108 West 20th Street
(W. 20th & Granby)
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 622-7544
In this day of specialization, my specialty is to not specialize. With thirty years of experience in dentistry, much of it in small towns where specialists were not available, I have learned to perform procedures in all phases of dentistry, for all ages of patients. While there are times when it is necessary to refer a patient for advanced treatment, I have learned that by keeping my skills up-to-date, I can save my patients time, inconvenience and expense by performing the most types of treatment in my own office.
I am blessed to be in a profession I love and enjoy. It would not be so satisfying if I just did the routine things all day, every day. Keeping the more challenging procedures in my routine helps me keep my skills sharp and my excitement for and enjoyment of my profession high. It is a great daily challenge and adventure for me to provide my patients convenience and quality in their dental care in all phases of their lives.
Children are welcome in my practice. I take the time to earn their trust and I have learned that, with a little time and effort invested at the beginning, children make wonderful patients and can be treated without undue fear and without resorting to sedation. I believe it is well worth the effort. It is normal for children to have some apprehension about dental care, but I do not want to be a part of the trend to show children that the way to deal with stress is to resort to the use of drugs (other than local anesthetics). There are times when, due to some past trauma, a child may require sedation, but giving mind altering drugs to children should not be routine and is not a part of my practice.
As children grow to young adults, their dental needs change. Prevention and early detection of dental caries (cavities) becomes our primary goal in this age group. Other dental needs, such as evaluation, and when necessary, removal of wisdom teeth, should be accomplished in this stage of life.
As we mature, decay becomes less of a problem, but the likelihood of periodontal (gum) disease becomes the primary focus of our vigilance and treatment. Prevention of periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay, is a shared responsibility of the dentist and the patient. I will take the time to teach my patients understand their part in preventive dentistry and show them how to remain healthy.
As we get older, periodontal disease remains the primary problem, but decay again becomes a problem as root surfaces are exposed and protective salivary gland secretions diminish. Special techniques for prevention, detection, and treatment of these age-related problems are necessary and are a part of my practice.
With all age groups welcome in my practice, there is sufficient variety and challenge to keep my profession exciting and rewarding for me. I look forward to providing the full range of dental services to you and your family in all the stages of your life.