My day usually starts around 7:00 a.m. I get ready, answer a few emails, and head out the door. I’m not much of a breakfast person–I tend to do a light morning fast and save eating for later in the day.
On the drive into the office, I listen to music. It helps me shift gears, clear my head, and get into the right mindset for the day. Most mornings it’s the Grateful Dead, though I’ll mix in some country now and then. It’s a simple routine, but it helps me stay relaxed and focused before the work begins.
When I arrive at NYOMIS, the team is already preparing for the day’s patients. Before we begin seeing anyone, we come together to review the schedule and map out the day ahead. We look closely at each case–especially larger procedures or implant cases–and make sure we’re fully prepared. We double and triple check materials, equipment, and timing so there are no surprises.
Preparation sets the tone for everything that follows. When we’re calm and organized, it creates a better environment for both the team and our patients. Being prepared minimizes stress and allows us to deliver the best care possible.
On a typical day, I perform a range of procedures, most commonly wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant cases. These can range from straightforward single implants to more complex full-mouth procedures.
Patient anxiety is something we take very seriously. Oral surgery can be intimidating, and I think much of that fear comes from the word “surgery” itself. I often prefer to use the term “procedure,” which helps reframe expectations and ease anxiety. We take time to listen, answer questions, and reassure patients that they are in good hands. From compassion and clear communication to sedation options like nitrous oxide or IV sedation, everything we do is centered around patient comfort and trust.
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the impact it has on people’s lives. Helping someone feel better, improve their quality of life, or regain confidence in their smile is incredibly meaningful. I recently treated a patient who had struggled for years with her smile and underwent a full-arch dental implant procedure. Seeing her reaction afterward was a powerful reminder of why I love what I do.
In surgery, the moment I feel most in my element is when everything comes together–the planning, the precision, and the final result. That’s when you know the work has paid off.
At the end of the day, our team comes together again to review cases, look ahead to the next day, and make sure we’re fully prepared. When I get home, I unwind by spending time with my son, having dinner, and catching any Michigan or Detroit sporting event on TV, if one’s on.
A good day, to me, is simple: knowing I helped make a positive impact on someone’s life and being grateful for the opportunity to do so.
