Contributed by Dr. David Weber, DDS, FAGD
I can often skirt the line of sentimentality. When our team meets to discuss our mission, vision, and core values, some might think we overstate the impact of what we do. It is common for me to propose that ours is a life-saving endeavor. Moreover, we dream that our effort to restore teeth and smiles supports restoration of individuals, and in turn, communities.
I’m not entirely delusional. The life-saving efforts of first responders, ER personnel, rescue teams, etc. clearly differ from preventing and treating dental infection, and are done in more harrowing and urgent circumstances. But I aim to emphasize the point that the tedium of precise records, moisture control, and microscopic accuracy impact people, and that impact ripples through lives and communities in ways we don’t often see directly.
We’ve pursued growing a fully-equipped, cohesive team for over a decade now. We have combined the benefits of an in-house digital lab, surgical expertise, sedation, and comprehensive restorative dentistry. Therefore, we’ve been able to complete many multi-disciplinary cases in fewer visits, at one location, and with clearer communication. Through this, we have expanded our opportunity for impact.
As we’ve accumulated more difficult and comprehensive cases, we have had the chance to debrief and discuss the outcomes with several patients. A recurring theme has surprised us. We expect our work to increase confidence and joy, and stir many more smiles. But what has astonished us, is that our work has unlocked joy and confidence that were evident to us prior to treatment. Many patients have described shame and insecurities that were hidden to us. In other words, patients don’t always see themselves the way others see them. Many times, we’ve noticed joy all along, but it wasn’t until after treatment that the patients were able to see the joy and confidence in themselves. This joy and confidence wasn’t fully felt until it could be fully expressed through an uninhibited smile.
A tooth is often worth more than we think. Healthy teeth contribute to some of the most deeply human experiences: eating, speaking, and smiling. We would be wise to imagine the rippling impact of comfortable, functioning teeth and unrestrained smiles.
