Overcoming unnecessary fear, or why I ate bugs in Thailand

Imagine standing at a bustling street market in Bangkok, the air filled with exotic scents and the sounds of a vibrant city. In front of you is a vendor, his cart adorned with an array of unusual delicacies. He gestures toward a bowl of fried insects, a common snack in Thailand. For many, this scene epitomizes the very… Read More »

Managing student loan debt as a new dentist

As new dentists, we can all remember that gut-wrenching moment when we received an email from our loan servicer warning us that our payments would be due soon. Looking back at our time as dental students, we spent years learning the intricacies of prepping the most ideal class II restoration, administering anesthetic and memorizing mnemonics in order to… Read More »

Making an impact through Give Kids A Smile

Six-year-old C.J. had a mouth filled with cavities. At school, he would hide his smile, keeping his mouth closed to avoid bullying. At home, he would only eat soft foods, fearful of the pain eating caused. His school nurse and pediatrician tried to get him to open his mouth, to see the severity of dental disease, but he… Read More »

Learning the art of storytelling in the business of dentistry

As a new dentist, you’re about to embark on an exciting journey in the world of oral health care. While clinical skills and patient care are at the forefront of your practice, there’s another crucial aspect that often goes overlooked: the power of storytelling. Your dental practice has a unique story waiting to be told, and sharing that… Read More »

What I learned in my general practice residency

Going back to school for a general practice residency after four years in private practice was not what I imagined it to be. It was better. The only regret I have is not having done it right out of school, despite my mentor advising me to do so. Had I taken her advice, I would have been gifted… Read More »

What I learned from interviewing actor Constance Wu

I’m a periodontal and dental implant surgeon (Stephy Steph) in private practice with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (Bobby). We run a YouTube channel called Between Two Teeth that highlights the balance of life, adventure and patient care. When we got the call to host the American Dental Association’s SmileCon, both of us were ecstatic and frankly surprised!… Read More »