Crickette Inserto: Dentist Extraordinaire

Cristina Inserto is an amazing dentist practicing in Manila, Philippines. I catch up with her as we talk about life and dental health.

Crickette, I love your name. It is unique. Please tell my audience something important about you?

My real name is Cristina but I was nicknamed Crickette by my parents who thought I was too talkative (and noisy) especially at night. If you’ve ever been in a place with crickets, you’ll know they’re pretty loud at night. Anyway, I’ve been a dentist since 2007, and in between my practice, I work as a freelance writer and a Christian missionary. In 2016, God brought me to the mission field, and I realized then that I was made a dentist serving the last, the least, and the lost. To be a channel of God’s love, so that they may get to know him, as I do. Because I sincerely love the Lord.

When did you decide you want to become a dentist? What do you like about it?

I decided I wanted to be a dentist when I was in high school because although I loved all my English classes, I was pretty good at my Science subjects too. At that time, my uncle was starting to be a dentist, and I realized I wanted his life. I was fascinated with the work, but mostly I enjoyed the freedom.

As early as Dentistry school, I already knew I’d made the right choice to pursue Dentistry. I breezed through school as if I was born to do it, and now that I am in private practice, I love the work that I do–and the freedom that comes with it. I love that my work allows me to be travel as a missionary, and do other things I love (such as writing).

I floss daily and brush twice a day. Any other advice for my teeth?

I guess to answer that I’ll have to ask how many fillings you got the last time you visited your dentist? Ha ha. If you are cavity-free then your efforts to keep your smile beautiful and healthy, are working.

The most important advice as a dentist would be to make sure you see your dentist twice a year or every six months because what you see in the mirror is not the whole picture. Also, drink lots of water. Dry mouth causes bacteria to populate and just so you know, our saliva is meant to be a natural cleanser–so hydrate!

I love your blog. How did it come about? Who is your audience? Do you find writing cathartic and a stress reliever from being a dentist?

First of all, thanks. “Things I Have to Say” is not my first blog, actually. I opened my first blog in 2004 but that was more of a Doogie Howser online journal of juvenile concerns. In 2008, I opened “The Drama Queen Can Tell Stories” and I’ve made a comfortable place for myself there for over a decade until I realized it was time for me to take on a new voice.

I was no longer a drama queen, and my stories have changed. Many times, I tried to abandon blogging altogether, but writing is sustenance to me. Ever since I discovered my love for writing, I have needed it like my body needs food.

You write a lot about life…the good…the bad.  I believe no matter what happens, we must see the positive in life.. pls comment?

I wasn’t as bold and honest in my old blog. If ever, my honesty would be masked and filtered. But I realized that my life (along with the hurt and pain) is part of my story. So yes, I write about life, the good and the bad, because no one’s life is PERFECT and mine sure is not. I have learned that acknowledging the bad helps you heal and keeps you resilient. Also, I want to let people know that it’s okay to have bad things in life happen sometimes… and hopefully, they can relate to my stories.

As we get older life happens. Help me understand something challenging you have been through and what have you learned from that situation?

Well, I’ve had my share of challenges. In 2011 I married my long-time boyfriend and a year after, we separated. A real telenovela, my dramatic life can rival great sob stories, but thankfully my tears have dried. That mistake taught me so much, but mostly it was a real lesson on patience. I pushed marrying a man I knew wasn’t right for me, because I felt I was running out of time and I was so intent on maneuvering my life towards an ending I believed was best. Nowadays, I have learned the beauty of surrendering to the Lord, so I don’t worry anymore.

I know you like to talk about food. Name me some good food for the teeth and some that are bad?

Do I? Anyway, I’ll just talk about the BAD and that’s sweets. But really, I tell my patients that sweets aren’t so bad, as long as they brush their teeth after every meal. That’s the truth.

Talk to me about the city you live in, the food scene, famous dishes, and its amazing restaurants?

I’ve lived in Metro Manila most of my life, apart from the two years, when we moved to London. Manila can be so toxic, especially with the traffic, but I love how it’s got everything you need. Philippine food is really a mix of many cuisines, but if you’re going to visit I will definitely make you try street food and I will force-feed you with balut (just Google what it is).

Name me some books you are reading, what are you learning from it and how important is reading for us?

I’m about to finish this book by Sophie Kinsella called, “I Owe You One” and I really love light and easy-reads. Reading was my first love. It was through books that I realized my love for writing. I don’t get to read a lot nowadays, but I always have a book on my bedside table.

God… who is he and how does God make a difference in our lives?

God is my Lord and Savior. He is the author of my life and the captain of my ship. I grew up a Christian, and I always thought I understood what God’s presence in my life really meant, but when I finally grasped the depth of it, my life took breathed a new meaning.

You lead a busy life as a dentist. How do you balance food, faith, finance and family and give my audience some advice on the above.

I’m a brilliant multi-tasker–just kidding. Sometimes I feel I have too much on my plate. But I guess I’m able to manage it all. I am a dentist when I put my white coat on and I see a patient, but all the rest of the time, I have my laptop opened in front of me. Some days, I pack my bags to go to the mountains, and in between all of that, I’m on NETFLIX and AMAZON PRIME. My sisters and I are very close, and they’re my best friends. I think, their presence in my life sets a perfect equilibrium.

Photo Credits: Hana Lopez  Mehran Hadad John Torcasio Ben White  Paweł Czerwiński Andrey Andreyev Prasanna Kumar