Smiles Ahead

Professional Journey and Passion for Dentistry

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry, and how did you become a DSD-certified dentist?

My journey into dentistry was deeply influenced by my aunt, who is also a dentist. From a young age, I was exposed to the world of dentistry through her gentle and compassionate approach. She was more than just a skilled clinician; she was a caregiver who prioritized preventive dental care and built trust with her patients. Because of her, I always had positive dental experiences and couldn’t understand why so many people around me had dental phobias it was a world I had never known.

My aunt also noticed my love for handcrafting and building things from scratch. She saw how much joy I found in creating, and she encouraged me to channel that passion into dentistry. Looking back, I’m so grateful for her guidance. Dentistry has become not just a profession for me, but a calling that perfectly blends my artistic inclinations with my desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

As I began practicing, I discovered my true passion lay in aesthetic dentistry. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the transformative power of a confident, beautiful smile it can truly change lives. My search for deeper expertise and innovation in this field led me to Christian Coachman and his pioneering work in Digital Smile Design. His philosophy resonated deeply with me, combining artistry, technology, and patient centered care in a way that felt revolutionary. I immersed myself in the DSD journey, attending Residency 1, Residency 2, DSD Master, and Lite Dentistry courses. Each step fueled my passion and honed my skills. Eventually, I achieved DSD certification, becoming part of the network of DSD Clinics. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, not only for the knowledge and skills I’ve gained but also for the countless patients I’ve been able to help smile with confidence.

Q: How has digital smile design (DSD) changed the way you approach patient care?

Digital Smile Design has completely transformed the way I approach patient care, taking it to a new level of precision, personalization, and patient satisfaction. The DSD philosophy emphasizes not only comprehensive treatment planning but also an exceptional patient experience. It’s a game changer, both functionally and aesthetically, redefining what a dental appointment can feel like for our patients. Functionally, the DSD protocol allows us to treat the entire mouth as a cohesive system. By diagnosing the root causes of issues and crafting comprehensive treatment plans, we were able to restore harmony, balance, and long term stability to our patients ’oral health. This holistic approach ensures that we don’t just fix isolated problems but provide solutions that address the bigger picture.

Aesthetically, DSD has revolutionized smile design. It enables us to create natural looking, personalized smiles tailored to each patient’s unique facial features, personality, and preferences. With DSD natural restorations, the results are so lifelike that they blend seamlessly into the patient’s appearance, as if the smile was always meant to be theirs. Seeing our patients light up with a smile that feels authentically their own is truly rewarding. The impact of DSD goes beyond just technical excellence it has elevated our patients ’ confidence and transformed their perceptions of dental care. This level of personalization and attention to detail has not only improved outcomes but also deepened the trust and connection between us and our patients, making every visit a positive and an empowering experience.

Q: Can you share a memorable case where DSD and dental photography played a pivotal role in achieving remarkable results?

“Being part of the DSD Clinics network makes every case a truly unique and rewarding experience for both my patients and myself, which is why it’s so hard to choose just one memorable case. But if I had to pick, I’d share the story of creating a smile makeover for my girlfriend a task that presented both immense joy and significant challenges. I think many of my peers would agree that treating someone so close to you is often the most daunting of all.

However, the DSD protocol turned what could have been a stressful journey into a smooth and enjoyable process. With tools like the test drive session, comprehensive treatment planning, and the “copy and paste” approach to dentistry, we navigated every step with clarity and precision. The process was not only stress free but also deeply fulfilling for both of us, and we were absolutely thrilled with the final results.

What truly stood out in this case was the role of dental photography in facilitating seamless communication between all parties involved. Precise and high quality photography became the bridge that allowed us to exchange ideas and feedback quickly and effectively. It ensured we were aligned at every stage of the journey, avoiding potential miscommunications that might have led to tiny disagreements. This experience reinforced how valuable DSD and dental photography are in transforming not only the patient’s smile but also the entire treatment experience. It was a labor of love, and seeing her smile so confidently every day is a constant reminder of why I’m passionate about what I do.

Q: What drives your passion for dentistry, and how do you keep your motivation strong despite the challenges of the profession?

My passion for dentistry is driven by a genuine love for the profession, a love that has never wavered. Not a single day goes by where I feel bored or unmotivated as a dentist. Dentistry gives me the privilege of meeting new people, building connections, and making a tangible, positive impact on their lives.

What truly fuels my passion are the transformation moments: seeing a patient’s confidence light up with a new smile, witnessing the profound emotional impact that comes with such a change, and knowing that I played a part in making that happen. These moments are incredibly rewarding and remind me why I chose this path.

Beyond the clinical aspect, I cherish the relationships that grow out of this journey. Many of my patients become more than just patients they become friends, and in some cases, even feel like family. These connections make every challenge in dentistry worthwhile. Staying motivated in a profession that can sometimes be demanding is easier when your work brings you so much joy. Every smile I transform, every story I hear, and every connection I make serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege and purpose of being a dentist.”

Passion for Dental Photography

Q: How did you develop an interest in dental photography, and how has it impacted your practice?

My journey into dental photography began as an extension of my personal passion for capturing and preserving moments through a lens. In today’s world, where social media plays a significant role in sharing knowledge and inspiration, I found myself following many renowned aesthetic dentists. I admired their incredible outcomes and was struck by how much they emphasized the importance of dental photography in elevating their work, especially in aesthetic dentistry.

Naturally, this resonated with me. Combining my love for photography with my dedication to dentistry felt like a perfect fit. Once I incorporated dental photography into my practice, its impact became undeniable. It transformed the way I communicate not only with my ceramist, ensuring we were aligned in achieving precise and beautiful restorations, but also with my patients, helping them visualize and understand their treatment journey.

Perhaps most importantly, dental photography became a powerful tool for self reflection. By zooming in both literally and figuratively I’m able to analyze every detail of my work, identifying areas for improvement and pushing myself to deliver even better results. It’s this continuous cycle of learning, refining and perfecting that has truly elevated my practice. Dental photography has not only enhanced my outcomes but also deepened my passion for the art and science of dentistry.

Q: What tools or techniques do you use to ensure your dental photographs are both clinically useful and aesthetically impressive?

Over the years, my approach to dental photography has evolved through constant refinement and experimentation with different techniques and equipment. My primary goal has always been to strike the perfect balance between efficiency and quality I aim to capture clinically useful and aesthetically impressive images without compromising treatment time.

Through trial and error, I’ve honed my workflow to make it quick and seamless. After testing various setups, I’ve settled on my current go to gear: the Canon R8 paired with a twin flash system designed by Dr. Callin Pop. This combination offers the perfect mix of precision consistency, and ease of use, allowing me to achieve stunning results without adding unnecessary complexity.

What I’ve learned is that simplicity is key not just for my workflow but also for my team and patients. By streamlining the photography process, I can focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional care and using these images to communicate effectively with patients, ceramists, and colleagues. Photography is not just a technical tool in my practice; it’s a bridge that connects clinical excellence with artistic expression.

Q: Are there any specific aspects of dental photography that you find most rewarding or challenging?

The most rewarding moments in dental photography came when patients ask me to share all the photos I’ve taken for them throughout their treatment journey. Seeing them proudly show these images to their friends and family is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a testament to how much they value not just the final results, but the entire transformation process. These photos often become a powerful reminder of their progress and a celebration of their new smile.

That said, the journey into dental photography wasn’t without its challenges. In the beginning, finding the right equipment and developing a smooth workflow felt overwhelming. There’s so much to consider cameras, lenses, lighting setups, and even post processing techniques. However, through persistence, trial, and error, I discovered a style and setup that work perfectly for me. I believe every dentist will eventually find their own preferred approach as they gain experience and confidence in this art. Overcoming those early challenges made the rewards even sweeter. Dental photography is now an integral part of my practice, helping me connect with patients, elevate my work, and share the beauty of dentistry with the world.

Q: Do you use dental photography as an educational tool for patients? If so, how does it enhance their understanding of treatment?

Absolutely. One of the primary reasons I incorporate dental photography into my practice is to educate patients and help them gain a clear understanding of their oral health status. As the saying goes, ‘to see is to believe.’ Sometimes, it can be challenging to explain certain conditions or issues using words alone. Photography bridges that gap, providing patients with a visual representation of what we see as dentists.

By showing them detailed images of their teeth and gums, patients can grasp the reasons behind our recommendations and better understand the importance of treatments. It transforms abstract concepts into something tangible and relatable, empowering them to make informed decisions about their oral health.

Dental photography is, without a doubt, the best communication tool for breaking down the barriers of understanding between dentist and patient. It builds trust, fosters engagement, and ensures that patients feel more confident and involved in their treatment journey.

Q: Have you shared your expertise in dental photography through workshops or collaborations with other professionals?

I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to share my expertise in dental photography through workshops and collaborations with other professionals. Last year, I was invited by T Group Education to conduct a comprehensive three day dental photography training program for their doctors. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to guide fellow dentists through the nuances of dental photography and help them elevate their practice.

Additionally, dental photography has opened doors for me on an international level. I had the honor of speaking at the Korea International Dental Association conference, where I shared how I seamlessly integrate dental photography with Digital Smile Design in my daily practice. It was a humbling experience to connect with professionals from around the world and contribute to the global conversation on advancing dental care through these powerful tools. These experiences have not only allowed me to share my knowledge but also to learn from others, further fueling my passion for both dentistry and dental photography.

Hobbies and Fitness Lifestyle

Q: Apart from dental photography, what other hobbies or activities are important to you?

Outside of dentistry and dental photography, I lead quite an active lifestyle, I’m a regular at the gym, as fitness is an important part of my routine, and I also play tennis twice a week. I also have a deep passion for traveling.

Exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines inspires me and provides a fresh perspective that I often bring back into my work. Along the way, I love capturing moments through photography beyond just teeth. Whether it’s a breathtaking landscape, a vibrant city scene, or the subtle beauty of everyday life, photography allows me to document and appreciate the world around me in a creative way. These hobbies not only bring joy to my personal life but also enhance my professional life by keeping me balanced, creative, and focused.

Q: As an avid gym-goer, how does fitness contribute to your overall well-being and performance in dentistry?

Fitness plays a vital role in maintaining my overall well being and enhancing my performance in dentistry. Regular exercise helps me stay balanced, energized, and mentally sharp, which directly impacts the quality of care I provide to my patients. Tennis, in particular, not only keeps me physically active but also sharpens my focus and fosters a sense of camaraderie with others who share the sport. It’s a great way to recharge and stay disciplined, qualities that I bring into my professional life as well.

In dentistry, long hours in demanding postures are often unavoidable, and without the physical support and endurance that come from staying active, it would be challenging to sustain such a career. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and together, they enable me to approach each patient with full energy and positivity. Fitness isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a foundation that allows me to thrive in a profession I’m passionate about.”

Q: Do you find parallels between your dedication to fitness and your approach to your professional work?

Absolutely, I find many parallels between my dedication to fitness and my approach to professional work in dentistry. Both require consistency, discipline, and a commitment to improvement. Just as I maintain a regular fitness routine to stay physically and mentally strong, I approach my work in dentistry with the same determination to refine my skills and deliver the best care to my patients.

Fitness, especially tennis, has taught me the importance of focus, resilience, and adaptability qualities that are essential in dentistry. On the court, each match requires strategic thinking and the ability to stay calm under pressure, which mirrors the challenges I face in clinical practice. Similarly, maintaining a consistent gym routine instills a sense of perseverance and goal setting which translates into striving for excellence in my dental work.

Both pursuits also emphasize the importance of balance. Fitness helps me stay energized and mentally refreshed, allowing me to approach each patient with positivity and full focus. Whether it’s perfecting a serve or perfecting a smile, the parallels between fitness and dentistry keep me motivated to push boundaries, stay disciplined, and always aim for the best outcomes.

Q: How do your hobbies outside of dentistry help you unwind or maintain a creative mindset?

My hobbies outside of dentistry, especially traveling, play a significant role in helping me unwind and maintaining a fresh, creative mindset. When I travel, my partner and I love visiting art museums, appreciating stunning architecture, and exploring local handicraft markets. These activities might seem unrelated to dentistry, but they profoundly influence my sense of aesthetics and creativity.

Art museums expose me to diverse styles, techniques, and perspectives, which inspire me to think outside the box. Architecture, with its focus on balance, proportion, and design, resonates deeply with the principles I apply in smile design. Exploring local handicrafts allows me to appreciate intricate details and the beauty of craftsmanship, reminding me of the artistry that’s also at the heart of dentistry. Engaging in these experiences not only helps me relax but also enhances my ability to see beauty and detail in different forms. They fuel my creativity, which I bring back to my practice, enriching my approach to aesthetic dentistry and patient care.”

Work-Life Balance

Q: Dentistry can be demanding—how do you prioritize your time to ensure a balance between work, hobbies, and personal life?

Balancing work, hobbies, and personal life in such a demanding profession is undeniably challenging. With a six day workweek from 9 AM to 5 PM, finding time for other pursuits requires intentional effort and discipline. For me, the solution has been establishing a consistent routine that prioritizes both my physical health and professional growth.

I start my day early, waking up at 6 AM to make time for gym sessions and tennis before heading to work. This not only keeps me active and energized but also sets a positive tone for the day. In recent years, I’ve also developed a routine where I dedicate 5-7 days each month to attending enhancement courses overseas. These trips allow me to combine professional learning with the opportunity to unwind and explore new places. It’s a perfect way to recharge, expand my knowledge, and gain inspiration for both my work and personal life. While maintaining this balance isn’t easy, I’ve found that being intentional with my time and creating routines that align with my goals have helped me stay grounded and fulfilled.

Q: Have you encountered challenges in maintaining this balance, and what lessons have you learned from overcoming them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in maintaining a balance between work, hobbies, and personal life was establishing a consistent routine. In the beginning, it felt difficult to carve out time for everything especially fitness and personal development while managing a demanding work schedule. The hardest part was getting started and committing to making it a regular part of my day.

However, once I stuck with it and integrated these activities into my daily routine, I found that it became almost automated. The initial effort to wake up earlier, make time for exercise, or plan trips for professional growth gradually transformed into habits that no longer felt like a challenge. What I’ve learned is that consistency is key. At first, it requires intention and discipline, but once you establish a routine, it becomes second nature. Over time, I’ve realized that these small, daily commitments help me maintain balance, stay energized, and ultimately perform better in both my professional and personal life.

Q: Do you believe maintaining a healthy lifestyle influences your ability to connect with patients and provide better care?

Yes, I absolutely believe maintaining a healthy lifestyle directly influences my ability to connect with patients and provide better care. When I prioritize my physical health, I feel more energized, focused, and mentally sharp. This not only allows me to approach each patient with the full attention they deserve but also enables me to process and address their concerns more effectively.

Being in better physical condition helps me remain present throughout long days, ensuring I maintain a high level of precision and care. Moreover, it enhances my ability to create a positive and comfortable experience for my patients. I’ve found that when I’m feeling my best physically, I can deliver my best care, fostering trust and rapport with patients, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for both them and myself.

Vision and Inspiration

Q: What are your long-term goals in dentistry, dental photography, and personal development?

My long term goals are centered around both personal and professional growth. First and foremost, my goal is to continue providing high quality, compassionate dentistry to all my patients. I’m deeply passionate about aesthetic dentistry, and as long as that fire is burning within me, I have no plans for retirement. The journey of transforming smile and making a difference in people’s lives is something that keeps me excited and fulfilled every day.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am eager to share my knowledge and expertise in dental photography with others who are passionate about enhancing their craft. It’s a powerful tool that has had a significant impact on my practice, and I look forward to mentoring and educating those who wish to explore this aspect of dentistry further.

Finally, maintaining a healthy work life balance will always be a priority. It’s not just about excelling in my profession, but also about taking care of my physical, mental, and emotional well being. Achieving this balance will remain an ongoing goal, as it ensures that I stay at my best both in and out of the dental chair.

Q: Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you’re excited to explore in the realms of dentistry or photography?

I’m always excited about exploring new ideas and projects in both dentistry and photography. One project I’m particularly excited about is further integrating digital technology into my practice. I’m looking into ways to expand my use of Digital Smile Design to enhance the patient experience, streamline workflows, and create even more personalized treatment plans. The possibilities of combining advanced digital tools with aesthetic dentistry are endless, and I’m eager to explore new techniques that can elevate my results and the overall patient journey.

As for dental photography, I’m excited about developing a series of educational resources and workshops to share my experiences and techniques with others in the field. Photography is a powerful tool for improving communication with patients and colleagues, and I believe there’s a lot of potential for others to learn how to use it to its fullest. Overall, my goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both dentistry and dental photography, continuously refining my skills and sharing what I learn with others to inspire and elevate the entire profession.

Q: What advice would you give to young dentists or professionals who are trying to find harmony between a fulfilling career and a vibrant personal life?

My advice to young dentists or professionals striving to find harmony between a fulfilling career and a vibrant personal life is to first explore and discover your passion within dentistry. The field is vast, with countless specializations and areas of expertise. I’m sure there’s one that will ignite your passion, just as aesthetic and digital dentistry have fueled mine.

Achieving harmony and balance is something you have full control over it starts with listening to your inner voice. Follow what feels right for you, and pursue it with dedication and purpose. Don’t be afraid to carve your own path and prioritize what truly matters. As Steve Jobs once said, ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ So, take the time to find what you love, and never leave room for regrets in your journey.