I absolutely love what I do! That may be strange coming from a dentist, but it’s true. A lot of people ask if I became a dentist because my mom is a dentist, and the answer is yes and no. Yes, I don’t know if dentistry as a career would’ve occurred to me if she weren’t a dentist, but she never pushed me into it - never. She knew how hard this job is and that to do well, you have to love it, and I do.
I love getting to change people’s lives. That might sound a little dramatic, but it really is a big part of what I do every day. If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know it can be one of the worst pains you’ve ever experienced. Getting and keeping patients out of pain is one of the most important things I do, and I strive to always be there when they need me.
So many people are scared to go to the dentist. It boggled my mind as a kid, but I understand it better now. Growing up, the sounds of the office never bothered me, and of course I had no problem letting my mom clean my teeth or do a couple of fillings, so it always seemed strange that anyone could be afraid of my mom, all 4’10 of her. I understand now, though, that a dental visit can be intimidating. Most people don’t really know what their dentist is doing, and you’re reclined back, unable to control what’s happening. There's a vulnerability required there as well as a fear of the unknown. This is why I try to always explain every step and make sure my patients know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. I really enjoy patient education, and I’ve had so many patients appreciate the time I take to explain what’s going on. It’s one of the best feelings to have a patient, who started the appointment nervous and hesitant, get out of the chair saying that it was so easy and the best experience they’ve had at the dentist.
Of course, I also love changing the way people view themselves. A smile is one of the first things we notice about others, and if you’re self-conscious about your smile, it can have an enormous impact in your daily life. Whether it’s a small filling to fix a chip on a single tooth, or we’re putting crowns and veneers on 20 teeth, I’m so happy that I get to improve my patients’ smiles and the way they feel about themselves. It’s so fun to see the joy light up in someone’s eyes when they look in the mirror and see their new smile. I love the moment when I know that a patient is going to leave my office feeling better than when they came in, and I’m lucky enough to get to do that every day.