Dentistry is unique in that every day I am truly “hands-on” with my patients while helping to improve not just their dental health, but their overall health as well. Building trust and showing that you care about people is essential when establishing a good relationship.
What I like best about my job is taking a person who has had previously negative experiences and turning that patient into someone who is no longer afraid to go to the dentist. In particular, it is very important that dentistry is comfortable, stress-free, and pain-free.
My patients feel like family. I like sharing ideas and experiences they have had, and I want to learn from them. For the past 35 years, I have devoted myself to the field of dentistry because I have always been interested in health-related fields and I like that you can immediately see the results of your efforts. It brings me much satisfaction when I see people leave the office healthier than when they walked in. Dentistry allows you to form long-term bonds with your patients, while also helping dramatically improve their lives.
Education
I did my undergraduate studies at Indiana University Bloomington, and Idaho State University in Pocatello. I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1988.
Affiliations and Continuing Education
- American Dental Association
- Indiana Dental Association
- North Central Dental Society
- Chicago Dental Society
- American Equilibration Society
- Spear Education
- Charter Member North Central Dental Foundation
In addition, I have participated in continuing education, including in-depth veneer training, extensive course-work in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), and occlusal (bite) problems with the Dawson Academy and the Piper Institute.
Each year, our office also attends all the local seminars that the North Central Dental Society sponsors, as well as the American Equilibration Society, where we obtain a variety of new and up-to-date-information on many different aspects of dentistry. Most recently, we have focused on sleep and airway issues, as well as digital bite evaluation using T-scan and disclusion time reduction.
Personal Life
I grew up at Clear Lake by Fremont, and have lived in South Bend for 35 years. I am married to Steve Wong, who is an orthodontist. He also helps coach track at Marian High School. We have a daughter Alex, a son Connor, and a dog. Alex is married and works with her dad. Connor works for the Indiana State Senate in Indianapolis.
Outside of work, you can find me working in my yard, reading, doing water sports, and snow skiing. I like to cook and try new food as well as travel with my family.
