I wanted to have some cosmetic work done on my teeth. I got referrals from friends and family members. I went to three different dentists. But it was the third dental office that made me feel “at home”.

How in the world do you get a patient to feel that way, and actually say it to other people? Talk about referrals!!!!

I can only write about my experience because it happened to me. I knew of this dentist’s reputation because he had been through The Schuster Center Management Program quite a few years ago. He had a practice in Illinois, but 10 years ago he moved to Scottsdale, AZ.

Not only was his office decor and design top of the line, his team was wonderful, the dentist was wonderful (kind eyes I like to say when I see some little twinkle of kindness in someone’s eyes). I was shown the entire dental office right down to the sterile room. And if you couldn’t ask for more, the treatment room dental chairs face the gorgeous McDowell Mountains! So close you feel like you could reach out and touch them. The office was mostly very open with many glass partitions and everything was neat and in it’s place.

My new dentist did a thorough examination listening to me about how I felt about my teeth, my concerns over technical quality, margins, etc., what I’d heard from other dentists about my teeth and then of course how I wanted them to look.

I’m an artist, so my view may be different than others, I didn’t want bright white perfect looking teeth. I wanted color variations from tip to top of tooth like my teeth and striations like my teeth. In other words, I wanted my teeth from when I was about 30 maybe, because I’m older now and I didn’t want people to look at me and think, “she just had her teeth redone, “ but instead think “she still has pretty teeth for her age.”

This dentist said to me, “Vicki, I’ve been doing this all my life and I know what you want because I’m an artist, too – just in dentistry.” He said we will pick out color together and will discuss our process together every step of the way.

I was sold before I ever got to the “case presentation” room. I felt he was honest, he was technically good and he was an artist because he showed his work with patient’s pictured “after” on his walls as art. “I was at home.”

Just a side note for all dentists out there, please put together a portfolio of your work. Especially if you’re selling cosmetic dentistry. And, for heaven’s sake, have your own teeth done. I can’t tell you how many dentists do not have their teeth in the state they are trying to sell.

After the exam, I was escorted into a very comfortable private room (not his personal private office) but a room with a computer and room for obviously (at least to me) case presentation with patient, spouse or significant other, and attending team member.

I know a little bit about case presentation (the dreaded “selling” that dentists feel they have to do). Honestly even knowing about it, this dentist listened to my every concern, gave opinions, showed me his work, gave me a price break when he saw I was feeling overwhelmed with paying out a large amount of money in these economic times (and not a lot – just a bit to make me feel that he was trying to help me) and offered delayed payment plans if I needed it.

How much more could I ask? He didn’t get full mouth restoration, but he got half-mouth restoration.

The appointment was set up and of course any patient waits anxiously for that arrival date. It was a 3.5 hr. appointment. That day arrived today. I was shown his wax-ups. They looked great but I had a few concerns about the size my teeth. I’ve always thought my teeth were too big. It’s hard to judge what teeth will look like in one’s mouth vs. on a model.

He explained to me that he did not know what dentistry was done underneath the existing crowns, but he would explain the process to me and we would discover together. Which we did. I was always asked if I wanted a mirror to see what he was discovering. Usually, I did.

A problem arose with a front tooth that I broke when I was 9. I wore temporary caps until 17 then crowns the rest of my life. He found a crack in the tooth so I need a post placed for strength. Pretty much standard stuff under other crowns during the prep and then finally new resin temporaries were placed and I got the mirror again. I shouldn’t have worried about size, they look beautiful and still are only temps!

I was truly amazed at the difference in my appearance. I love the new teeth with just a couple of tweaks which any self respecting artist would make! Meanwhile, I will wait anxiously for my next appointment – for the final porcelain crowns and my new smile.

When I was done I complimented my new dentist and his chairside assistant. I told them that I had gone to three dentists, but when I came here, I felt at home! They thanked me, and I thanked them. Then, the doctor said to me, “You tell Mike for me that he was instrumental in putting me on the right path over 20 years ago – that is the reason I am where I am today!”

Once again, Dr. Michael Schuster has helped change a dentist’s life. By the way, Dr. Schuster’s Case Presentation course is probably the “best” in the country! If you want to know more about it, please call us at 480.941-9393 or visit our website: www.SchusterCenter.com.

I didn’t ask permission to use the dentists name in this blog so that is the only reason I left it off, but I will refer any one who asks me to this dentist once I get his permission. You can reach me at vicki@cfpd.com. (And dentists, I’m also talking to you – get your teeth done if they need it.)