3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Dr. Joseph Hwang of Tri-Valley Aesthetic Dentistry

Dr. Joseph Hwang shares the best piece of advice he has ever been given and talks about establishing his new practice, Tri-Valley Aesthetic Dentistry.

Patch: What’s the best part about doing business in your town?

Dr. Hwang: I think that the Tri-Valley is an amazing place in which to live and do business. Having grown up in the East Bay, I remember how much there is to do, especially for families. I particularly love Livermore for the small town feel that it exudes while still having so much to offer. I love the wine country and the fact that there are still so many small businesses run by locals. It has a true sense of community. Although I shop at the big box stores from time to time, I am a firm believer of supporting the local small businesses whenever I can.

Patch: If you could give back to your community, where would you start?

Dr. Hwang: I feel very blessed to be practicing dentistry. I am able to do something that I truly love and help so many people in the process. However, I also understand the cost of dental services can be prohibitive from some people. I participate in charitable dental endeavors through the California Dental Association. I am also involved with Give Back a Smile through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which is an organization dedicated to restoring the smiles of victims of domestic violence. I am constantly looking for ways to give back to the community whenever possible.

Patch: What would you say is your dental philosophy?

I would say that I look at dentistry from a whole body approach. How dental disease affects the body and how systemic diseases affect dental health. I believe that it is important to be part of health care team and to communicate with a patient’s other physicians to provide them with a comprehensive care approach. Specifically pertaining to dentistry, I believe dentistry is an art form as well as a science. I try to practice keeping in mind my personal tenets of artistry, excellence, integrity and wellness. I try to listen to a patient’s wants and desires and work with them in devising the best treatment plan for their individual needs. There is usually more than one way to treat a dental problem, and it is important that my patients make well informed choices they are comfortable with.

Patch: What have you done in the last year to improve your knowledge?

Dr. Hwang: I am a firm believer of continuing education and constantly improving my skills to better serve my patients. I have attended several courses on complex dental reconstruction and have done a ton of reading on the latest advancements in dentistry. I try to attend several large dental conferences annually for more hands on training as well.

Patch: Tell us about your team as a whole and how that contributes to your success?

Dr. Hwang: I believe that I have the best dental team. They are compassionate and caring individuals with an amazing work ethic. They truly know how to do their jobs. I know they embrace my dental practice philosophy and they love what they do. In a word, they are awesome.

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Dr. Hwang: As I have already stated, I believe our office sets itself apart from others first and foremost with our amazing team. We are devoted to forging long lasting, meaningful relationships with our patients. We are devoted to excellence in the dentistry we provide, and stand behind our work. Most importantly, we always try to be mindful of our patients’ comfort throughout their dental experience. Our patients constantly tell us that their dental visits with us are the best they have ever had, and we strive to provide that level of service every time we treat someone in our office.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Dr. Hwang: I have had the good fortune of having several dentist mentors in other parts of the country whom I greatly respect. More than one of them have told me in the past “Treat your patients and employees better than you would want be treated yourself, and the rest will take care of itself.” I try to embody those words in my daily practice.