Dr. Jeremy Dixon received his DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree in 2000 from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he served as class president. He then went off to pursue a speciality in Pediatrics at North Shore-LIJ Health System. Currently, Dr. Dixon is a business owner of two successful pediatric practices in Manhattan and Brooklyn called Gramercy Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Dixon’s sprawling success as a dentist and business owner in New York City is a product of his hard work, determination, and character that was brought to light in the following interview:
Q: What made you choose dentistry? I chose dentistry because I love science, and I always had an inclination that I wanted to go into healthcare. While I was exploring, I was able to work at a dental office as an assistant because my friend’s father was a dentist. I loved it.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to specialize, and what gravitated you towards pediatrics? I came into dentistry interested in pediatrics - contrary to what other people usually say, I found that my personality was pediatric-focused. Growing up, I was a lifeguard and camp counselor; dealing with scared kids is what I succeeded in.
Q: Biggest challenge being a pediatric dentist? I think as a pediatric dentist, I am still hard on myself if things don’t go right or well. Not beating myself up over procedures or treatment has been challenging and has caused some sleepless nights. I have to remember that everyone is human and not perfect. Physically, dentistry can also be a challenge. My eyesight, back, and neck aren't the same.
Q: What did you find to be the biggest obstacle in dental school? Your biggest obstacle in pediatric residency? And your biggest obstacle managing your own private practice?
In dental school, my biggest challenge was finding a balance between work and my social life. Managing to be a happy human being, and having fun and doing well is important. I have fond memories of dental school. The biggest challenge in residency was that it was very resident led. We were on our own from day one which was terrifying. Transitioning from treating adults to children was a lot of trial and error. We had to figure out how to perform dental treatments without terrifying kids. In my pediatric practice, a challenge I have encountered is finding and retaining an environment where everyone gets along in a small space is challenging. I’m very lucky to be in a practice where everyone gets along.
Q: What activities/hobbies do you enjoy in your free time when you’re not working or when you weren’t studying in dental school? I love traveling, cooking and spending time with my family. When I wasn’t studying I liked to do board sports - surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding.
Q: Whole role as a dentist surprised you the most when you became an owner of a private practice? Being a dentist and knowing business go hand in hand. I think I could have benefited from more business training in dental school. Some sort of MBA training.
Q: How did you become a successful business owner? A good amount of continuing education and linking up with smart people and listening to them has been helpful.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being a dentist? Helping people has been the most rewarding part of being a dentist. When things go well, especially after taking a patient out of a tough situation, it is very rewarding.
Q: What are your goals/dreams as a dentist? I think my goals as a dentist are the same as in dental school - finding a good work-life balance. As a practice owner, it’s easy to think about work all the time. However, focusing and being present in the moment is important.
Q: As dentistry is evolving, what steps do you take to be up to date with dentistry’s latest technologies and procedures? To keep up with the times, I engage in continuing education. I keep in touch with my colleagues through social media. I also attend different NYC meetings.
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your years of experience? As a dental professional, it’s to listen. Listen to the parents and kids. Lots of dentists don’t listen. If you really listen and figure out what is bumming them out, you can change course. Usually there is an easy solution if you listen.
In life, it’s to just try and enjoy life. If you’re not enjoying the ride - what’s the point?
Q: Did you find it difficult to start your dental practice in a saturated market like New York City? Don’t be turned off by a market because it’s saturated. If you want to live in a specific area - you should work there. It’s the most genuine feeling.
Q: What advice would you give to dental students that may be reading this? Dentistry is a flexible profession. You can do it anywhere. You can practice what you like to do. Figure out what you are into and where you want to do it and make it happen.
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