Most people either loved going to the dentist as a kid—or absolutely hated it. Where did you fall? How come?
I absolutely hated going to the dentist as a kid! I told my dentist at the age of 8 that I would grow up to become a dentist so that I could hurt him the way he hurt me. My horrible childhood experience has made me compassionate with all my patients. I never want anyone to experience what I did in the dental chair as a child.
What (or who) inspired you to get into dentistry? How so?
My horrible childhood experience was my inspiration to become a dentist. I desired to make going to the dentist a pleasant, if not FUN, experience.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my profession is to create an enjoyable experience for patients who otherwise deemed going to the dentist anything but enjoyable. Seeing the fear and anxiety just melt away and to see the smile (often crooked due to anesthesia) at the end of the appointment brings such satisfaction.
What dental stereotype are you most passionate about changing?
The stereotype that going to the dentist is something to dread.
What is the absolute coolest thing about the human mouth?
I think the tongue is the coolest thing about the mouth. One characteristic is that It can be regarded to as the "guardian" of the mouth. Any changes that occur in the mouth whether it be a chipped tooth, pizza burn, new crown; it's checking out these new things. The tongue also can be hairy, bald, or geographic. The tongue can also be strong or lazy.
What’s something that really, really, really makes you smile? Like, really?
The fact that I am a child of GOD and am loved by HIM!