Alumna with small-town roots has statewide impact

With a passion for patient care and a commitment to the profession, Susan Putthoff, DDS, FAGD, has made her mark in the field of dentistry. After earning her dental degree at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 2010 and completing her residency with the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, Putthoff embarked on a journey that would see her become a dedicated and recognized leader in the state’s dental community.

Finding her path

Putthoff’s path to dentistry was somewhat serendipitous. Initially working as a chemist after college, she was unsure of her career direction until a college friend suggested dental school.

Through her own admission, she struggled her first couple of years and began to feel dentistry wasn’t the right choice for her. She missed the science and problem-solving aspect that chemistry had provided. That was before she found herself doing research in the lab of Kenneth Hargreaves, DDS, PhD. 

“To be involved in that helped a lot. It fulfilled that sense that I was missing something,” Putthoff said. “Then we got into clinicals our third year and that’s when I realized there was a lot of problem solving in dentistry, so I really began to enjoy it a lot more.”

Though she eventually grew more content with her career choice, the challenge of meeting competency requirements loomed large.

“I’d say I still struggled a bit during my third year because I wasn’t getting the cases required. I just had some really odd cases, so I’d be so stressed in the last week of school because I still needed a partial,” she laughed recalling the moment.

In hindsight, those challenges proved to be invaluable.

“Having those different types of cases during my third year really helped me during fourth year and in my residency,” she said. “By then, I had done a lot of things, seen a lot of things and messed up a lot of things that my peers hadn’t, so it made me a better dentist.”

Embracing small-town life

Putthoff’s early career took her to Dallas, where she worked in private practice, juggling multiple part-time positions at different practices to observe the operation styles of various clinics. This experience allowed her to develop a unique approach to patient care, which eventually earned her the title of New Dentist of the Year by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD) in 2017, a recognition that came at a pivotal moment in her life. 

“It was humbling,” she said, “especially because the other nominees were phenomenal. It gave me the reenergizing push I needed during a challenging time both professionally and personally.”

Today, Putthoff is deeply rooted in her Kerrville, Texas, community, where she operates her own private practice. Having grown up in a small town, she always knew she wanted to return to a similar environment to raise her family. 

“I enjoy being in a smaller community where I can truly get to know my patients. They’re not just names on a chart; I know their stories, and they know mine,” she said. 

Practicing in Kerrville has also allowed her to hone her skills in geriatric dentistry, a field she said she has grown to deeply appreciate.

Your voice matters

As a dedicated advocate for organized dentistry, Putthoff has held numerous leadership roles, including chairing the 2024 Council on Annual Session for the Texas Dental Association (TDA), where she oversaw logistics for the state’s largest dental meeting. Her advocacy work is also notable; she currently serves as the advocacy chair for the TAGD and represents her component in the TDA.

When asked for any advice she might have for new graduates, her response was simple yet profound: “Join organized dentistry and get involved. Dentistry can be kind of lonely, especially if you’re in a private practice. Meeting people from all over the state has allowed me to reach out to others when I need advice. You meet people who actually pick up the phone when you need them.”

In a parting word, Putthoff emphasized the importance of staying active in the dental community. 

“You can make an impact just by going to the meeting,” Putthoff advised. “I know it’s hard when you’re working a lot and you don’t feel like you have the time, but speak to the members, raise your issues because your perspective is important both locally and beyond. Don’t be afraid to speak up because your voice matters.”