How to Protect your teeth with Alexandria Dentist Dr. John D. Kling

Dr. John D. Kling II, DDS MAGD, explains how he tries to distinguish himself from other dentists and explains the various services his Alexandria dental practice offers.

Patch: What is your morning routine?

Dr. Kling: Dentists must motivate themselves like everyone else. I find a good routine helps. Mine is simple: brush and floss three times per day and get regular cleaning appointments.

Patch: How are you involved in the community?

Dr. Kling: I have lived in the Alexandria area for over 50 years, and believe in being involved. I am an active member of the Rotary Club of Alexandria, Past Chairman of the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, Past President of the Alexandria Dental Society and I volunteer in the “Give Back a Smile” Campaign sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). I have helped reconstruct the smile of local victims of spousal abuse.

Patch: If you had to recommend a book, what would it be?

Dr. Kling: I liked “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The book centered around how President Lincoln chose Cabinet members he did not necessarily agree with but still worked with them for the good of our country. It is a real lesson for today to learn to develop relationships with people, even if you have philosophical differences. I also read a lot of technical dentistry material, so I don’t think most people would be interested in that.

Patch: What is the most common issue you see with patient’s teeth?

Dr. Kling: The most common issues are plaque and tartar accumulation; wear of teeth from clenching and grinding; and breakdown of existing fillings and tooth fractures. This is particularly true of people with silver amalgam fillings. I fix many problems patients’ have with other dental work they have received.

Patch: What made you pursue a career in dentistry?

Dr. Kling: I wanted to help make a difference in people’s lives and express my interest in science and art. I like working with my hands, so dentistry came naturally. I especially love cosmetic dentistry because it is the merger of science and art.

Patch: What services does your practice offer?

Dr. Kling: We offer comprehensive hygiene procedures; tooth colored fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns, porcelain veneers and implant retained crowns; treatment of bite problems and jaw pain; night guards; implant retained dentures (often referred to as “teeth in a day”); and total mouth reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Patch: How can readers contact you?

Dr. Kling: Readers can contact our office at 703-299-8444 and visit our website at www.drjohnkling.com.

Patch: How do you distinguish yourself from the others in your business?

Dr. Kling: I believe in a relationship-based practice that focuses on the needs of our patients. I get to know all of my patients so I can treat them in the most professional, empathetic and caring way. This has driven me to do all I can to continue my advanced education to offer the best for my patients. I am the only Alexandria dentist to receive accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), and I consider this one of my greatest achievements. So far, there are only 366 AACD Accredited dentists in the entire world and four in the state of Virginia. I am the only AACD Accredited dentist in Alexandria. The process is very rigorous and the experience and expertise that I have gained enable me to provide a level of confidence to my patients that I am extremely well trained and vetted for what I do for them. I also have a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), so that, in combination with the Accreditation, make me one of 15 dentists in the world to have both qualifications.

Patch: What are the top three things readers can do to protect their teeth?

Dr. Kling: See your dentist regularly; floss and brush at least twice a day (but more is better) and be your own health advocate by having a balanced diet. Keep sugar to a minimum. Oh, and choose a good dentist!