I really love the profession of dentistry and periodontics. I find it very rewarding when I can help someone smile with confidence or be able to eat comfortably again. And there is nothing like helping someone beat periodontal disease and prevent tooth loss. But what I really love most about this profession is the people I get to meet, the stories they tell and the opportunity to work with so many great people. I am originally from Southern California. I completed my undergraduate work at Brigham Young University graduating magna cum laude. I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery from the UCLA School of Dentistry. I then completed a residency in periodontics and received a masters degree at the University of Oklahoma. I am a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a part-time clinical instructor in the dental hygiene program at Pima Community College. I attend many continuing education courses and stay current with the ever-advancing field of dentistry.
My wife Loni and I have four children: three girls, Faye, June, Liv; and one boy, Wade. I spend most of my free time with my wife and kids, but I am also an avid basketball fan, and I love the outdoors. I can be found playing basketball, hiking, swimming or jogging in Sabino Canyon.
I liked my family dentist and really liked my orthodontist. They had busy practices and were fun to be around. I thought dentistry would be a rewarding career.I had to give a speech in 8th grade about what I wanted to do when I grew up. As part of my research I remember interviewing our family dentist at his home. He told me, Dentistry is a wonderful profession and I encourage you to pursue it. Take all the math and science you can get and focus on getting good grades. If I had a role model, it was him.
When I got to college, science didnt capture my interest, but literature did. I majored in literature, minored in French and took all the required pre-med courses. I did go on to dental school, but the first year was difficult. A third of my class had masters degrees in some biological science, and there I was, the only guy with a degree in literature. It was tough keeping up with the scientists, but after a year of extra hard work, I had evened the playing field.
Following dental school, I enlisted in the Air Force as a general dentist serving in North Dakota and Guam. Next up was a residency in periodontics at Boston University. I loved Boston with all its intellectual stimulation, but I found myself longing for a warmer climate where I would have more opportunities to play golf and tennis.
So, with little more than a map in hand, I drove to Tucson. In 1983, after working with a group of specialists for 7 years, I opened this practice. Ive been right here ever since, being the best periodontist I can possibly be, loving the hard work, enjoying my staff andmost importantlycaring for my patients as if they were family.
In a recent conversation with a colleague, I explained that what I really want at the end of the day is to look in the rear-view mirror as I drive away from my office and be able to say, Boy I did a great job today!
At Tucson Dental Implants and Periodontics, we have a team of professionals dedicated to your care and to your patient experience. Just as our periodontists have received extensive training, our team members are cross-trained in every job at our office and can help with your treatment and your insurance. We also have team members who speak Spanish to meet the needs of our community. You can meet our team in person and receive personalized implant and periodontal care in Tucson, Arizona, by calling 520-327-0263.
