CHANGING LIVES, ONE PERSON AT A TIME
I was initially drawn to the combination of science, medicine, design, and artistry that dentistry requires; what I hadn’t anticipated was the personal connections that would grow out of my profession.
I value the time I get to spend with each patient and what they share with me. Our conversations, as they tell me about their lives and experiences, broaden my world and give me new things to think about. I am not sure if my patients realize how much they teach me!
Whether I am providing a regular checkup, restoring function, or making a great smile a little brighter, my attention is always on the person before me. Every individual has unique goals and needs: My responsibility is to understand their desires and concerns and then design a treatment solution that’s perfect for their specific situation.
Some cases are complex, and treatment takes a lot of time and energy, while others are short and relatively easy, but the goal is always to deliver results that have my patient smiling!
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTITIVIES
- Santa Barbara High School, 1983
- Bachelor of Science in biology – UC Santa Barbara, 1987
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery – Marquette University School of Dentistry, 1991
One of the amazing things about dentistry is the constant development of new approaches, materials, and technological innovation. The field has undergone remarkable changes since I started practicing in Santa Barbara in 1992. For patients, this means more effective, efficient, and comfortable procedures, as well as longevity of the work we do.
I keep abreast of new options through participation in the Santa Barbara Dental Study Club, where I learn with and from my peers, as well as oral healthcare specialists. I am also a member of the California Dental Association and the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society.
Through these organizations, I attend meetings, lectures, and seminars. I also read their many publications to stay current on research findings and therapeutic discussions.
BEYOND THE PRACTICE
I am a fourth-generation native of Santa Barbara, having grown up here on the Mesa and returned home after I finished dental school.
My wife, Jill Peterson, and kids, Henry and Anna, are my priority outside of seeing patients. Trying to keep my household going takes up a lot of my free time: gardening, supporting my kids’ athletic teams and other activities, and trying to get some exercise.
Of course, I do make time to be around the ocean, and love surfing, diving, and fishing.
