In my 25 years of practicing dentistry, there is one thing that I have found to be true of people. People hate the dentist. There are so many reasons for this, and Im sure, if you are reading this, you havea fewof your own. Some have had horrific dental experiences, some people just dont feel like they can get numb. Others mistrust the dentist and feel that unnecessary work has been done in the past.Many are embarrassed that they havent been to the dentist in years,orare just scared of needles. And finally, its the ever present financial issue - I just dont have enough money to pay for this.
I have heard all of these concerns and I get it. I have been blessed with success in the field of dentistry because of my ability to listen to the concerns of each of my patients and move forward in a way that assures everyone is pleased.
Dentistry is not just about teeth, dentistry is about people. Dentistry is about the connection between your teeth and the rest of you. Dentistry is, or at least should be, about providing care that improves your overall health and well being. And the challenge of dentistry is to provide it in acomfortable and caringway. A way that might even make you, shockingly, enjoy your visit to the dentist.
The best way to accomplish thosechallenges is to focus on you, our patient, and give you the time you deserve. For some people that means that we take the time to talk about the connections between oral health and systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. For other people it means taking the time to talk about anxiety and understand how we can make you more at ease. For all of our patients it means taking the time to discuss what your needs are and how we are going to address them.
Myaim is to put aside any of the fears or mistrust you have with the dentist. I know that we cant be everything to everyone but that is not going to stop me or mystaff from trying. Once you come into our practice, you soon see that you are the most important person to me and all the amazing people with whom I surround myself.
Iwas born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area andearned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology at the University of California, Davis. Upon completion ofmy Bachelors Degree,I attended the University of California,San Francisco,School of Dentistry whereIearnedmy Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree.While attending dental school full time, Ialso workedformy anatomy professor to support myself(askme aboutmy cadaver stories).
Next,I made the move to Southern California to be withmy college sweetheart, Charmaine. Working first in Ventura, andthen purchasingmyoffice in beautiful Simi Valley. After all these years in practice,Iam still excited aboutmyworkand updatemyknowledge by attending numerous continuing education programs yearly to stay abreast of the latest developments in dentistry andoral health.