A Dentist’s Point of View

Twenty-four years into a dental career teaches you a few things. Of course, a few paragraphs could never fully capture or communicate what it feels like to get to do what you love and interact with so many wonderful patients day in and day out. But if you asked me to distill all the challenging and rewarding aspects of dentistry down to a few key points, I’d leave you with these 5 things:

1. Teeth are important.

They allow us to chew, smile, and talk. Even missing a few teeth can significantly affect nutritional absorption, facial structure, and jawbone density. A bright, healthy smile can light up a room and announce to everyone that you are here and happy. A damaged or self-conscious smile can do the opposite; it can announce to everyone that you are scared to be here and standoffish.

2. Teeth are fun.

One of the most beautiful parts of being a dentist is taking a tooth that doesn’t look or feel great to the patient and making it look pretty and feel good. Being a dentist is like being an artist: You take what is there, and you sculpt it into a beautiful white pillar of artistic magic. There’s no better feeling than seeing someone go from hiding their smile to sharing it confidently.

3. Teeth are rewarding.

Dr. Berdahl taught me that most people don’t like coming to the dentist, and the only thank-you that you might get from a patient is them walking in the door—but that is enough. Be thankful that the patient showed up and is allowing you to help them achieve optimal oral health.

4. Teeth are hard.

The mouth is one of the most challenging areas of the body to work in. Next time you are brushing your teeth, look in the mirror at how small the area is, how close the cheeks and tongue are to teeth, and how dark it is.

Through the innovations of mouth props, lighted magnification lenses, and the patients’ ability to breathe underwater (ha ha) the process has gotten easier, but reaching the teeth that need treatment is still the most challenging part of any dentist’s day.

5. Teeth need constant care.

Brushing and flossing every day is important, but regular preventive evaluations and cleanings are key to great teeth and gums. Finding problems when they are small allows us to restore health quickly and comfortably. Waiting to address a problem until it starts to cause pain is a surefire way to end up needing dental work that is expensive and extensive.

Protect your smile and schedule your next appointment today.

It’s extremely rewarding getting to help people feel great about their smiles every day. And preventive care is how we make sure patients can continue to enjoy their smiles to the fullest. 

Are you due for a dental checkup? Please call or text to schedule an appointment for your next professional teeth cleaning and evaluation to ensure optimal oral health.

---

Dr. Jeff Feiock has been helping patients achieve optimal dental health since 2000. He especially enjoys restorative dentistry and seeing a patient’s smile return to full function. Outside of work, he has two amazing children with his wife, Dr. Amrita Patel, and he enjoys golfing, skiing, and traveling.