Dr. Reve Chaston, DDS MSD: Dr. Chaston graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry with Distinction in 2003 and then completed a three year periodontal residency at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry where he earned his Certificate in Periodontics and a Master’s of Science in Dentistry. During dental school he was placed on the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence and received accolades for his National Board scores. Dr. Chaston is Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He is the director of the Wasatch Dental Hygiene Forum, an educational forum for dental hygienists. He has lectured locally and nationally to dental societies and study clubs and has been published in the Journal of Periodontology. Dr. Chaston currently maintains a private practice ) limited to periodontics and implant dentistry in Layton, Utah.
Dr. Chaston is married to wife, Trista and has four boys; Burk, Graham, Rhett, and Gray. He enjoys being in the outdoors, especially with his family. Together they enjoy hiking, camping, biking, and skiing.
What motivated you to become a dental implant specialist?
The practice of periodontics, which includes placing dental implants, is heavily oriented toward biology and also places me in a setting every day in which I’m working with people. I recognized this in dental school which directed me toward my particular specialty. I enjoy the biology and also like being around people. I’m in private practice, rather than a corporate dental group, because I realize it’s the best way to ensure that I call the shots which allows me to provide the highest quality of care to my patients.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I’m usually at the office by 7:00am to review cases and prepare for the day. Following a staff meeting, we begin seeing patients by 7:30 to 8:00. The day consists of a variety of treatments to address gum recession, gum disease, and missing teeth. A significant part of my practice involves placing dental implants to replace missing teeth. For patients with anxiety, sedation treatment is performed to keep them comfortable. Through all of this my hygienist is busy cleaning teeth.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Continuing education is important to me. I take opportunities throughout the year to participate in multi-day continuing education programs focusing on periodontics, dental implants, and conscious sedation. I also host a study club involving local dentists and I’ve organized and run the Wasatch Dental Hygiene Forum which is a study club for dental hygienists. These efforts help my practice maintain a high standard of care and stay up-to-date with the most current treatments.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
It is exciting to utilize 3D x-ray imaging and digital scanning. These special x-rays allow a detailed view of the patient that assists in diagnostics and treatment planning. Digital scanning involves what you might call a digital wand to scan a person’s mouth to develop computerized models. This replaces traditional impression techniques.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as a Periodontist?
My staff and I take every effort to prioritize the health and well being of our patients. This sometimes requires extra time explaining treatment options or performing patient care. People are more likely to respond in a positive way to treatment recommendations when they know you care for them.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to follow the same course in life I’ve pursued over the years. I am very satisfied with where I am in life with my practice and my family. It would be difficult to find something more enjoyable than the daily interaction I have with my patients. Also, the standard of care we have worked for and achieved in the office is extremely gratifying.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I wouldn’t say people disagree with me on this point but rather it’s not discussed as much as it should be. I feel strongly that certain protocols and techniques should be followed when placing crowns on dental implants to prevent contamination from oral bacteria which often leads to bone loss around implants. This topic is mainly geek speak to be had with doctors more than a subject for this interview so I’ll spare you the details for now.
As a Periodontist, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
My office is continuously striving to improve patient care. In this effort my staff and I often ask, “What can we do to improve our standard of care?” I feel a constant effort for improvement is necessary if we are truly interested in those we treat. I feel everyone should strive to be fair and honest with those they interact with.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your practice? Please explain how.
I strive to treat people well. I don’t look at this as a strategy but rather I realize that if I compromise this standard I won’t be happy. This applies to my interaction with patients as well as the other doctors I work with in the community. I suppose this has helped my practice grow.
What is one failure you had in private practice, and how did you overcome it?
It wasn’t a failure but my family and I relocated from Washington state to Utah after practicing in Washington for three years. More than anything, it was difficult leaving the people we knew and worked with. In time we developed new relationships here and we’re very happy now. Probably one of the biggest challenges people face when moving a business or opening a new location is building new relationships.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There are a lot of emerging technologies in medicine and dentistry. Much of it is very expensive and most doctors are hesitant to invest in something they have never used or know little about. I’ve often thought that someone should offer a service that, for a fee, temporarily installs an item of technology in a medical or dental office to allow the doctor and staff to use it, learn about it, and then perhaps purchase it. Maybe the company offering this service would get a commission from the equipment manufacturer.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I love Life Savers Gummies. I’m pretty sure I’ve spent at least $100 on them over the past few months. As far as the practice goes, I’ve participated in some great continuing education this past year; this however has cost well over $100 however.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
QuickBooks and our practice management software, Dentrix, are probably the most utilized software in my practice. Through one of my study clubs I have access to Spear Education which is a great resource for education for doctors or their staff. I frequently use this website as a reference for topics I’m interested in or for training my staff. It also gives me access to educational videos I can share with patients when I’m discussing their care.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
For those interested in a classic I recommend “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh” by Robert C. O’Brien. My fourth grade teacher read this to me and my wife is currently reading to our boys. For those looking for something more applicable to life I recommend, “The Truth About Money” by Ric Edelman. Money certainly isn’t everything in life but it’s definitely important to know how to manage it.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.