Member Spotlight: Dr. Kim Kutsch, owner of Oral BioTech, Shares Wisdom and Advice Reprinted from September/October 2024 Newsletter

On August 10th, Dr. Kutsch Kutsch welcomed Lane and Southern Willamette Dental Societies for lunch and a tour of Oral BioTech. His company makes Carifree products. The meeting was held in their fulfillment building in Tangent. Dr. Kutsch and his VP of Operations, Brian, gave the tour. The tour included the quality control lab, where products are tested before being approved to be shipped out, and the fulfillment area. All those who came to the social went home with Carifree product samples. How was Dr. Kutsch inspired to create Carifree products? 

Dr. Kutsch practiced dentistry for forty-two years, building his first practice in Corvallis with longtime friend Steve Long in 1979. Dr. Kutsch also met Dr. Bill Blatchford early in his career and appreciated his mentorship. Bill had a philosophy about only working three days a week. So, early on in Dr. Kutsch’s practice, he followed Dr. Blatchford’s recommendation and got his schedule down to three days a week. 

Working three days a week may seem counterintuitive; however, Dr. Kutsch said, “Dentistry is so consuming, emotionally and physically.” A dentist works with patients during one of the most stressful parts of their week and may have to give patients news they do not want to hear. Working three days a week gave Dr. Kutsch time to recharge and sharpen his mind, making it easier for him to deal with challenging situations when they arose.

 Less time in the dental office also allowed Dr. Kutsch time to invent and pursue his other business ventures. He became very interested in using lasers, becoming one of the first dentists in the country to use them. When he started working with American Dental Laser, he felt that the handpiece they made was awkward to use. He told the company engineers what was needed to make the handpiece work better in a patient's mouth; however, they didn’t improve it. Dr. Kutsch then realized he could design his own business, and his first business was launched. His mind was opened to the possibilities of building and creating anything. He went on to create more businesses throughout his career. 

Dr. Kutsch devised four criteria for whether he would build another company. First, it had to be something he was passionate about. Second, it had to be something that would allow him to be the best in the world. Third, it was something that would be fun. Fourth, it could be done without venture capital. 

Dr. Kutsch advises dentists considering starting their own company not to give up their day jobs until their new income replaces their current income. The odds of new companies surviving are not very high. If one is building something that involves the dental industry, it could be a good idea to stay in practice, even if it is just two days a week. When Dr. Kutsch designed new products, he could get immediate feedback from patients, and often, patients would have no problem giving him biofilm samples for his research.

Dr. Kutsch also recommends the book The Art of Impossible, which looks at human performance potential and gives strategies to unlock one’s full success. The book shares how your curiosity leads you to your passion, leading you to a life purpose. 

This philosophy is reflected in Dr. Kutsch’s latest company, Oral BioTech, and how it evolved from his curiosity regarding caries. He couldn’t understand how his patients were getting caries even when doing everything they were supposed to do. He felt as though he was missing something, and he took two years to study the issue of caries intensely and concluded the answer was to change the mouth's pH. Whether it was a result of medications, lack of saliva, or too much sugar, it still was all in relationship to the pH. 

So, Dr. Kutsch decided to look for the best pH product on the market but discovered that they were all very acidic. Out of his passion came Carifree products, which attack tooth decay using its elevated pH system to help balance bacteria levels to create a healthy mouth and prevent cavities. This is the work that has become Dr. Kutch’s life purpose, “I’m having so much fun. I just turned 70 and I’m having more fun now than I’ve ever had in my life and I’m doing my best work."

Member Spotlight: Drs. Norm and Ryan Magnuson Father and Son Living and Practicing the Magnuson Way

Magnuson Dental’s original location on Delta Oaks Drive in Eugene was opened in 1982. This office was Dr. Norman Magnuson’s first dental practice. Their second location in Harrisburg opened in 2019 after Dr. Ryan Magnuson, Norm’s son, joined the practice. Their dental practice encompasses general, family, and Cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Norm Magnuson took his son Ryan on dental trips starting at the early age of 12 to places like Mexico, Russia, and Nicaragua. These trips were about more than just dentistry; they were able to provide a much-needed service in underserved areas.  This service-oriented approach is ingrained in the Magnuson practice philosophy. The father and son have done nine trips together. These international experiences laid a foundation for their collaborative work at their practices.

Another important aspect of the Magnuson’s philosophy is to create a work environment that feels like an extension of their family life. Work-life balance is important. Norm’s wife, Debby, has been the office manager for many years, and his children have also worked in the office at one time or another. Their patients are also cared for like they are part of their family, and many have become multigenerational clients. Dr. Ryan Magnuson shared how he and his siblings would jump off the roof of their father’s clinic, much to the amusement of patients.

One noticeable innovation is the practice’s incorporation of therapy dogs. Having a well-trained dog available for work can help alleviate the anxiety that some patients feel about dental visits.  “Our dogs are a big hit with patients, especially kids,” Ryan explained. Additionally, having dogs at the office helps create a calm environment that addresses the emotional needs of their patients. They also make a note on a patient’s chart if they have any issues with dogs so they can be mindful of when not to have a dog present when they come in. The dogs are also trained never to enter the treatment areas.

Dr. Norm Magnuson made sure to avoid pushing his son into dentistry. Instead, he helped make sure that Ryan explored all his interests. Initially, Ryan seemed more interested in becoming a veterinarian or a medical doctor, but later, during his sophomore year of college, he decided to go into dentistry.  Like his father, Ryan encourages his children to explore their interests and, at the same time, focuses on instilling the values of hard work and service. He coaches a variety of sports year-round, spreading his values beyond his family and into his community. He is the type of coach who wants everyone on the team to have a good, positive experience playing sports and values this over winning the game.

Member Spotlight: Seth Holland DMD AKA Dr. Bert Walpack reprinted from LCDS May/June 2024 Newslsetter

Lane County Dental Society has a comedian in its membership. Eugene dentist Dr. Holland moonlights as Dr. Bert Walpack when performing comedy. He has an upcoming show, Oral Fixation, at the Olson Run Comedy Club on July 18th. This would be an entertaining event for dentists, assistants, and hygienists. Why not plan a fun night out for the whole dental office?

Dr. Holland's practice is Mount Pisgah Family Dental in Eugene. Although he grew up in rural New Jersey, Dr. Holland has lived in Oregon since 2007 and graduated from OHSU in 2013.  He has advanced training in IV sedation, dental implants, and pediatric dentistry. He is also an Academy of General Dentistry Fellow. Dr. Holland's family enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing and mountain biking. They are also Oregon Duck Basketball fans.

Oregon is your second home state; how did you end up here? Do you still have family in New Jersey? I grew up in northern New Jersey and it was real pretty. There  is a lot of farm land there and it reminds me of the Willamette Valley. I moved to New York after college to be an engineer but after a few years I decided to switch careers to become a dentist. I wanted to move to either Colorado or Oregon to go to dental school so I chose Oregon because of its proximity to the ocean and at the time I was really into track and field.

It sounds like your family loves the great outdoors. Did you play any sports or ski when you were younger? I played a lot of basketball when I was growing up but I also did some downhill skiing. The snow in New Jersey and the East in general is very icy and not great for carving turns I feel spoiled skiing out here since I have yet to ski on  sheet of ice in Oregon.

Why did you choose dentistry as a career? Are you the first dentist in your family? I was working as a fire protection engineer but not loving the job so I took a career test and it pointed me towards dentistry. I am not the first dentist in my family. My grandfather Albert Holland had a dental practice in New Jersey for 30 years.

Are there any areas of dentistry you are interested in or want to do more of in your practice?I take a lot of classes with the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry so it’s a great birds eye view of what types of care you can provide for your patients. Currently I’m spending a lot of my learning about oral facial pain.  

When did you first start getting into comedy? When I lived in New York City after college I did it for three years but then I took a 10 year break when I got busy with dental school and having a family.

When did you create your stage name, and what inspired you? I use a stage name because I was pretty bad at stand up when I restarted and I didn’t want people to find out how bad I was. No one wants to see their dentist dying on stage.

What is the funniest thing about dentistry? I like reading the notes the hygienists write regarding the personal affects of the patients like: “Patient has a cat named Trudy and won a hot dog last summer on vacation in Iowa.” You read the notes and you’re like ‘how would someone describe me in two sentences to make my dental seem more magical?’ 

Do you have any advice for dentists who want to make their practice more fun for themselves, staff and/or patients? I guess its obvious that you need to hire people you like being around so that its fun to come to work. Also I think you got to keep taking continuing education so you always have something you are excited about in dentistry.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself? I  performed in the Hell Yes Comedy Festival, the B4Udie Comedy Festival, the Portland Maine Festival and Don’t Tell Comedy shows. 

Member Spotlight: Dr. McCully Celebrates the End of a 50-Year Dental Career Reprinted from Lane County Dental Society March/April 2024 Newsletter

 "A big reason for my success has been my staff over the 50 years that I practiced. Many of them worked with me for many years, and to them, I owe a huge debt of gratitude. After retiring, much to my surprise, many of them showed up at my home for my retirement party. I am truly blessed."

As a young man growing up in Eugene, George McCully ran an Oregonian Paper route for nine years, participated as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp, obtained The Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rank, and represented South Eugene High School as the snow skiing state champion his senior year. After high school in 1968, he began as a Pre-dentistry major at the University of Oregon, with late admittance, "No one told me that one needed to apply for college. I just assumed that after grade 12, one became a Freshman at the U of O." He worked his way through college, including working summers at the cannery until receiving a "Co-Step" position his junior year of dental school with the Indian Health Service's dental clinic at Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota. After graduating from dental school in 1973, Dr. McCully was awarded an Internship/General Practice Residency at the IHS hospital in Gallup, New Mexico.  He married his wife, Diane, and moved back to Eugene after he completed his internship and graduated from dental school in 1974. 

Setting up his practice from scratch was challenging for Dr. McCully. His new practice was 500 square feet and located at 1374 Willamette. Soon, the couple had a new daughter.  The McCully family adopted a frugal lifestyle with a diet full of powdered milk, canned applesauce, and corn on the cob. How times have changed! Back then, Dr. McCully owed $11,000 after graduation between his truck and school debt. His first house with two bedrooms and one bath was $22,000, and a gold crown was $95!

In 1985, Dr. McCully moved to his new office at Spencer View Dental. This latest move allowed him to expand; however, it added additional financial pressure and stress. Although all may have seemed like it was going well for him, he felt burnt out after 15 years of dentistry. He worked long hours to make more money: 6 days a week, with 12 hours a day staying open on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.

Dr. McCully credits his Practice Management Study Group with helping him develop a new approach to scheduling that would allow him to take more time off, and at the same time, be more productive through working six weeks and taking the seventh week off. The head of his study group said if he tried this strategy, he would see that he would make as much or more money working fewer hours. For Dr. McCully, this turned out to be true.

Dr. McCully attributes the blessings he received through opportunities others gave him, seeing more in him than he saw for himself.  He received his fellowship and mastership in the AGD because The Executive Secretary of AGD, Bernie Taylor, believed in him. Dr. McCully helped mentor Harry Alber's Study Clubs and joined his group The Academy of Cosmetic and Adhesive Dentistry, later serving as its president. He served as an ODA Trustee and also served as a member and President of the Oregon Board of Dentistry. He was also honored by the AGD as the Oregon General Dentist of the Year in 2022.

Now Dr. McCully is retired and looks forward to his future, traveling with Diana and spending a lot of time on their boat. One of their upcoming trips is planned for Roatan, an island of the north coast of Honduras.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Mariya Costa, DMD - Amazon Creek Dental, reprinted from LCDS January/February 2024 Newsletter

Dr. Mariya Costa has always been interested in medical sciences. As an undergraduate at the University of Washington, she studied microbiology to go into dentistry or medical school. What attracted her to dentistry was that she could help people in a very real way. Before college, she worked as a dental assistant; during college, she volunteered at a dental clinic at a church. Before going to dental school, she worked in a pathology lab for three years.

Mariya went to Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, Utah. Before starting her studies in Utah, she traveled with a friend to all the national parks in Utah, including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.  While in Utah, she missed the coast and the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Costa met her husband, Edward, in North Bend after moving to Oregon after dental school. Their first date was a double date with their dogs at the beach. Edward had a chocolate lab, and Maria had a black lab. Although they spent a lot of time at the beach calling their dogs to come back, they found that they really enjoyed their time together, and now they are married and proud parents of two labradors and a cat. Edward spent ten years as a firefighter and paramedic. He worked in an urgent care clinic before assisting his wife as her Clinic Administrator at her new practice, Amazon Creek Dental. His computer expertise and technical prowess have been an asset to the clinic. During their off hours, the couple enjoys hiking and visiting local restaurants.

Mariya is now beginning her second year at her practice. The first year was an exciting time full of learning what she needed to know about running her own business.   She discovered that there is a big difference between being an associate and owning your own practice.  She recommends that anyone considering starting their own practice take time to talk to other new owners and ask them questions. She also recommends spending as much time as possible at the practice you are considering purchasing. On a working day, you can see how the operations run and meet the staff.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Erica Crosta reprinted from November/December 2023 issue of Lane County Dental Society's Newsletter

 

I am an Oregon native! I grew up in the Portland area and have always loved this beautiful state. I earned my Bachelors of Science from Oregon State University and then transitioned to Oregon Health and Science University for my Doctorate of Dental Medicine. After earning my dental degree, my husband and I moved to Nevada so I could attend the University of Nevada for my Masters of Science and certification in orthodontics. 

We couldn’t stay away from Oregon so we moved back and lived in Bend for 6 years where I was an associate in a private practice. January 2023, we decided to make the move over the mountains to be closer to family and friends and we are very excited to call Eugene home. 

When I am not working at Oregon Family Orthodontics, you will find me spending time with my beautiful family! My husband, Trevor and our two boys, Nash (almost 4 years old) and Knox (almost 2 years old). We are always looking for adventure; hiking, camping, swimming, snowboarding, surfing, pretty much anything outdoors. We are very excited to be a part of the Eugene community and look forward to exploring everything it has to offer!

Member Spotlight: Dr. P. Ben Meyer, DDS reprinted from September/October 2023 issue of Lane County Dental Society's Newsletter

Dr. P. Ben Meyer decided to become a public health dentist after doing outreach in public health clinics during dental school. He decided to work in this casually laid-back environment, enjoying the challenge of doing the best for a patient within the clinical and financial limitations of this setting. 

After graduating from the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry, Dr. Meyer sought opportunities outside Michigan.  He heard about White Bird Clinic. He had intended to do the work for a few years; however, he has been involved with the clinic for 14 years and is now their dental director. His wife, Lindsay, moved across the country from Michigan with him.  They now have two daughters, ages 4 and 8.  Their family enjoys a lot of family time doing outdoor activities like playing in parks or going for hikes. They are looking forward to discovering more Oregon destinations and activities.

As the new Dental Director at White Bird, Dr. Meyer oversees four dentists and two rotating dental interns. He is happy to work with a team that shares his passion. Dr. Meyers says that your heart has to be the main reason for being in a public health setting like White Bird.

One of the challenges of working at a community health center is the aging equipment. Even with grants and support from donors and the dental community, the equipment is replaced when it stops working. Yet, the biggest limitation can be what a patient can afford.  Many of the clinic's Oregon Health Plan patients can only afford what their insurance will cover. So White Bird pulls a lot of teeth and does their best to get their patients' mouths healthy and comfortable so they can eat.

White Bird started doing school dental screenings in Bethel about eight years ago and has expanded its program into Springfield. This program could use volunteer dentists and dental staff who want to give back their time in their community. Like many dental offices, White Bird also has had support staff shortages, so volunteers could help fill the gap.

Meet Lane County Dental Society's 2023 President: Dr. Mercedes Del Valle, DDS, FAGD reprinted from LCDS May/June 2023 Newsletter

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My parents are from Chile and permanently made Puerto Rico their home in 1961. I finished high school in Puerto Rico in 1986 before attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for my undergraduate studies, graduating in 1990. I then went to the University of Iowa for dental school, graduating in 1994. I remained at the University of Iowa for a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, which I completed in 1995.

I have aspired to be a dentist since the 8th grade, when I participated in a school project for career week. The project required me to interview three individuals with different careers. I interviewed a rural veterinarian, a hospitalist internal medicine physician (my godfather), and my hometown general dentist. Initially, I was interested in becoming a veterinarian, but after interviewing the three professionals, I was most drawn to what my dentist had to say about his profession. He was extremely happy being a dentist, enjoying his work-life balance, helping people, and not having to deliver devastating news to patients. He mentioned that every day brought different challenges and that he was always excited to go to work. Now in his late 70s, he still practices part-time at his daughter's dental office. I shadowed him numerous times during high school, and like him, I have come to love all aspects of general dentistry.

I like to engage in a wide range of activities outside of the dental practice, pursuing hobbies such as hiking, playing the piano, and reading. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two dogs: Sadie, a 15-year-old Border Collie-Labrador mix who weighs 47 pounds, and Zoey, an eight-year-old German Shepherd weighing about 75 pounds. Sadie was an amazing hiker, but she hasn't hiked for two years now due to a decline in her stamina. Zoey has since become my hiking companion, while Sadie relaxes at home.

Dr. Donald Dexter, DMD Opens Sleep Center at Eugene's Inkwell Building - Reprinted from January/February 2023 Newsletter

 

At his new practice Eugene Dental Sleep Center, Dr. Donald Dexter will treat obstructive sleep apnea with appliances as a noninvasive alternative to the CPAP.  Dr. Dexter started his extensive study of sleep medicine in 2012 and has attended Mini-Residencies at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Dental Sleep Medicine, Temporomandibular Disorders, and Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine. In 2020 he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM). 

Dr. Dexter’s efficient approach to working with his patients streamlines the process so they can get relief quickly.  After the first visit, the patient is sent home with a sleep study device. Once completed, the study is automatically sent to to Dr. Dexter. He has had some patients go through their initial visit to starting treatment in as little as 3-4 weeks.

Dr. Dexter describes his practice as community-based, “You can build a house with a hammer, but you need more than a hammer to build a house. Oral appliances are a tool that I can provide and teach patients how to use, but there are a lot of other tools in the toolbox that builds a house of wellness."  

His office has two community areas. One is the Red Room, a reading room with refreshments and resources for staff and patients. The other is an art exhibition room that will host art shows and provide space for community wellness classes. This room will also serve as a community meeting room that can host study groups and other small events. 

Dr. Dexter's passion for art and community is not new. In 2021, Dr. Dexter curated the R0 Prayer Flag Redux Community Project displayed in Eugene’s downtown. R0 refers to the number of infections that occur because of one infection. The project’s purpose was to positively infect others with peace, hope, love, empathy, and compassion in the face of the Covid Pandemic. Community members joined with Willamette High School students to create the flags. (“2021 Windowfront Exhibitions”)

“2021 Windowfront Exhibitions” Retrieved from https://eugene-or.gov/4638/2021-Windowfront-Exhibitions.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Sonya Sproul-Hammond, DMD Finding Life Balance through Giving Back and Setting Priorities - Reprinted from January/February 2023 Newsletter

 For Army National Guard veteran, Dr. Sproul, service is what drew her into dentistry. Her father, Dr. William B. Sproul, was a dentist and Sonja didn’t think she would follow in his footsteps until after she went on a dental mission trip to Belize with him as a high school student. There she discovered the joy of serving and the travel opportunities that can accompany the dental profession, later volunteering on humanitarian trips to both Africa and Honduras. She was also attracted to the artistic and creative aspects of the field. She now helps encourage other young women to join dentistry by having them shadow her at her practice.

Today Dr. Sproul makes giving back an important part of her practice's philosophy. Although she is not currently making international dental trips, Sonja has partnered with local organizations, such as Catholic Community Service’s Refugee and Immigrant Services Program (RISP) to give back at her practice. When one of her patients told her about women refugees from Afghanistan who needed dental work she did not hesitate to help. She sees those she helps during her normal working hours, “It’s a nice way that I can still feel like I’m contributing my skills and really making a big difference in someone’s life ."

When asked about advice for women going into dentistry who plan to have families and want a good work-life balance, Dr. Sproul shares how this was possible for her, crediting her dad for his advice. He told her that having a financial plan from the beginning would allow her the opportunity to try and get ahead quickly.

Heading his advice to set herself up financially has afforded Dr. Sproul the flexibility that she has today, allowing her to do the work she loves and have time with her baby too. When she discovered she was pregnant, she had the flexibility to shift her schedule to three days a week. Another key to her successful work-life balance was is being part of a community of other women dentists with children who understand the challenge and are willing to help each other when emergencies arise.