Pediatric Dentistry
Dental School: University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Years in Practice: 19
Why did you specialize in pediatric dentistry?
I have always appreciated how straightforward children are. They tell you what they think and you always know where you stand with them. I went to college thinking I would be a pediatrician, but when I decided to be a dentist, pediatric dentistry was the perfect fit.
Did having four sons affect how you approach your pediatric patients?
It is the core of my treatment philosophy. “If I would do this for my own child, I would do it for yours.”
Which age is the most fun for you to work with? Which is the most challenging?
I enjoy working with children of all ages, but the most rewarding patients are the ones that I have treated since the time they were young to the time when they graduate from my practice.
Your practice is called Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry and it is decorated like a log cabin. How did you choose that theme?
My wife and I wanted to create an environment that children want to visit. I grew up in a small town where everybody knew each other and your neighbor was treated like family. We wanted our theme to be a reminder of my roots and to encompass who I am and how we treat our neighbors.
According to your online bio, you enjoy household projects. What are you working on now?
My four sons grew up knowing that every Saturday we would work together on some kind of project. We just finished putting in new grass and are currently working on how to grow good tomatoes and fruit trees in the Arizona desert.
If you could persuade all Americans to follow one bit of dental advice, what would it be?
A little effort each day goes a long way.
What’s the funniest thing a patient has said to you?
“Dr. Q, you are my best friend!”
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
A farmer.
