Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental School: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Years in Practice: 40
You offer lectures and courses to educate other dentists on technology and techniques. How did this become part of your practice?
Well, I was a participant in the first live, over-the-shoulder patient veneer program in the 1990s. [The other participating dentists and I] decided to take the clinical exam and become accredited in the [American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry]. I flunked the exam. Devastated, I then took every hands-on and lecture course available on cosmetic dentistry. And I began lecturing and publishing my successful cases and sharing how to avoid clinical failures.
You’ve been named a Top Dentist by your peers 16 straight years. Is your education program part of the reason?
Yes, I think that’s a big part of it.
Your website says you’re the only dentist in Arizona to achieve Accredited Fellow status. What does this mean?
The basic accreditation program [with the AACD] involves five clinical cases and is divided into five case types. The fellowship program is 50 clinical cases in these five case types. Being examined on 50 additional cases helps you develop an eye that sees every detail, followed by evolving hand skills. If you cannot see it, you cannot do it.
Are you solely devoted to cosmetic work at this point? Will you also drill and fill? Do cleanings?
Yes, we have a hygienist and perform general dentistry. My practice focus [in cosmetics] ranges from single, one-tooth direct composite restorations and crowns [to] smile makeovers involving all the teeth in the aesthetic zone and even more complex full-mouth restorations to aid in correcting bite problems and wear.
Veneers have become so trendy, but it often seems like the same look is used for all patients, regardless of their facial features. How do you make sure veneers look appropriate for the patient?
Well, I disagree that veneers tend to look the same. During the digital design phase of the prototypes, the dentist has hundreds of tooth shapes to choose from to begin the provisional temporary first set of prototypes. We then customize the prototypes in the mouth to fit the face, and the patient helps design the edges. A digital file is sent to the ceramist as a guide for her to create the final porcelain restorations. So, no two smiles ever look the same.
You’ve been airing your “Smiles by Joyce” commercials on local TV for decades. How has online and social media advertising changed the game?
Personally, it has not for me. Most patients are referred by their previous dentist or a previous patient. Only 5 percent [of my patients] come from seeing the commercials or advertising.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I work out six days a week… ski, hike Camelback [Mountain], yoga, bike and kinesis.
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
A Cirque du Soleil aerial [artist] and pole dancer! Specifically, for the “Dirty Diana” song in the Michael Jackson ONE show in Vegas.
