College students should focus their studies on what interests them, not on what rakes in the most cash, said Dr. Tamara J. Lowe. The long-time Farrell dentist says that many people are going into the medical profession because they think it pays well.

These days doctors aren't making as much money as some would imagine, partly because of medical malpractice insurance and the rising cost of HMOs, she said.

"People shouldn't go into these fields to be wealthy," she said. "(Dentistry) is not a glamorous profession."

Ms. Lowe, who has been a dentist for 18 years, graduated from Villa Maria High School in Erie, did her undergraduate studies at Harvard University and later graduated from Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine -- her father's alma mater -- in 1985. She started out with a three-year apprenticeship at Farrell Dental Clinic before starting her own practice in Farrell with her father.

She considers looking at teeth and having to wear scrubs to work to be part of what makes the profession less than glamorous. People interested in the field have come to watch her work only to decide later that dentistry wasn't for them.

"You have to want to do this," she said. "I really like what I do, but it's hard work, about 80 hours a week."

And with the economy in the shape it's in, people are less likely to get their teeth fixed these days, she said. However, teeth are a part of the body and oral hygiene is important.

"It's something you must do. Include it in your budget. Gum (disease) and heart disease are directly related," she said.

Instead of going to medical school like the rest of her friends, Ms. Lowe followed in the footsteps of her father, who began his dental practice in 1952. Today the pair practice together in the same building. She says he offered her priceless exposure to the field, sparking her interest early on. She credits him as being a great influence on her work.

"I benefited from my father. There were many things he could help me with," she said.

Ms. Lowe feels strongly about African-American issues and says she doesn't want to be perceived as a "black female dentist."

"I want to be acknowledged as a good dentist, not a good black dentist," she said. Speaking as an African-American and a woman, she said she feels it's harder for black women to break through the "glass ceiling" and just as hard for African-Americans in general to break into higher ranks.

When she graduated from Pitt, there were only two black women in her graduating class. The prior class had five black men. She said there are generally fewer than 20 blacks in each class.

"Maybe there aren't enough applicants," she said, noting a reason she believes in affirmative action. When she attended Harvard it cost $13,000 a year, compared to $45,000 now.

If affirmative action helps further someone's education, it's worth it because for years blacks were kept back from reaching their full potential, she said. With the rise in higher education costs, affirmative action also gives some an opportunity to get a foot in the door; it's up to the person to work hard and maintain it, Ms. Lowe said.

As a single, divorced mother, she said she enjoys teaching her 10-year-old son Kenny about the history of the black experience.

"A good college will get you into a good program. I tell young black people to be better than the best and be prepared. Go to a good college and do your best. Don't waste time on courses you don't need and find a good counselor your first year so as not to waste your time and money."

Black people should also have a positive self-image, she said.

"We come from a history of kings," she said. "We should be proud of our heritage and move forward."

Shouldering her own advice, Ms. Lowe works to incorporate newer technology into her office, which can be costly. For many of the procedures she performs, such as extractions, root canals, dentures and other OSHA-compliant services, her high-tech practice uses modern technology; otherwise, she said, she could lose patients to other dentists. She shows DVDs about proper dental care geared specifically toward patients' needs. There's a camera that captures on screen tooth decay and other oral problems, allowing patients to view teeth up close.

Tawana Battles, office manager, knows the office "front and back" and helps Ms. Lowe with software. Ms. Lowe says she is a valuable asset and has worked with her for 14 years.

"She's the chick," Ms. Lowe said. "People come and go, but she's been a staple here."