Hi, there, wonderful reader! I’m Dr. Michael Webster, Owner and General Practitioner at Kelowna Dental Centre. Since taking the reigns and re-founding Kelowna Dental Centre in 2013, my vision for what this clinic would represent has never wavered: a dental experience defined by innovation, world-class care, and a patient-centred approach. We’re proud to have put these guiding principles into practice and proudly serve the incredible Kelowna community we call home.
In this blog post, I want to take you on a journey through my early life, dental career, and ultimately what drives my relentless pursuit to help our patients meet and exceed their dental health goals at every touch point.
From humble beginnings growing up in Rutland to the exhilarating experience of re-founding Kelowna Dental Centre and assembling our all-star team, buckle up and get ready for an exciting ride!
Let’s dive right in.
Growing Pains Call for Transformative Times
Picture this: I was once just a young lad from a humble blue-collar family with no dental lineage to brag about. But hey, life has a funny way of nudging us in the right direction. My insatiable curiosity for science and biology and tireless work ethic (something my parents had engrained in me since I was old enough to talk) led me into the wild and wacky world of healthcare. I also identified working in healthcare as a potential path to providing my family with the quality of life I wanted for them.
And guess what? Eventually, dentistry got its hooks into me like a toothache that just won’t go away (and if you’ve actually got a toothache that just won’t quit, I know somebody that can help…)
Now, let me be real with you. Dental school came with its moments of doubt. I was always confident in my ability to become a good dentist, but I didn’t always necessarily “connect” with the lessons and classes I was partaking in. Some things just didn’t seem realistic or logical. In fact, I found many of the principles and techniques to be quite antiquated.
But hey, for anyone that knows me, I’m not one to settle for the status quo (understatement of the century). I knew I’d have to find my own path toward a dental journey that allowed me to move with the flow of my own floss, if you will.
And then, my friends, I experienced perhaps the most pivotal moment of my professional career. While conducting research for a project, I stumbled upon a course offered by none other than the “Dental Implant Godfather” himself, Dr. Carl Misch (rest in peace). Dr. Misch always had a keen knack for shattering dental norms and reshaping how we view our beloved profession. He preached authenticity, transparency, and the importance of the patient experience like it was the secret sauce to success. It all started to make sense. Suddenly, I felt the shackles of old-fashioned expectations loosen, and I fully embraced the idea of truly being myself as a dentist.
Shortly after school, I moved up to Fort St. John to pursue an opportunity to be exposed to and engulfed by a vast range of innovative dental techniques. But while I was there, I always had my sights set on coming back home to Kelowna. Since then, my career has soared to spectacular new heights, fueled by my fiery passion for the science and art that makes dentistry so remarkable.
Kelowna Dental Centre: A Decade of Dental Excellence
Let’s go behind the scenes of Kelowna Dental Centre’s remarkable evolution since I took the helm. Buckle up, my friend, because it’s been a wild ride!
From day one, I had a clear vision of what Kelowna Dental Centre would represent. I was determined to flip the script on dentistry and create an experience like no other. No more stiff, clinical vibes or terrifying dentist chairs. I wanted our clinic to be a place where patients actually looked forward to coming, where smiles were contagious, and laughter echoed through the halls.
Now, let me share a little secret with you. When I acquired the practice, I didn’t have the luxury of a traditional mentorship. Nope, I dove headfirst into the world of operating a dental clinic, armed with nothing more than my passion and a whole lot of trial and error. It was like being thrown into the deep end without a floaty. But you know what they say, sink or swim, right?
I’ll admit I experienced plenty of “learning opportunities” along the way. My fiery passion sometimes got the best of me, and I found myself getting in heated debates with patients and my team that were often a result of simple miscommunications. And yeah, it’s true; I might even have kicked a few people out of the office. Oops! And boy, oh boy, did I have a tendency to push my team members to their limits. I learned the hard way that burning the candle at both ends leads to some seriously crunchy situations.
But hey, life has a funny way of teaching us important lessons, and boy, did I learn fast! I realized that my passion had actually taken me away from the tenets of empathy and understanding that I KNEW were the secret ingredients to truly connecting with my patients, team, and community. And let me tell you, my own personal journey through the trenches of substance abuse during my darkest days transformed me in more ways than I could possibly communicate in this blog post.
Rehab became my launching pad for self-discovery. It was like hitting the reset button on my life. Through that experience, I gained a whole new level of insight into the struggles that many of our patients face. It’s like I have a sixth sense for spotting those who need a helping hand.
So here I am, battle-scarred and armed with newfound perspectives, elevating dentistry to a whole new level one day and full mouth reconstruction (sometimes two!) at a time. Because at Kelowna Dental Centre, we’re not just about excellent oral health; we’ve created a space where smiles flourish and patients feel like part of our quirky dental family. That’s how we’ve rewritten the dental experience, one happy guest at a time.
Transforming Smiles and Lives
Now, let’s actually talk about the craft! I get really excited when we think about the world of smile transformations, which—after my wonderful family—is my greatest passion in life. This is where I get to work my magic and bring joy to our patients’ faces.
First up, we have dental implants. Dental implants are like the rockstars of tooth replacements, providing a permanent solution that will make you forget you ever had a missing tooth. With dental implants, we help our patients bid adieu to the pain, discomfort, and distress of missing teeth and “hello!” to a confident, natural smile. I’m proud to be one of North America’s most experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated implant dentists.
I’m also highly adept in full mouth rebuilds, the ultimate mouth makeover. Full mouth rebuilds are like hitting the refresh button on your oral health. During these procedures, I restore any functionality that may have eroded over time and deliver the jaw-dropping aesthetics our patients consistently love. I promise, my friend, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
In a similar vein, let’s talk about smile makeovers. This is where the artistry of cosmetic dentistry truly shines. I’ll combine cosmetic techniques like teeth whitening, veneers, and even a little orthodontic wizardry to craft a smile you’ll be confident to show off.
And hey, I get it. All this talk about cosmetic procedures can sound overwhelming, and plenty of folks out there have a touch of dental phobia. That’s where sedation dentistry comes to the rescue. At Kelowna Dental Centre, we’re proud to care for patients with dental anxiety—from mild to extreme—through sedation solutions designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a Hollywood-worthy smile or need a little extra TLC during your dental journey, my team and I at Kelowna Dental Centre have got you covered. Together, we’ll turn your dental dreams into reality, one tooth at a time.
Kelowna Dental Centre: Beyond Oral Health
And there you have it! My dental odyssey, from a small-town kid in Rutland with big dreams to a proud dental practitioner serving the wonderful community of Kelowna. It’s been a wild ride, filled with laughter, a few fumbles, and countless smiles along the way.
I can’t even begin to express how honoured I am to be a part of our patients’ dental journeys. Witnessing the transformations and newfound confidence that a beautiful smile brings is what fuels me every single day.
Join me and our team at Kelowna Dental Centre, and let’s embark on a grand adventure together. We’ll navigate the twists and turns of oral health and conquer the dental distractions that threaten to taint your pearly whites.
But it’s not just about the smiles. It’s about the people behind them. Each and every one of you has a unique story, a journey, and aspirations that deserve to be celebrated. At Kelowna Dental Centre, we’re not just about fixing teeth; we’re about restoring confidence, spreading joy, and creating unforgettable experiences.
Click here to book your next dental appointment and experience the difference we can make in your dental care journey.
We can’t wait to care for you!
Dr. Michael Webster
Kelowna Dental Centre Owner
General Dentist
Dental Implants
Smile Makeover Dentist
Full Mouth Rebuild Dentist
Full Mouth Reconstruction Dentist
Kelowna Implant Dentist
Dental Implants Kelowna
