Endodontics
Dental School: University of Southern California
Years in Practice: 14
What are patients’ greatest fears going into root canal procedures? How do you assuage them?
Many patients get nervous for root canal treatment because of its bad reputation and the pain they’ve experienced leading up to the procedure. It’s important to me to take the time to understand patients’ concerns and educate them on how I plan on keeping them comfortable.
You served in the United States Army Dental Corps for eight years. What were some of your biggest takeaways from that experience?
I loved living in new places and experiencing different adventures, like jumping from planes and rappelling from helicopters. However, the daily exposure to emergency dentistry in the military cultivated my passion for endodontics, which is definitely my biggest takeaway.
What did it teach you about access to quality dental care in this country?
While the quality of dental care is high, I was shocked to see how poor the access to dental care is in our country. About half of the servicemembers I met during their basic training had only seen a dentist on an emergency basis, or never seen a dentist before at all.
You’re an outdoorsman! Favorite places to get outside in Arizona?
Most of our outdoor time is spent at the soccer fields across town, where I coach club soccer for my kids with Phoenix Rising. During the winter, we love getting up to Sunrise and Snowbowl to go skiing.
You live and work in Arcadia. What are some of your favorite neighborhood spots?
Our office is next door to Chelsea’s Kitchen, and the smell of their wood fire always brings me back. For a casual bite, nothing beats the wings at JT’s.
What’s your favorite “bad for teeth” food or drink?
I never say no to ice cream. But only because Phoenix is so hot!
What’s the funniest thing a patient has said to you on nitrous oxide?
The funniest part of administering nitrous oxide to me is when the nosepiece is first placed on the patient and they start saying funny things, but the laughing gas hasn’t even started yet.
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
A fighter jet pilot! Yes, Top Gun is my favorite movie.
