The Most Interesting Dentist In The World?

So, would you believe I’m now the author of three published books? And it all started right here, some 22-years ago, at the Temple City Chamber of Commerce.

Back in 1996, the Chamber was looking to add some dental content to its monthly publication. The previous DDS-type had burned out after three tries. My negotiations ended when I was guaranteed a mug shot to go with my article. My previous experience: writing angry letters to the LA Times’ Sports Viewpoint, mostly following tragic USC Trojan Football losses.

From the beginning, I worked hard to avoid sounding like a dentist or looking like a golfer or a cyclist. My mentor was a high school basketball buddy who went on to become an award-winning sports journalist; I dropped him after a few months because he seemed to have developed a obsessive/compulsive relationship with red ink.

And over the last 22-years, I’ve written all over the local place, including the Chamber (twice), the Pasadena Weekly, the San Gabriel Valley Weekly, the Arcadia Weekly, Pasadena Magazine, and currently, Arcadia Patch.com. Lately, I’ve even had the chance to write for a uber progressive professional journal; and it probably helps that the Head Honcho of the American Academy of Clear Aligners does awesome stand-up comedy. The three books: Can we Smile, Molar Jockey Memoirs, and…The Most Interesting Dentist in the World are a collection of pieces I’ve written for local rags.

The stories have always been about people; most of them family (including co-workers, patients, and selected colleagues) and some of them imaginary. There’ve been virtual interviews conducted right across the street at El Pollo Loco with the likes of Coach Pete Carroll, the Dalai Lama, Andy Rooney, Lane Kiffin, and even a certain retired game show host (tweeting away straight outa the Oval Office.)

The focus (sometimes admittedly a little fuzzy or distracted) has been a view of dentistry and the patient experience from the lighter, human side. The message has hopefully been more of an invitation to the community to find a happy dental home and a healthy mouth, body, and life. The passion comes from family. When you’ve been the caregiver for your parents and your 100-year old Aunt Clara, it’s almost impossible not seeing the people you serve as family. The context of the message has consistently been looking and listening for humor. After all, what’re you gonna do when the Mission Statement hanging on the wall says “…Making Dentistry Fun”?

And by the way, even though my hat size practically goes to double figures and my adjustable USC baseball caps aren’t quite adjustable enough, you’d be amazed at how humble I am…maybe even the humblest dentist in the world. Thing is, book #3’s title was kind of thrust upon me, mostly because my film crew, set designer, special effects department, and make-up artist won me a Dos Equis-inspired dental digital marketing video contest. I even have a trophy to prove it.

So, major thanks if you’ve ever dared reading my stuff. And if you’ve indulged a few of my essays and thought the better of paying us a visit, I get it; I understand. It can get a little tense around here when you proclaim your opposition to the Lakers, the Rams, and the Dodgers…and then write about it. But please remember, we’re all famiglia. And what’s more fun than spirited but compassionate conversation around the table with the people you love, serve, and respect?