A Love letter from Dr. V

So, unbelievably, I can still remember my early days here in Temple City; it all started on Monday January 5, 1976. After one month in town, I thought owning a private dental practice wasn’t all that difficult; then I discovered stuff like compound interest, payroll tax, and worker’s comp insurance.

I’d grown up a few miles away in Monterey Park, but it seemed like Temple City could’ve been painted by Norman Rockwell. During Week One, I was officially greeted into town by Dr. Bob Ewing; he even sent me patients, just to make sure Manager Diane, Dental Assistant Kathy, and I stayed busy. Doc Ewing had been in practice 40-years. I was 28-years old.

My dad was almost as excited as me; he’d always dreamed of being a business owner. But on March 6, my coach, mentor, and best friend died. He remains my #1 advisor and recently, we’ve had some serious sessions.

I thought I’d made the right choice, staying close to home. I knew I needed to be there for my mom. And by being Mom’s health advocate, I sort of figured out what I really already knew, “providing care meant caring about serving people as if they were family.” And those people included patients, co-workers, and the community.

I’m still coming to grips with the reality that I’ve been a general dentist in Temple City for over 46-years. I still walk all over Pasadena, do the Peloton, and carry my clubs on the golf course; if only I could wear two masks, a shield, loops, and a laser filter without fogging up!

It just hurts to think about losing another family, including people I’ve loved like daughters for 20-years. It’s true, the last two years have been challenging for us all. but I’m proud to have seen a way through a pandemic with family like Dani, her sister Denise, and our new team who rolled the dice and took a chance.

I’m not a fan of the word “retire.” My buddy/colleague Dr. Marc Haney, once cautioned a mutual patient that his “tooth #29 might have to be retired (as in, yanked.)” The visual never left my mind’s eye. I’m not getting yanked, and I’ll always support Temple City Dental Care any way I can (and I will be around), but I’m stepping away from living at the office.

I’ve loved working with Dr. Samuel Lee over the past 6-years (that have flown by). It’s been awesome having a colleague/friend as skilled, friendly, and kind as Dr. Lee. Originally, I had hoped Samuel would take over the practice, but over the last few years he’s had a change of heart. I’ll be forever grateful for the years we worked together.

I want TCDC to achieve and expand far beyond what we’ve accomplished since 1976. I’m anxious to see the practice provide a wide spectrum of care that helps provide complete oral health for the community. And I’m excited that, after much thought and many conversations, I’ve grown to know Dr. Kyle Low as a friend, a respected colleague, and an amazing husband to Lena and father of two sons and a baby daughter. Dr. Low lives in nearby Arcadia; he loves sports…and, like me, he’s a Giants fan.

Dr. Kyle S. Low was born and raised in northern California where his father was also a dentist. He completed his undergraduate education at UCLA and settled in Los Angeles. Dr. Low found dentistry after working six years in the import/export industry. He left his position, set new goals, and enrolled in a Post-Baccalaureate program in dentistry at Chapman University. Dr. Low then attended the prestigious UCLA School of Dentistry and completed an Advanced Education of General Dentistry program at the UCLA Venice Dental Center where he trained to deliver advanced clinical procedures. Dr. Low also spent time teaching at the UCLA School of Dentistry Restorative clinic, mentoring third- and fourth-year dental students; he’s practiced General Dentistry for the past 5-years in nearby South Pasadena.

Dr. Kyle’s core values align with ours; he has a truly gentle nature and he’s excited to grow professionally, bringing new services to Temple City Dental Care while serving you and the community just like family and providing excellent care. You’re just going to love Dr. Low.

Hope you know I Love all y'all.

So, please stay healthy and safe, be kind…and keep smiling,

Dr. V