Dentistry is my lifes work and Im called to do it the best I can. I come from a legacy of great, caring men, who just happen to be dentists. My grandfather, Walter Nock, graduated from Northwestern Dental School and started his practice in Chicago. He understood the connection between oral health and overall body health before it was widely known and emphasized in the practice of dentistry.
My father, Walter Nock, Jr. also graduated from Northwestern Dental School but fell in love with the Colorado mountains and decided to start his dental career and family in Denver. Being around that environment influenced my decision to become a dentist and I am honored to be carrying on that legacy.
As a dentist, I am most passionate about improving my patients health and changing their smiles. I like seeing people become healthier as they become more proactive in improving their oral hygiene. Of course, changing peoples smiles is very gratifying, too. I love to see my patients new, healthy smiles after theyve spent years hiding behind an unhealthy one.
Each of my patients is special to me. I like them and respect them as individuals, and the process of getting to know them, as we share stories about our lives and I learn about their experiences and dreams, is extraordinarily rewarding. They have placed great trust in me, as their dental care professional, and I take that responsibility seriously, but I also enjoy the one-on-one rapport that develops and look forward to their visits.
I have an undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from Dana College, which was a small Lutheran college in Blair, Nebraska. My Doctorate of Dental Surgery was earned at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1991. Additionally, I actively seek out continuing education opportunities in dentistry, knowing that the ever-evolving field demands my attention so I am able to continually improve the care I offer to my patients. I regularly attend conferences, lectures and seminars, and am an active member of the following groups, through which I expand my professional knowledge:
I was born and raised in Denver but now call Castle Pines my home. My wife CiCi and I have been married for more than 25 years. We have two children: our son, Jackson, is currently a 3rd year Law Student at the University of Georgia and our daughter, Ashley, is working as a math teacher at the Amazima School in Jinja, Uganda.
We have great patients in our practice and I enjoy talking to all of them. Weve had so many generations of families come through our doors, so its great to catch up on how all the family members are doing. I love hearing about the kids and grandkids and whats going on in peoples lives. We are proud of the patients in our practice and we sincerely feel like our patients are part of our family and that it is a privilege to serve them.
As the office manager, my main priority is to build relationships with our patients and to help create an environment that is comfortable, pleasant and stress free. Im usually the person who answers your call and Im responsible for keeping the office running smoothly. Dr. Richard and I have been married for more than 25 years and have two incredible children. We are both proud to say we are Colorado natives and in my personal time I enjoy walking the hills in my neighborhood, skiing and reading.
Ive worked with Nock Dental Group for over 30 years and each day I get to help some of the best people in the world: our patients! Even if they come in a little scared, they soon relax and are smiling, because ours is a comfortable, welcoming office, full of happy and supportive staff. I have two primary job assignments, so you might see me at the front desk, where I welcome you and help you check in, or you might find me in a treatment area, assisting Dr. Nock as he cares for you. I also do some of our lab work, so I keep very busy. In my personal life, I have two daughters and a son. Both of my daughters are married and have given me a total of three beautiful, wonderful grandchildren. I have a bird named Phoenix who is very entertaining and I love my yard and garden.
Because I assist Dr. Nock as he sees our patients, I get to know each of them quite well and look forward to their visits. They always have interesting stories to tell and I learn something new most every day. In addition to providing chairside assistance, I also take X-rays and perform some of the in-office laboratory work. Away from the office, I love to walk and spend time with my remarkable grandson.
Working with our patients and my fellow team members makes my days a joy. From my first day at this office, my saying has been, These are the nicest and best folks, ever! I still believe that. As a dental hygienist, I spend much of my time helping our patients understand how best to maintain great oral health between visits and performing their cleanings, too. Because I like to stay busy, Im willing to take on anything that needs doing around here, including shoveling the snow from our entryway! That passion for movement extends to my life outside of work. I love living in Colorado and being on a small, five-acre ranch with a view of the Rockies. I enjoy hiking, skiing, running, and gardening, as well as watching outdoor sporting activities. My husband Terrence and I are empty nesters, with our son being off at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. I also am a delegate to the Metro Denver Dental Hygienists Association and participate in numerous continuing education courses through the year.
While I truly love all aspects of my job, I have to say that the time spent with our patients is the most rewarding and enjoyable. I love seeing them become interested in how to best care for their oral health at home and a lot of my work involves patient education. I also take care of many of our maintenance visits, performing gentle and thorough cleanings. Something interesting about me? I thoroughly addicted to golf and I love it!
