Eight Year Old Boy Loves His Dentist

Today is the last "I Love My Dentist" story. I saved this one for last because it's written by Aidan Thomas Hornaday, age eight. According to Aidan's mother, Aidan talked about his dentist at a media event and even handed out some of his cards -- which he keeps in an harmonica case!

Writes Aidan:

"My dentist, Dr. Ashish Patel, is the happiest dentist on the earth. His office is full of happy people and I love to go there. I feel good about my teeth there. And I feel good about myself there.

"I get my teeth cleaned and then I see Dr. Patel smiling and so happy to be looking in my mouth. He is the best dentist and has cool things in his office like headsets to listen to my favorite DVDs.

"I can tell he cares about me and my family. Even with hard stuff, like my mom's new crowns he was sweet and his machines are awesome. So if someone got a mouth full of cavities, I would say to go to Dr. Patel because he cares and he loves his patients.
"Even in the waiting room I watch amazing nature shows on his big screen. So it's not bad going there, it's great. They have done everything great that you can think of. It's all there. I am his happy patient."

Aidan, I'm glad you've found a wonderful dentist who knows how to give you exceptional care -- and that you won't grow up fearing the dentist. Dr. Patel should be proud that he has a patient like you.

Public Speaker Loves Both Dentists

When you need more extensive dental work, such full mouth reconstruction, you may have to see a cosmetic dentist who specializes in more advanced procedures. Celia Milton is one such person.

A New Jersey Wedding Ceremony Officiant and Minister, Celia writes that she was in need of extensive implants and reconstruction. Her regular dentist referred her to Dr. Robert Jaffin, DMD, a periodontist in Hackensack, NJ and Dr. Jorge Barrios, DDS, a prosthodontist in HoHoKus, NJ. Celia writes:

"When my regular dentist referred me to these dentists, I was terrified, and very depressed about the whole process. I am a public speaker; my appearance and my ability to speak (of course) is of primary importance to me.

"Every step of the way, Dr. Jaffin and Dr. Barrios made me feel comfortable, confident, and hopeful about my result. They worked together seamlessly, and the result is just amazing; my smile is beautiful and natural.

"They also went out of their way to involve everyone in their office in my journey. I can't say enough about their artistry, their professional expertise and their warm and concerned treatment of someone who was very obviously freaking out. I love them both."

Celia, thank you for your story! Your smile is beautiful.

Comedian Nancy Lombardo Loves Her Dentist

I'm often asked by patients if getting their teeth fixed is "vain" -- even when their teeth present serious health issues and/or it's uncomfortable for them to eat.

Having your teeth whitened or straightened, replacing missing teeth with dental implants or bridges, and restoring health to teeth and the oral cavity is not "vain."

As I state in both my e-books, "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!" and "Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth!" your mouth is an important part of your body. Just as you need to exercise to keep your heart healthy, relieve stress, and maintain optimal weight, you need to care for your mouth through regular checkups and having dental work done when necessary.

Maintaining a healthy smile also pays dividends. You feel free to smile more, which makes the people around you feel good, and you don't hide your teeth behind "closed mouth smiles" (or close your eyes when you smile, the way one of my patients did).


This is why I loved reading Nancy Lombardo's story. A comedian, Nancy understands how image is an important part of her job -- and part of that image is flashing a beautiful smile.

Nancy writes:

"I love my dentist Dr. Reginald Moncrieff in New York. It's not often you meet professionals who take pride in their work and skills and concern in their patients. I am an actress and stand-up comedian, and Dr. Reginald understands the importance of my teeth in order to earn income.

"He has never performed unnecessary work and actually discourages it. On more than one occasion, he has come to my aid on his own time. One time he fixed a broken tooth so that I could perform.

"I have sent many of my friends to him and they all agree: he is the best. He is one dentist that goes the extra mile for a smile."

Thank you, Nancy, for your story!

West Roxbury Transcript Features I Love My Dentist Story Contest

As many patients have explained through their stories this month, going to the dentist is a postive act because you're taking care of your health.

And that is exactly the idea reporter Alexa Gural picked up on in this terrific West Roxbury Transcript article, "Contest Puts a Big Smile on Better Image for Parkway Dentists," going to the dentist is "disease arresting."


Thank you, Alexa, and the Transcript, for a wonderful write up!

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.)