Dr. Walter Wang

Most people either loved going to the dentist as a kid—or absolutely hated it. Where did you fall? How come?

Growing up with my father as an orthodontist in China, I have always found going to dentist to be an educational experience. Not only did I get my teeth cleaned and checked, but I also learned how to bend wires for retainers. I realized that I liked the combination of art, education, and working with my hands, so I decided to go into dentistry too!

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to help patients see the possibility of dentistry beyond what the public normally perceives.

What famous person (alive or dead) is your dream dental patient? Why?

I would treat George Washington and make him a new set of dentures (that fit!) or offer him the possibility of dental implants — he would have been beaming on his presidential portrait.

What’s your dream toothpaste flavor?

Kiwi guava

What’s something your patients might be surprised to learn about you?

I'm really good at Chinese calligraphy, and I can write your name in Chinese characters if you want.

How do you recharge after a long week? What’s your go-to activity for hitting the restart button?

Other than hitting the gym daily, I like making whiskey-based cocktails and trying out different speakeasys in the city.

What dental stereotype are you most passionate about changing?

That dentistry is merely pain and discomfort...it can actually be life changing for the better.

What is the absolute coolest thing about the human mouth?

Our back teeth have 9 times more of biting force than our front teeth!

In another life, if you weren’t working in dentistry, what would you be doing?

An entrepreneur, a designer for Nike sneakers, or a professional soccer player.

When I’m in the patient chair, I’m probably grooving to {blank} in my headphones.

Hans Zimmer

What’s something that really, really, really makes you smile? Like, really?

Being home and spending time with my family