Allow me to introduce myself and give you some background information. I am a Bay Area native and attended the University of California at Berkeley where I received my B.A. in English. After graduation from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1995, I spent the next two years attaining my certification in Pediatric Dentistry from Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. During our residency we had advanced training in Orthodontics, Growth and Development, Pediatr
ic Medicine, Pharmacology, Oral Conscious Sedation, Hospital Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Dental Traumatology, Cariology, and Craniofacial Dentistry. Upon completion of the program, I practiced in San Diego for the next two years before purchasing my practice in March, 1999.
One of the reasons I became a pediatric dentist is that I wanted to help children have a positive outlook towards dentistry. I enjoy the challenge of helping an anxious or fearful child learn to tolerate and even enjoy coming to the dentist. It is very rewarding to treat a child with severely decayed teeth and see their life change as they are able to eat without pain and smile without the embarrassment of “rotten” front teeth. Our office is designed specifically for children and teenagers. We have televisions over all of the chairs (7 total throughout the office), video games for the kids to play, balloons, a prize center, etc. This has created an environment where children are more comfortable and relaxed. There are occasions where nitrous oxide and the classic “tell-show-do” method are not enough to allow us to safely treat the child. In these situations, I will recommend either oral conscious sedation or in-office general anesthesia with a dental anesthesiologist. Typically, this is only necessary a small percentage of the time.
I believe strongly in organized dentistry and have become involved on both a local and state level. I served 3 years on the Board of the Contra Costa County Dental Society and am currently the Editor for the California Society of Pediatric Dentists.
As for my personal life, I am married with three children (2 daughters and 1 son), and enjoy reading, playing basketball, weight lifting, running, skiing, and white water rafting. I am a season ticket holder for both Cal football and basketball and follow the Giants, Warriors and 49ers. My wife and I also enjoy traveling with our children to new places.
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