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Hello David,
Thank you for taking some time out of your
schedule to talk to us.
What brought you to this conference?
I'm currently in the early planning stages
for a non-profit foundation dealing with pediatric dentistry and
this conference has given me some remarkable insights into the
European dental system and preventative care for children.
What made you become a dentist?
Actually, this was all my mothers fault. She
noticed early on that I was very good with my hands and so when
the time came to decide which way to go after college, she always
encouraged me to get good grades and work hard on my term papers
to be able to study dentistry. I think all she wanted was a
dentist in the family.
And did you follow her advice?
Well, obviously I did. I finished college in
Charleston, SC and continued my education there, at the Medical
University of SC where I graduated as a Doctor of Dental Medicine
in 1985
What do you like most about being a
dentist?
As corny as it might sound, I love all of it.
I consider myself blessed to wake up in the morning to work in a
profession I truly love and help my patients. Dentistry to me is
like a canvas to an artist. I enjoy the creative process of being
a dentist, the craftsmanship and the challenges that I have to
face every day. It’s always new, never boring and it
continuously challenges me to be on top of my game.
Please describe for our readers the two
most important customer service concepts you've implemented in your
practice.
Number 1: We Listen! Oftentimes patients feel
rushed and ignored when they go to a doctor's office? We
understand that feeling. That's why, at our office, we make it a
daily commitment to listen to our patients needs. Come and visit
us, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Number 2: “We are gentle!”
The most important issue in our approach to dentistry is
gentleness. The main factor is taking time to be gentle and
careful. We're not under any constraints to rush through a certain
quota of patients in order to meet our "production
goal". We like to take our time, do a terrific job on your
teeth, and get to know you as a patient and as a friend. It's
important that you, as the client, have the ultimate decision to
choose to (1) do nothing, (2) to do some of the dentistry we
recommend, or (3) to complete all of the fine dentistry that we
feel is ideal for you!"
David, I know you are happily married and a
father of three. I assume my next question is one, you have asked
yourself a few times over the years. Many children are frightened to go to the
dentist. What should parents do to reduce the anxiety and the fear
in their kids?
My best advice is very simple: “Don’t
wait until it hurts!” in other words, bring children for
preventative care, let them experience a visit to the dentist as
something positive, non-threatening and even humorous or
entertaining. Try, under all circumstances, to be positive about
it. Under no circumstances relate to your own experiences as
painful, hurting or even nightmarish.
That’s a good point right there, David.
It’s not only the children that are afraid of the visit to the
dentist. There are many adults that freak just thinking about it.
How does your practice deal with fear in
adult patients?
First of all my staff has received
specialized training for situations like the one you described. We
are prepared to treat patients adult or juvenile with any fear
level. The main tool for us overcoming these fears are different
sedation methods, reducing anxiety and limiting pain to a point
where the patient may not even remember going to the dentist. We have pills that the patient can take while
he’s still at home and they will help to get him “through the
door”.
We can follow up with conscious sedation
methods that are safe and very effective and oftentimes help
patients to overcome their anxieties for good. We had one patient
who used the full “anxiety package” once and decided after
that, that visiting the dentist wasn’t half as bad as she
thought. She never needed any special sedation again.
“Going to the dentist is way too
expensive!” – how do you respond to a remark like that?
Once again, it’s all about timing. If you
want to avoid high dental costs, make dental hygiene and
preventative visits to your dentist the cornerstones of your
dental routine.
Preventative dentistry is not costly. Just
look at our EasySmile program. Get all the preventative treatments
for a year, for less than a cup of coffee a day. That’s a small
price to pay knowing you can avoid high bills and unforeseen
problems in the future.
It’s sad to see that some people invest
more money in having their car detailed than into their dental
hygiene and prevention.
What is your take on the new wave of
“dental makeovers”?
Well, what you see on TV is usually the top
of the line, A+ treatment. In a poker round you would say:
“I’m all in!”
That being said, targeted dental makeovers
are a viable option for many patients, because they can make a big
difference in the life of the individual person. If you look into
cosmetic procedures like veneers, bleaching or orthodontics there are numerous financing options available that allow almost
everyone to pursue this route.
You told us about your love for dentistry.
Here’s a follow-up question for you. If you could take some time
off to learn something new in the field of dentistry, what topic
would you like to pursue?
I plan to learn more in the area of dental
implants. Implants have evolved from an experimental procedure to a
fully recognized and predictable treatment option. Although there are many ways to
replace tooth crowns, only dental implants can replace the entire
tooth including both crown and root. Dental implants look, feel
and function like your own natural teeth and
eliminate the pain and discomfort of
removable full or partial dentures.
Last question David. What does a
“work-loving” dentist do for relaxation?
I know you’ll laugh when I tell you –
it’s such a cliché. I love to play golf. But I played golf even before I became a
dentist. I actually thought at one time I could become a pro, but
after Tiger Woods entered the game I decided to follow my moms
advice (laughs).
Thank you for this interview.
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