I have been around dentistry my entire life. My dad graduated from Emory dental school when I was born, and I grew up in his practice. By the time I was 12 the staff put makeup on me and had me filing and answering the phone. By 15 I was helping clinically with patient care.
When I went to dental school I found it hard to believe there were kids there who had never worked in dentistry. Why would anyone think to do this for a living? I find it a rewarding way to help people be healthier, by sharing information and techniques to actually providing treatments they can’t do themselves.
If you weren’t a dentist, what else would you want to be?
Environmental issues are my passion. If I wasn’t a dentist I would like to be involved in public policy. There is so much we can achieve as an organized society through government and NGOs.
I am going green in my practice. Reducing the number of disposable products and using earth friendly chemicals. Digital technology reduces our need for chemicals.
What are some of your hobbies?
Hiking and reading. This summer I enjoyed “Eat, Love, Pray,” Nudge, Daniel Pink and Thomas Friedman books. I just started “Little Bee,” and I’m in middle of the Dragon Tattoo series.
Any children?
Jason and Steven are twins, 21.
Chana is 16.
With your special concentration of over 100 hours on treating occlusal (bite) conditions, what have you noticed as the biggest contributing factor toward occlusal problems?
- Many orthodontists align teeth into an aesthetically pleasing but non-ideal position. Teeth that are properly aligned do not scrape against each other during chewing. Dentists call this “anterior guidance.” Teeth under chewing stress will wear flat, crack, chip, shift out of line, become sensitive when eating or with cold temperatures. People who avoid ice and cold or crunchy foods are suffering from occlusal disease and may not even know it. A visual exam with photos shows so much.
- Acid Reflux slowly dissolves teeth via erosion. 30% of people never feel the heartburn. I have before pictures and get testimonial by 30 year old patients who had extensive damage by undiagnosed GERD. I referred him to a GI specialist who was incredulous that a dentist made him schedule. GI scope uncovered extensive esophageal damage without symptoms.
- Many prescription medicines have the side effect of causing tooth grinding, such as medicines for anxiety, ADHD and blood pressure.
- The acidic pH of most of the drinks on the market dissolve teeth. This is extremely damaging when grinding is taking place. Sports and Energy drinks along with sodas are all damaging. As a kid in grade school, I did a science fair experiment where I placed baby teeth in different sodas and recorded how many weeks it took for them to dissolve. I have never consumed a soda!
