Be open to new ideas to help you learn and grow, strengthening your belief in yourself.
Dr. Maria Luong is a highly experienced dentist who is a visionary in the dental field. Her determination to create a dental office that resonates comfort and relaxation has led to the creation of Serenity Dentistry Spa. Dr. Luong has combined the tranquility of a spa with a state-of-the-art dental practice, and even the most anxious of patients leave feeling serene.
Dr. Luong earned her degree at the Medical University of South Carolina, and was commissioned as a naval officer in the Navy Dental Corp. Having gone through extensive training in the dental field, Dr. Luong uses her expertise in dentistry to provide high-quality, comprehensive care for her patients. She provides the latest in dental technology to improve and enhance her patients’ care and experience. Also, Dr. Luong optimizes advanced technologies such as 3D CEREC; which creates crowns in one single visit. In addition, she has added on the newest dental laser called the Solea Laser. Uniquely, the Solea Laser takes the drill, the needle, the noise and the pain out of dental visits.
Dr. Luong is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, Central Florida District Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Maria Luong believes in being aware of technological developments in dental treatment and attends numerous conferences and training events to ensure she utilizes the best treatment methods for her patients. In her time away from the office, Dr. Luong can be found spending time with her family outdoors, interior designing and learning new things.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. I felt dentistry is the field of medicine that I could best help people. I needed to create an office that patients would not be so fearful of. It needed to feel warm, relaxing and inviting to patients. A place of calmness and tranquility, so Serenity Dentistry Spa was created.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Like most typical days of any mom, my day starts off with taking care of my two kids, getting them ready for school and then heading off to my office to take care of my patients. I feel it’s important to balance your day by eating healthy and exercising. Mostly, managing your time by sticking to a schedule and a routine and staying organized. It’s a must for any working mom.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Whenever I have an idea, I think about how it can be beneficial for my life and then make a plan. I just keep persisting on until it comes true.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am very excited about the latest in digital technology for dentistry. Advanced technology has really changed how we care for our patients. Dentistry has advanced in 3D printing and integrated digital technology to be better, safer and faster. Also, the latest in dental laser technology gives treatment without the need for anesthesia so no numbness. We are living in an amazing time with technology!
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I always think and plan further ahead. I feel it’s important to keep learning and to continue improving my skills.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep working hard to achieve your goals personally and professionally, never give up, enjoy all the precious moments with your children because time flies by fast.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I am a perfectionist. It is not necessarily a bad trait. I have always been a hard worker and excel in my accomplishments. I go the extra mile for my patients to achieve the best outcome for their care.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Be determined, continue to seek knowledge. Be willing to think openly and embrace new ideas. Mostly, always listen, be kind and give respect to people.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I give care to my patients with compassion and excellent service. It’s not just me but I have to give my team credit. My team is my greatest asset. My team is kind, considerate, and do an amazing job for our patients. By choosing the right individuals that follow your vision, they can bring tremendous success.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
For anyone opening a business for the first time, it is an eye-opening experience. You basically have to learn how to run a business and manage everything on your own. You will make mistakes along the way but it will teach you valuable lessons. Just remember to keep working hard and persevere.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently purchased some clear organizer drawers to revamp my small storage space. Something as simple as ordinary drawers made an eye-opening difference in storing dental supplies. The less clutter in your life, the less time you are searching for lost items. Being organized can reduce unnecessary stress in your life.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I use CEREC to create ceramic crowns in one single visit. This digital technology has greatly improved my workflow of how I make ceramic crowns for my patients. It has an optic camera that can capture your full dentition in seconds without the unpleasant impression material. There is no more need for temporary crowns. Also, I use 3D CT scans as well that can be integrated with CEREC for implant planning and crown design in advance. This is a valuable tool to further educate my patients.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Tuesdays with Morrie written by Mitch Albom. This book is an inspirational memoir about the meaning of life and the important lessons that people need to learn about life.
What is your favorite quote?
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi
Key Learnings:
• Be determined, continue to seek knowledge
• Be open to new ideas to help you learn and grow, strengthening your belief in yourself
• Always listen, be kind and give respect to people
Connect:
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.