Dentist Dr David Adams tapped creativity in starting line of oral care products
After graduating from Brickdam Secondary School, David Adams enrolled at the University of Guyana to pursue a degree in biology. Initially harbouring aspirations of entering the field of medicine or dentistry, he aimed to transition into one of these areas after completing his first year. On his application, medicine was listed as his first choice and dentistry second. However, upon assessment, his grades fell short, resulting in his application being declined for both programmes. Adams attributed this setback to his own lack of discipline and admitted to struggling to adapt to the university’s culture.
Despite the disappointment, Adams didn’t dwell on failure; instead, he viewed it as motivation to improve. Recognising the importance of discipline in achieving success, he closely observed a peer who exemplified this trait. This fellow student was consistently dedicated to his studies, prioritising them over social invitations without hesitation. Inspired by this peer’s disciplined approach, Adams engaged him in conversation, during which the peer shared a quote often attributed to the Greek philosopher Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.”
This quote resonated with Adams and became a guiding principle in his pursuit of excellence. He acknowledges its enduring influence in his life, serving as a reminder of the importance of consistent effort and dedication. In his second year, Adams made the decision to shift his focus to chemistry. This time, he applied himself, resulting in a significantly higher Grade Point Average. He applied for admission once again, with dentistry as his primary choice and medicine as his backup. This time, his efforts bore fruit, and he was accepted into the dentistry programme. Reflecting on his choice, Adams realised that pursuing medicine would demand an even greater level of commitment; doctors often face rigorous schedules and are constantly oncall—a lifestyle that didn’t align with his personal preferences and aspirations. Having opted for dentistry, he said, he appreciated the balance it offered between academic rigour and flexibility to have a more fulfilling personal life. Moreover, he saw dentistry as a field where his artistic inclinations could flourish. Drawing parallels to his own creative pursuits in sculpting and painting, Adams said, “Dentistry is where the arts meet the science.”
To him, dentistry represented more than just clinical procedures—it was an opportunity to enhance people’s smiles and selfconfidence through cosmetic interventions. He viewed his work as a transformative process, akin to sculpting or painting, where he could bring about positive changes in his patients’ lives through both technical skill and artistic vision.
In 2016, Adams embarked on his medical education, dedicating three years to general medicine before transitioning to specialise in dentistry for the remaining two years. Describing this journey as bitter-sweet, he recognised it as a pivotal period of personal growth. Amidst the challenges, he forged lasting friendships and discovered his leadership potential, ultimately serving as the president of the University of Guyana’s School of Dentistry Association.
His tenure as a student leader illuminated his capacity for leadership, prompting him to actively seek out opportunities for further professional and personal development. Eager to expand his horizons, he began exploring overseas educational programmes and opportunities. It was during this time that he crystallised his ambition to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Driven by a desire to combine his professional growth with meaningful service, Adams conceived the idea of “travelling with a purpose.” His research led him to discover two organisations in the Dominican Republic—Revive Mission Retreat and Bright Island Outreach—both dedicated to serving underprivileged communities and fostering collaboration among medical professionals from around the world.
Each year, Adams travels to the Dominican Republic to participate in these programmes, which not only allow him to give back but also provide invaluable opportunities to further hone his skills as a dentist. Through these experiences, he continues to expand his expertise while making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Adams’ exceptional skills and leadership potential caught the attention of Principal Dental Surgeon of the country Dr Marvin Monize, who encouraged him to apply for and eventually lead the Dental Department at Skeldon Hospital—a role he has held since 2021. Additionally, Dr Dina Harlequin, a dentist, mentor, lecturer (she taught him oral surgery, introduction to dentistry and oral anaesthesia), and neighbour, played a significant role in motivating him to pursue his career aspirations. Transitioning to Skeldon marked a significant change in Adams’ life. Despite assuming a leadership position, he found himself grappling with his newfound independence, having been previously reliant on his parents while living miles away from his home on Norton Street, Georgetown.
Adjusting to this new reality, Adams had to acquire essential life skills, including cooking for his sustenance. Often turning to YouTube tutorials for recipes such as curry and bora, or seeking guidance from his mother over the phone, he likened the experience to being thrown into the ocean and learning to swim on his own.
Adams did not always have a thriving career and had experienced a period of unemployment that left him feeling frustrated and stagnant. After several months of being at home without the opportunity to earn, he began to feel disheartened. It was during an outing to the seawall with his friend, Dr Jewel Corbin, who had also studied at the University of Guyana with him, that an idea emerged.
As they sat together, munching on hot dogs and pondering their own paths in comparison to those seemingly more advanced, Corbin floated the idea of launching a business. Adams, initially unimpressed, jokingly reminisced, “besides, wha’ I gon do? I just come out of dental school. Wha’ you waan I do, sell toothbrush?” He chuckled at the memory. He vividly remembered Corbin’s retort, ‘Wha’ wrong with selling toothbrush?’
“Jewel, I am never selling toothbrush. Wha’ I doing selling toothbrush? Everybody is go supermarket and buy dey own Oral-B toothbrush,” he recalled responding. “Wha’ I coming and do…buy back Oral-B toothbrush to sell it back? I would never do that.”
Adams said the discussion ended there. Then, as they cruised along the seawall, they delved into a conversation about the area’s cleanliness and the pervasive plastic pollution. Adams, drawing from his travels, noted the prevalence of eco-friendly products like bamboo straws and toothbrushes. He chuckled, recalling his friend’s interjection, ‘Why you don’t start a toothbrush business that is bamboo related?’
“Girl, nobody nah gon buy duh,” was his terse response. He laughed as he recalled the moment. As he journeyed home, an idea sparked within him: the notion of selling eco-friendly dental products. He contemplated its viability, seeking guidance from his faith through prayer. With resolve, he delved into research and introduced a selection of toothbrushes, witnessing a promising uptick in business.
Driven by the desire for diversification, he embarked on further exploration. To his surprise, he discovered a gap in the market: no Guyanese dentist had pioneered their own oral care line. Drawing from his training, which included the art of crafting toothpaste and mouthwashes, he envisioned creating his own line of products. Crucially, he aimed for them to be both environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Among his repertoire, one standout item emerged: Oil Pulling Therapy, a sustainable mouthwash renowned for its plaque-reducing properties and gum-health benefits. This innovative creation garnered acclaim and became a best-seller for his business. Now 26 years old, while Adams specialises in oral care, he holds firm to the belief that self-care should encompass a holistic approach. Frequently indulging in solo outings, particularly to the movies, restaurants, and cafes, he finds solace and rejuvenation in these moments. Cafes, in particular, hold a special allure for him, offering a space to unwind, recharge and form networks.
He champions the notion that such simple pleasures imbue life with meaning and vitality. “I really feel that in order to pour into other people’s lives and really do your best in your gift, then you have to be filled,” he shared earnestly. “Whether that is emotionally, mentally… we all have so much things going on and we are all just trying to manage and survive but it is very important that you prioritise yourself.”