As a non-traditional student, my journey to dentistry has been an unlikely one. I spent much of my twenties resisting conventional societal roles, being responsible only for myself. Adventurous with an insatiable zest for life, but with no real calling, I dropped out of college at nineteen and sold all of my belongings to buy a ticket around the world. I felt compelled to experience life outside of the United States and explore communities of varying socio-economic statuses, religions and cultures. Living in eighteen countries over six years, I quickly built relationships with locals and found myself welcomed into homes and communities everywhere I went.
My time submerged in third world countries taught me to appreciate many things: good hygiene, access to quality medical and dental care, community relationships, and the power of personal interactions.
In the midst of my wifes battle with cancer, I established my business here in Memphis. I built, marketed, and operated a successful and profitable carpet cleaning business for over seven years, amassing more than 5,000 loyal clients. Servicing their homes and seeing the smiles on their faces was rewarding. As clients learned of my wifes fight and asked questions, I found myself sharing our story and discussing HPV and its link to cancer. I also found a great sense of accomplishment in informing others about the need for preventive care. Through these conversations, and my experiences with my wifes diagnosis, treatment and recovery, I knew I had more to give my community than clean carpets. I discovered that I wanted to be a part of the medical community.
My research to discover precisely what I wanted to do began. As dentists have been a part of my wifes family for generations, I took advantage of my familial contacts and shadowed several practitioners with varying focuses. After my first week of seeing cavities filled, chipped teeth fixed, and dentures placed, followed by the smiles on the newly confident faces, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the dental community.
My first experience shadowing took me back to my time on the island of Gili Meno in South Indonesia. Each morning I got up, ate banana pancakes, and played in the ocean with the local kids. There were two young, adorable sisters who were both very shy. They religiously covered their mouths when they ate or talked, shielding their crooked and decaying teeth from sight. I wanted so much to help them, but I had no dental skills. So instead, I learned words to express beauty in their language.
When I engaged them, I used these words to build their confidence. Eventually, they put their hands down and showed me their smiles. It was tremendous to watch the transformation in these girls and to see how much more outgoing they became from our interactions and their newfound confidence.
With a never before felt drive and a passion for a profession that I one day hoped to call my own, I returned home from my shadowing experiences, sold my company, and immersed myself into life as a full-time student. My desire to better my life and the lives of my family members, including my four beautiful children; my desire to serve my community and improve the lives of my neighbors, peers, and friends; my desire to make a positive impact on my small corner of the world; and my passion for the field of dentistry have led me to the dental profession.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 418 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJay Bee
a year ago
Everyone is super nice and professional. They were Very thorough and explained everything really well. There was almost no wait and I was seen right at my appointment time.
Derrick Anderson
a year ago
Arlington Dental has amazing people working there. They care about your smile as well as you as a person. It's very family oriented and I would give them ten stars if I could. Also Hailey was amazing and took great care of me. Thank yall so much for a brighter smile.
Big Papa Fili
a year ago
Awesome Dr. And awesome staff. I loved it.
Melvin Summerville
a year ago
Staff is very nice and professional. It is always nice to visit a dentist office and leave feeling you are person and not a number.
Curtis Simmons
a year ago
I really felt comfortable at Arlington Dental the atmosphere was very good !
Laquesa Earley
a year ago
Dr. Whitlock and the ladies in the office are the BEST EVER...I love this office ..they make you feel so comfortable and are so easygoing ...also affordable
Nikki D
a year ago
I had my first visit with this dental office recently. I am SO GLAD that I made the decision to leave my old practice and make Arlington Dental my new dental home. From the front desk to the hygienists to the dentist everyone was so kind and friendly. The office was clean, modern, everyone was helpful, and I felt very comfortable and welcomed. They also made me feel my dental concerns weren't as bad as I had thought and other dentists had made them out to be. They seem confident that they can help me have the smile I have only dared dream about. I am hopeful after this first visit and look forward to more care! Update: Y'all, I have about 2 months left to go with Invisalign and when I tell you my entire smile has been transformed.It's amazing. I'm very happy.
Savanna Gifford
a year ago
I have so many wonderful things to say about Arlington Dental! I honestly have never experienced this level of care with any dental practice. Every single employee I talked with was friendly and helpful. During my x-rays and photographs, they shared the photos on a TV and explained everything. This helped me fully understand what their findings were and their transparency put me at ease. Thank you guys for going above and beyond!
Debra Nakatsumi
a year ago
The dentist and all the girls are absolutely great. I had a bridge on my front teeth and it came out absolutely wonderful it's better than I've had for years. I definitely would recommend this office.
Sean Patton
a year ago
New to Memphis. Came here based off reviews. They did not disappoint. Honestly one of the best dental experiences I have had.
L Gibson
a year ago
He is simply the best! I just love him and his staff. He is so down to earth and it feels like you are surrounded by family.
Lexus Johnson
a year ago
Oh I love them and I genuinely feel cared for by them! They are very quick, attentive, caring, and understanding. Definitely thorough and honest.
Teresa Short
a year ago
Dr. Whitlock and his group of hygienist make you feel so comfortable. There is not a time that I haven't gone in there and had a good laugh. They are the best!
Adam Scott
a year ago
Prompt scheduling, reasonable price, and did a very good job fixing my tooth the same day as initial consultation.
B
a year ago
I love Stephanie and Dr. Whitlock! Amazing Denistry!
alfred robinson
a year ago
Always great service never dissatisfied.
Ovetta White (Dee Dee)
a year ago
Today l had appointment with Arlington. These are the nice group of people's and they are so kind and always smile no matter what. They treated you like you are part of the family. What l love about this place, Most Dental are about the money. This Dental right here is about the patient. I love his spirit and l love the way he treats everyone. He is the same every time l see him. But l going give you some advice, if you want a health mouth and the true, he going tell you and he going seat down and talk about it with you. The decision is your. He a man of God and he walk and live it. He is a family man that loves his family. Please go visit Arlington and see what l talking about.
Phyllis Curtis
a year ago
Today was another great visit at the dentist. I had to get a crown put back on and he took great care of me. I love Stephanie too. She assisted him.
Kendrick Gaines
a year ago
Great work Dental Hygienist
Naima Naima
a year ago
Excellent service!
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