Cosmetic & General Dentistry
Dental School: New York University College of Dentistry
Years in Practice: 15
Your class at NYU’s College of Dentistry was the first to have university-based instruction on Invisalign. What were your first impressions, and how has the system evolved?
What an advantage that was to graduate being certified in Invisalign! Most clinicians take a weekend course. We had the luxury of learning hands-on from leaders in the field for four years. With all the new competing products, Invisalign has had to step up their game, making it an even better solution for patients.
How does your background in neuroscience inform your current work?
I went to a high school for the performing arts and I didn’t come from a family of dentists, so the profession was really foreign to me. Studying neuroscience in college gave me a great appreciation for how interconnected oral health is with overall health.
You train your staff to specialize in treating people with dental anxiety. What are some of your go-to tips for those who experience anxiety about going to the dentist?
When people are fearful, the key is to take the time to really understand where this comes from. Dentistry is an intimate environment, so level of trust needs to be built up. My staff understands that making the first call to our office is a big step for many patients.
What do you miss most about your homeland of Canada? Any local spots here to get your Canadian food fixes?
I have spent half of my life in the United States, so I think I have assimilated well. Of course, I miss Tim Horton’s coffee! I still think Canadian candy bars taste better than the American ones. Luckily, World Market sells some of my favorite Canadian brands.
You’re a big hockey fan. How do your Toronto Maple Leafs look for next season?
I am a die-hard Leaf fan! The Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since before I was born, so we really feel like we are due. We had a great season this year making the playoffs. Plus, with Arizona native Auston Matthews as our leader, we have a fighting chance.
Which celebrity smile do you most admire?
It’s really the confidence behind the smile that is beautiful. Most celebrities have perfectly white, straight teeth. And those are beautiful, whether they are born that way or not. I have an affinity for smiles that are a little imperfect – like Sandra Bullock or Drew Barrymore.
Going to the dentist regularly appears on popular phobia lists. What is your biggest fear?
While running a race in seventh grade, the runner ahead of me ran through a wasp nest. A slew of angry wasps came out. I was stung 21 times! That led to a pretty solid wasp phobia. I think having phobias makes me more understanding of patients with dental phobia!
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
Probably an architect. Architecture is another profession that I can see really blending art and science.
