NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Fall 2018

44 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE continued from page 43 In mid-summer 2018, Stephen headed to Gaines- ville to do a general practice residency at a Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center hospital. “He’ll be doing a lot of complex cases there,” said his father, adding that one year in such a residency is equivalent to “years of experience.” Stephen said he looked forward to assisting in various procedures and helping veterans. TRIPLE PLAY Emily and Greg are now in their fourth year in dental school, and all three intend to follow their father by going into general dentistry. They learned cutting- edge technologies at NSU CDM, and they augmented that education with their father’s knowledge, accumu- lated through years of experience. “He’s pretty much ahead of us on all aspects,” Emily said. “He knows all of the tricks of the trade. I call him up with a question, and he’ll ask me if I tried it a certain way. I’ll say ‘no, but next time I will.’ I’ve learned patience from him.” Greg says he also has learned patience from his father. He confers with his father for advice on han- dling various dental situations. When their father got a new 3-D Cone Beam CAT scan machine, it helped as they studied anatomy, Emily said. In addition to changing technology, the dental business model is changing, Norton noted, adding that he has transitioned to doing more cosmetic dentistry. While they may need to branch out on their own after graduation, ideally, the siblings want to work together, Emily said. She posits that there will always be patients who seek out a family dental practice, because they favor an environment where they can make a connection with the same dental professional who knows them. Although her father may have never envisioned his children working together, “with Stephen graduating, it’s coming to reality that all three of us are going to be dentists and working together,” Emily said. In addition to working together, the trio believes that patient care and education are paramount. Stephen recalled one patient who brought him a photo to show him how she wouldn’t show her teeth for a smile before her dental problems were fixed at the CDM. “We’re like the first line—the patients tend to see their dentists more than they see their doctors,” Emily said. Greg added that patients are appreciative of learning the connections between dental health and overall health. And, he said, “the gratitude that patients offer after their dental care cannot be measured.” u The Norton siblings and their father say they appreciate making their patients happy with their treatment. STUDENT IMPRESSIONS STUDENT Impressions