Q. What is your educational and professional background?
A. In 1984 I received my bachelor degree in chemistry from Wayne State University and in 1988 I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I am a current member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), and the Macomb Dental Society (MDS).
Q. Tell us a little bit about your personal interests outside of dentistry.
A. I’ve been married for twenty years and my wife and I have eight children. My faith and my involvement in my catholic church are very important to me as well. I enjoy golf, exercise and running in my spare time.
Q. What is your individual mission as a dentist?
A. To serve and help people to the best of my abilities and to meet my patients’ particular needs.
Q. What new advances in dentistry do you find most exciting?
A. I’m excited about the predictability and placement of dental implants. I also find the use of new technologies such computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in the making of crowns and bridges to be exciting as well.
(The Michigan Dental Association explains that “unlike dentures, which have to be taken in and out, implants are attached directly to the jawbone. Implants are more comfortable to wear than dentures and bridges and they work better, making it easier to chew and speak.” You can visit the MDA’s website at www.SmileMichigan.com for more information about dental implants.)
Q. Which areas of dentistry most interest you and why?
A. I love esthetic dentistry because of the dramatic difference it can make in a person’s self-esteem.
(According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “With dentistry’s many advances, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth.” There are a variety of options available to improve the appearance of your smile including teeth whitening, bonding, enamel shaping, braces, and veneers. You can learn more about cosmetic dentistry by visiting www.ada.org.)
Q. What do you think are some common misconceptions about dentistry?
A. I think the biggest misconception about dentistry is that it has to hurt. This simply isn’t true.
Q. What do members of the public need to know about taking care of their teeth that they probably aren’t aware of?
A. Take care to minimize damaging acids in their mouth caused either by gastric reflux or a poor choice in beverages, such as soda. Certain medications and medical conditions can also dry out saliva and can be very damaging as well.
Q. What is the most recent continuing education course you’ve taken?
A. I participated in an Invisalign study group.
(Invisalign is the clear alternative to traditional wire and metal braces. According to www.Invisalign.com, treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners you switch out about every two weeks in order to gradually shift your teeth into place.)
Q. What type of courses would you like to take in the future and why?
A. I would like to take a course offering a dental materials update because of the many improvements in bonding techniques.
Q. What advice do you give to a fearful or apprehensive patient?
A. To come in and talk to one of our dentists.
Q. What advice do you give your patients for maintaining a healthy smile?
A. Brush, floss, and see a Bright Side Dental dentist regularly!
Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan. Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.