Today's Love My Dentist Story: Short and Sweet!

Kama Linden, vocalist in New York City, writes, "Dr. Maitreya Padukone is the best dentist. If you don't need a procedure he won't do it. He is fun, he is interesting to talk with, he doesn't hurt, and he gives great advice! He is at 272 West 72nd street in NYC."

Unfortunately, Dr. Padukone doesn't have a Website. However, a number of patients have given him positive reviews on Yelp, so if you're in Manhattan, be sure to check him out.

Kama, thank you!

California Dermatologist Explains Why She Loves Her Dentist

Dentists form relationships with many other medical professionals and because one is in the "trade," you carefully choose those professionals to whom you send clients.

I love the following story because it shows how two medical professionals are providing superior care to patients -- and how this care is transforming people's lives.

Tanya Kormeili, MD, a Board Certified Dermatologist, met her current dentist, Dr. Poneh Ghasri, at UCLA when she was a busy dental student and Tanya an over-worked medical student. Of course, as “nerdness” would have it, they met at the Biomedical library!

Tanya writes, "Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Ghasri took such a sincere interest in me as a patient even as a dental student. You see, after a long complicated experience with braces as a child, I used to have nightmares about 'my teeth falling out.'

"I was, and still am, obsessed with my teeth -– their health and appearance. But, I was paranoid to have anyone else working in my mouth. I had lost all trust and faith in dentists by the time my braces were taken off.

"After hours of careful cleaning, x-rays, examination and careful treatment planning, I realized that Dr. Ghasri was no ordinary dentist. Her calming, gentle feminine demeanor, combined with her knowledge and dedication to perfection, made her my extraordinary dentist.

"I not only have perfect, cavity-free teeth, but I began to feel comfortable to do Invisilign to clean up the mess from my previous dental disaster. I began to send her my family members and friends, and unanimously they all agreed: she is fantastic!"

Tanya goes on to say that she and Dr. Ghasri began to refer patients to each other. The patients who had beautiful skin and rejuvenated lips due to cosmetic surgery wanted a better healthier smile. Conversely, Dr. Ghasri's patients who had full mouth reconstruction, gummy-smiles or cosmetic concerns regarding their aging face, began to visit Tanya as their dermatologist.

Reports Tanya, "A whole new level of respect and admiration developed as I began to work with Dr. Ghasri as a colleague. Her patients all loved her; their results were all gorgeous, and above all, they all agreed she was 'so sweet.' Indeed, my patients began to thank me for this referral to see her as well. They felt so comfortable with her; the combination of her expertise and high ethics and kindness, makes her not just a wonderful colleague, but my fabulous family dentist.

"Thank you Dr. Ghasri!"

Dr. Ghasri is located at 6200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1508, Los Angeles, California.

Tanya, thank you for your story. Dr. Ghasri sounds fabulous. I'm glad you were able to form a such a rewarding relationship with her.

Thank You for the Wonderful Dental Love Stories!

I have had a few people ask me, "Why are you posting stories about other dentists on your blog? Why do you want to give press to your competitors?"

As I said in my original post that announced the I Love My Dentist Contest, you can find lots of "dental horror" stories online. People Tweet about how they dislike visiting the dentist and how uncomfortable it makes them.

But many wonderful dentists do exist -- and they work day in and day out to change their patients' lives for the better, often with little recognition.

The I Love My Dentist contest is my way of spreading good will within the dental community and to introduce you to dentists who do provide exceptional care.

If you're currently seeing a dentist who makes you feel uncomfortable, causes pain, or has failed to keep up with technological advances in dental care, then find a new one. I've featured seven of them already -- and have lots more for next week!

I'll be wrapping up the campaign Friday, April 24, so if you haven't already, send in your story!

(The photo is of me and my patient, Frank, whose story you can read on my Website.)

Patient Loses Fear of Visiting the Dentist

Millions of people across the U.S. are terrified to visit the dentist -- I know, because I often receive email from prospective patients telling me about their trauma.

So it's nice to hear Cindy Ludwig's story about her dentist, Dr. Reid Clark in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dr. Clark gave her a beautiful smile and made her feel much more comfortable visiting the dentist. Here is Cindy's story:

"I knew my teeth were making me look old and it made me feel self-conscious, but due to a traumatic experience I had as a child, I was afraid to visit the dentist. Over the years I've had to force myself to go to other dentists.

"From the minute I walked into Dr. Clark’s, however, everything felt different. He
really changed my life. Now I get compliments all the time on my smile. It gives me a lot of confidence and I love seeing people smile back at me.

"Dr. Clark’s entire staff is so kind and thoughtful as well as being very professional. They tell me what’s going on every step of the way. At first I was the biggest baby but they helped me feel comfortable.

"The staff seems to be having such a good time doing their work. One time I asked, 'Do you guys really like your job so much?' and they said 'Yeah, we do!' You can tell Dr. Clark is very selective about his staff because they show the same sincerity and dedication he does. The team goes with him to advanced courses and the office has the latest technology.

"I feel like a new woman, a happier person. The quality of work and the experience was beyond my expectations. I think Dr. Clark is an artist and a genius -- and a total sweetheart!"

Like all of the dentists featured this week, Dr. Clark is a modern dentist. In addition to family dentistry, he also offers advanced cosmetic procedures. Go check out his fresh and welcoming Website -- very well done!

Thanks for sharing your story, Cindy!

Canada Has Wonderful Dentists, Too

Wilf Seymour, Executive Chef for Canada's Wonderland, lives in Toronto, Canada, and writes to say that you "won't find a better dentist in the world," than Dr. Jay McKenzie, of Whistler Dental.

Says Wilf, "I use to live in Whistler BC Canada and when I first moved to Whistler I was afraid of going to the dentist. It took me two years before I would walk into Jay's office and now that I live in Toronto (across the country), any chance I have to visit Whistler, I also visit Jay.

"His office is located in Whistler Village and overlooks the beautiful Rainbow Mountain; that means almost any day is a beautiful day to go into the office for a check up or even a root canal!"

Wilf also explains why Dr. McKenzie is a thoroughly modern dentist: "The first time I got a cap (crown) on a tooth it took 2 weeks to get everything done. The next time I needed one, Dr. McKenzie and his team were able to do everything in the office and I could watch the (Cerac) machine making my new tooth -- very cool!

"I imagine a lot of people know great dentists, but not many of them are like Jay. I did try to find a new dentist in Toronto, but have not had much luck. Plus, it's well worth the trip across country to see a guy like Jay. I know he would be hard for any other dentist to beat."

Dr. McKenzie has a great Website -- including video of him skiing! In addition to general dentistry, Dr. McKenzie provides cosmetic dentistry including Cerac crowns, veneers, and implants.

He also has a great sense of humor, as seen by his winning "window dressing" entry for the Whistler Chamber of Commerce. If you're in the Whistler area, check him out. Thank you for sharing your story, Wilf. (Photos (c) Dr. Jay McKenzie.)

Patient Receives Spa Treatments at the Dentist Office

You can find lots of articles about dental practices that also offer day-spa type treatments such as massage or aromatherapy. (My Boston-based practice is dental spa, for example.)

Dental patient Ali Hammer, of Borakas Public Relations, loves her dentists, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Aaron Cooley, of Cooley Smiles in Bellevue, Washington for this very reason. Not only does she receive great dental care, but she also gets paraffin hand dips!

Ali writes, "Before finding Cooley Smiles, I had the same dentist since childhood, but when I moved away for college and work, I started going to Cooley Smiles and was amazed by their service.

"The brothers, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Aaron, are very skilled dentists. I've gone to them for three years and they have filled a few cavities for me. I was nervous as I had never had a filling or for that matter, a cavity, but they put me at ease and provided a nearly painless procedure.

"I like their mix of cosmetic and general family dentistry because I feel like the doctors are very knowledgeable in both the scientific and artistry sides of the profession. And, there's nothing like a paraffin hand dip while having your teeth cleaned!

"I love these guys and rave about them to all my friends and coworkers!"

Regularly voted Seattle's best dentists, Cooley Smiles offers Invisalign, full mouth reconstruction, and dental implants. Ali, thank you for your story!

Dentist in Indiana is "Better than Dentists in NY"!

Sheryl Matthys, Founder of Leashes and Lovers (an online networking/friendship/dating site for dog lovers!) "loves, loves, loves" her dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Mader in South Bend Indiana -- even though Sheryl lives in New York!


"Dr. Mader is more than 700 miles away but whenever I visit my parents, it usually includes getting my teeth cleaned. I live in NYC and believe me -- the dentists here do not compare -- I've tried them and went back to Dr. Mader.

"Why? Because he is THE BEST. He has all the tools in his office so there is no waiting or coming back to get a porcelain overlay, he has goggles that play videos so while you get your teeth cleaned, you're watching a movie. He's always up to date on the latest technology and knows how to implement it. And, he numbs your gums so you never feel any pain . . . in short, he always makes me smile."

Sheryl, thank you for sharing your story. For those of you in South Bend, Indiana, be sure to check out Dr. Mader's Website. A modern dentist, Dr. Mader offers Cerac one-visit crowns, digital X-rays, implants, and general dentistry.