Who has been the most influential mentor in your career?
When I was in high school, I was trying to decide if dentistry or medicine was the best fit for me. It was then that I met Dr. Becky Cloetta. She took me under her wing and allowed me to observe, which then led to a part-time job. She was caring, kind, and artistic, and she loved going to work every day. She saw her patients as friends and family rather than numbers or income. She had a passion for what she does. She treated her team extremely well. She made me realize that dentistry was a science and an art, and also an important aspect of the medical community. Dr. Cloetta helped me decide that dentistry was the profession for me, and I will never forget her. I hope that I can be a Dr. Cloetta to someone during my career.
What are some of your favorite products that you use on a daily basis?
Hands down, my favorite product that I use is my intraoral scanner. I don’t know how I ever practiced without it. This product has changed the way that I practice dentistry and visualize the oral cavity. I use this from diagnostics to definitive treatment. I love it, the team loves it, and our patients are wowed by its capabilities
How do you make your technology purchases?
I am a huge fan of technology. I also believe that all technology should be multifunctional. I want more than a one-trick pony—I want a workhorse. I also have a method to investing in technology. First every purchase starts with a “why”—it’s not a “what do I need," it’s a “why do I need it.” Once I’ve zoned in on that, I rely upon my "SMU" principle: the incorporation of technology needs to be systematic, methodical, and understood. Then you need to educate yourself and more important, your team! If everyone is on the same page, incorporating technology is beneficial to the practice for many years.
What is your favorite hobby?
I am a fairly active person, and I go all in on hobbies. I was a cyclist for many years; I stopped for a number of reasons and picked up golf again. Golf is for certain my favorite hobby right now. The connections made on the golf course are invaluable, and the time away from the stress of life is so rewarding.
What advice do you have for managing your time?
Work hard, play harder. The biggest piece of advice for managing time is to set limits and don’t forget about your friends and family. Life is too short to spend working all the time. Make time for yourself and do something for yourself every day. Keep your priorities in check and learn how to say no to things that consume your time in a stressful way. Say yes to more things in life that you enjoy.
