Dr. Clements Interview

Dr. Clements was recently interviewed by Celebrity Events Magazine. Here is an excerpt from that interview.

1.     What led you to become a dentist?

         My family. I have several family members in the medical field, but my father was the one who had the          biggest impact. I admired his commitment to his patients and his passion to go the extra mile to help          those in need. He would tell me a quote he was fond of, that people will forget what you said, and               people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Thus, at Legacy          Dental, my whole staff goes out of their way to ensure that all of our patients leave with a smile on               their face!

2.     What is the one thing you would change about the dental industry if you could?

         Dentistry is in a great place right now; technological advances have allowed us the ability to diagnosis          more accurately and provide superior dental care to our patients. Nevertheless, the old stereotype of          the grouchy dentist with the giant, rusty-sounding drill still persists. That fear prevents so many               people from going to the dentist or causes them to delay much needed treatment. But those                    technological advancements that help diagnosis have also made a trip to the dentist so much easier          and much more comfortable for our patients. Perhaps equally important is the role of the dentist and          her staff to show the patient that there’s nothing to fear. We typically fear what we don’t understand,          so educating the patient goes a long way towards a successful dental visit and helps with future visits          as well.

 3.     What is the most common mistake people make concerning their teeth?

         It’s really the basics: brushing and flossing. Are you brushing two minutes twice a day? Are you brushing in circles? Are you brushing your               gums, tongue and palate? And then there’s flossing. Recent studies show that only half of all Americans floss on a daily basis. An extra two-          three minutes a day to floss would do wonders for one’s overall oral hygiene.  

4.     What is the number one method or product you recommend in teeth whitening

         There are several great products out there right now, but Phillips ZOOM Whitening is pretty amazing. We’ve seen patients come in who were          so self-conscious about their teeth that they wouldn’t smile. One woman showed us photo after photo of various events throughout her life –          birthdays, quinceaneras, weddings – and no smile. After a one-hour session with ZOOM, this patient was almost transformed; her once               yellow-ish teeth were now pearly white. But while the physical change in her teeth color was impressive, it was the tears of joy and that               really had an impact on our staff. This was a life-changing event. Now her whole demeanor and how she carries herself is significantly                    different – she’s much more confident and self-assured. That type of change is priceless!  

5.     Finally tell us about your path to success, what are your future goals and dreams where do you see yourself in 5 years?

         Success can be measured in so many ways, but at the end of the day, I want to make people smile – maybe because they appreciate the               dentistry they’ve received or appreciate the care and attention they’ve received from my team. But it’s the human element that drives me.          People never forget how you make them feel, so my patients’ happiness is my success. As for the future, I hope to create more smiles by               providing excellent care to my amazing patients. In addition, I’d like to mentor others who want a career in dentistry. I’ve had some                    wonderful teachers, mentors and coaches over the years and would relish the opportunity to give back just like others did for me.