Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental School: University of Missouri
Years in Practice: 21
Of all the athletes you’ve worked with, who has the most impressive oral hygiene?
Grant Hill.
You have a fun story about Wayne Gretzky’s “99” tooth. Care to share it?
I do, but it’s [really long].
In addition to your duties with the Suns and D-backs, you provide free dental care to Special Olympics athletes. Do developmentally challenged people tend to have more dental problems than their neurotypical peers?
Yes, some [of our] athletes do have significantly more dental problems. Our “Book It!” program [in partnership with Suns star Devin Booker] provides a full range of dental-care services, from exams to extreme makeovers, for those athletes in need.
You have a strong social media presence. How do you use Instagram as a marketing tool for your business?
We have been fortunate to develop and grow our social media platforms early on. This has helped us become a leader in the cosmetic dental space. Endorsements from our celebrity clients also gives us a nice boost. We have patients who find us from all over the world on IG and travel to us for their smile makeovers.
Which celebrity smiles do your patients most want to emulate?
It has changed over the years. Matthew McConaughey, Halle Berry and Julia Roberts were super popular for a while. More recently, we have been getting pictures of celebrities like Margot Robbie, Jessica Alba and Zac Efron.
Embracing your family’s Italian heritage is important to you. Where do you go in the Valley to get an authentic Italian meal?
Andreoli Italian Grocer for lunch and Tratto for dinner.
You’re from St. Louis. Which do you crave more: gooey butter cake or toasted ravioli?
Neither! Imo’s Pizza with provel cheese takes the prize. Toasted raviolis and gooey butter cake are both close seconds.
What’s the funniest thing a patient has said to you while on nitrous oxide?
A patient bit my assistant’s finger and said, “Sorry, I thought I was a shark!”
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
Architect by day and a chef by night.
