procedure was the first one I ever watched and that was interesting. But the first one I performed was a simple extraction!

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job? 

Dr. Russo: When patients come to us, they are often in their most vulnerable position. They can be scared, uncomfortable, and in a lot of pain. It can be challenging to meet someone for the very first time at their most vulnerable, but it’s also a huge opportunity to offer life-changing care.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Dr. Russo: It’s a lot of fun when we have pediatric cases because I enjoy interacting with kids. No matter the age, I love helping patients overcome–or avoid–dental trauma. When you can take someone who has a lot of fear surrounding dentistry and give them a really great experience, you can completely change their outlook. 

Q: Do you have a favorite surgery to perform?

Dr. Russo: I think trauma management cases are really challenging because of their scope–and that makes them my favorite. We’re using our entire skill set with those cases. 

Q: How does your career impact the way you see the world?

Dr. Russo: I see healthcare as a basic need for people of all ages. After having practiced in different regions of this country and doing dental outreach missions in Africa, I've seen first-hand that basic dental needs are not being met for some people --- let alone treatment for pathology, congenital abnormalities, and trauma. I see the oral surgery field having to do a lot of work to catch up to the need. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in joining SMOMS? 

Dr. Russo: I’m so excited to be collaborating with a big group of surgeons. I really enjoy sharing cases and getting and giving feedback on different approaches with different patients. I believe patients receive the best care when you have a lot of different, talented minds working through their unique needs. All of the surgeons here are great, and I’m happy to be a part of the team.

Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Dr. Russo: An actress! I loved old Audrey Hepburn movies. I wanted to sing and dance–anything on stage. But then I realized my talents weren’t with singing or dancing. I still love Audrey Hepburn, though.