For this month’s Partner Spotlight, we caught up with Drs. Ericson Viola and Vinh Dao to discuss how they joined forces to build a successful practice, what they love most about being dentists and their advice for new grads.
With over 20 years of combined experience, the dentist duo proudly serves the Napanee community at Got Smile Dental Centre.
Tell us a little bit about your respective journeys into dentistry.
Ericson: I studied Life Sciences at Queen's University. During my second year, I volunteered at a dental office in Kingston. That solidified my decision to apply to dental school. Vinh and I both graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2010. I moved back to Canada and began practicing in Lindsey, Ontario. Five years later, Vinh and I decided to join forces to build Got Smile Dental in Napanee, Ontario, and the rest is history.
Vinh: I was born and raised in France. I moved to the US to complete my undergraduate degree in California before completing my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at NYU, where I met Ericson. We’ve both grown so much personally and professionally ever since.
How has partnership with dentalcorp impacted the way you practice?
Vinh: As the largest network of dental practices, dentalcorp has pioneered the business of dentistry in Canada. Partnership has ultimately allowed us to improve our day-to-day management and to scale our business. We’ve since expanded our footprint into two additional practice locations.
Ericson: The partnership has provided a ton of backend support – from marketing and HR support to payroll software – which has allowed us to focus more on providing quality patient care.
What’s the best part about being a dentist?
Ericson: I really enjoy practicing dentistry in a small town and developing long lasting relationships with patients.
Vinh: Patient care always comes first. It’s especially rewarding to convert a patient who is initially apprehensive about dentistry from past experiences into a patient who enjoys going to the dentist. The business of dentistry is also rewarding when we reach our set goals as a team. From patient care to the innovations being made, the field of dentistry is constantly evolving and there is always something new to learn.
Ericson: I also love performing extractions and implants! I really enjoy the gory stuff (haha).
What does excellence in patient care mean to you?
Ericson: Excellence in patient care means treating each patient as if they were a part of our own family. Leveraging modern dental technology, such as digital and panoramic x-rays, allow us to make accurate diagnoses to provide the best treatment options for patients. It also allows us to educate our patients so that they can take control and improve their oral health.
You’ve both had tremendous success already in your careers. What advice do you have for emerging clinicians?
Vinh: I would encourage emerging clinicians to always engage with the dental community through continuing education courses and networking.
Ericson: I would add that developing a great chair side manner will set you apart from other clinicians. It’s also really important to take care of your back!
