Portrait by Sam Nalven

COURTNEY BROOKS
2020 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Ste. 113, Phoenix
623-516-2800, happyvalleypedo.com

Where did you attend dental school?
Harvard School of Dental Medicine

How many years have you been in practice?
Seven

Do you like going to the dentist now?
Absolutely! It’s one of the few “errands” where I get to sit and be still for an hour.

What’s your favorite toothache-inducing guilty pleasure treat?
Those super-sweet, slathered-in-frosting, grocery-store bakery cookies. Yum!

If someone is nervous before going to the dentist, they should:
Plan to do something you enjoy after the appointment. It will give you something to think about and look forward to, and a prize at the end always makes your visit better.

What’s your biggest dental pet peeve?
When people don’t tell you there’s something stuck in your teeth!

What’s your least favorite procedure to perform?
Dentures. That’s why I’m a pediatric dentist.

I wanted to become a dentist after:
I realized I notice everyone’s teeth. I figured if I was that interested in seeing what everyone’s mouth looks like, I ought to make it my profession!

“4 out of 5 dentists recommend chewing with Trident gum”: agree or disagree?
Actually, Trident is one of the few recognizable brand-name gums that contain xylitol (a naturally occurring sugar substitute that can actually help prevent cavities). Since some of the more effective xylitol products might be more difficult to find, I’d say I agree.

What kind of toothbrush do you use?
Sonicare

The best thing to do for a flawless smile is:
Regular checkups. Prevention is better than treatment!

What flavor of fluoride do you like the most?
Strawberry. Hands down.