Why I Became a Dentist – or more importantly, since I am free to choose, why do I continue to be a Dentist?
From a young age I wanted to do something worthwhile that would help people. I had two dentists as a child and they were both kind and gentle men; I wanted to be like them. In addition, being healthy and feeling good about yourself are two things that are vitally important; if we are not healthy then we simply are not free to be the best that God intended us to be. Likewise, having a great looking smile goes along with feeling good about yourself, so the combination of these things was obvious to me: become a Dental Health Coach since great teeth make for a better life.
Mom was a nurse and Dad was a university administrator. I grew up in Athens, Ohio and attended Ohio University, where I met my future wife, Charlotte. After graduating from Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta in 1983, we settled in Ohio to be closer to our families. After being mentored by another dentist for several years, I bought my practice in Fairfield and have been serving people from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky ever since.
1993 brought about a crossroad in my life: a fire totally destroyed my office. The question came up as to whether I should rebuild the practice and continue practicing dentistry or should I take the opportunity to change careers? After a great deal of soul-searching and praying, God clearly confirmed for me that his intention for me is to be the finest dentist I can be in order to help serve his people. There it was again, only this time it was a bit more intentional than when I was a youngster: become a Dental Health Coach since great teeth make for a better, healthier life. So actually, dentistry is not just in my mind or my hands; it’s clearly in my heart. Since that event in 1993, dentistry has not been my job. It has not been my vocation. Rather, it is my calling.
Education
- Ohio University 1979
- Emory University School of Dentistry 1983
- Schuster Center for Professional Development 1991-present; studying under Dr. Michael Schuster
- Perpetual student
- Appointed as a Mentor for other dentists in their journeys, both personal and professional
- The Dawson Academy: studied under Dr. John Cranham
- Achieved Scholar status
- Director of The Dawson Academy Study Club Cincinnati
- Louisiana State University School of Dentistry Cosmetic Continuum; studied under Dr. Jimmy Eubank
- OBI Foundation of Bioesthetic Dentistry Level 4 “Advanced Bioesthetic Rejuvenation” Graduate – completed all 4 levels of training at the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry which focuses on complete dental restorative treatment for patients who have (TMJ) temporomandibular joint issues.
I believe strongly in continuing education and continue to better myself and my team by averaging more than 80 hours of continuing education each year.
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- OraVital Certified Provider
- BioClear Certified Provider
- ClearCorrect Provider
- Keely Dental Society of Butler County
- Seattle Study Club
- Southwest Ohio Dental Seminar
- American Dental Association
- Ohio Dental Association
OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry Level 4 “Advanced Bioesthetic Rejuvenation” Graduate
Over the years, I developed a special interest in helping patients who suffer from TMJ disorders, bite problems, muscle pain, facial pain, headache pain, and a jaw system that is simply dis-functional. I wanted to be able to better help my patients and I wanted to be able to do more for them to bring health, wellness, and vitality back to their life. As a lifelong learner I believe strongly in continuing education.
In 2017, I began the journey to further advance my skills in the “Diagnosis” and “Treatment” of complex patient cases involving degenerating chewing systems using Bioesthetic Principles, and began training at the OBI (Orognathic Bioesthetics International) Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry, which focuses on complete dental restorative treatment for patients who have (TMJ) temporomandibular joint issues.
I have completed all 4 levels of training at the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry and during that time I had the privilege of studying under Doctors Michael Edwards, Sue Vetter, Christina Sletten, William Gerace, David MacLean and Richard Christensen.
The advanced technical ability to provide Bioesthetic Dentistry after achieving Level 4 at the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry is shared by less than 500 dentists worldwide.
I’m truly excited about the new opportunities from achieving the Level 4 training curriculum and look forward to treating complex patient cases involving degenerating chewing systems and creating beautiful new teeth that function properly and look amazing.
About Our Family and My Personal Hobbies
Our Family and My Hobbies
My wife Charlotte earned her PhD and three Master’s degrees. Her calling has been Marketing Research. Our daughter, Erin, was called to be a veterinarian and a mother; she and her husband Ron are raising our two grandchildren locally. Our son, Max, was called to be a financial planner living with his wife Katherine in Atlanta.
Time with family (especially with the grandkids), golf, tennis, ballroom dancing, reading and trumpet playing (yes, I am a proud alumnus of the Most Exciting Band in the Land, the Ohio University Marching 110!)
I am involved with my church and dedicated to helping people create and enjoy long-term health.
“Promise Yourself” by Author Unknown
“Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too mobile for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.”