MEET DR. MARTY
Santee
Dr. Marty is a local shining star at the Santee practice because of his passion for patient-centered dental care. In his free time, you can usually find Dr. Marty catching a few waves. In fact, “Surf is life” is his personal mantra, and he’s surfed just about every spot along the Pacific Coast Highway! Dr. Marty also loves serving his community and scouting for San Diego’s best tacos and donuts with his wife, Morgan, and baby boy, Arthur.
Why did you become a dentist?
I became a dentist after going to college and not knowing what I wanted to do. I had ideas of becoming an architect, doctor, engineer…and it took some time to narrow things down. I knew I was interested in art, working with my hands, and I was in love with science and biology. I also love building relationships with new people. So when I had a chance to shadow a fellow surfer dentist to see what it was like, I was super excited. And guess what? After only a few days, I knew I found my path in life. Dentistry was the perfect blend of all the things that I was drawn to: art, science, medicine, and helping people. And here we are. I’m living my dream and loving what I do!
Where did you go to dental school?
Well, I grew up surfing and skateboarding in Orange County, Southern California, so attending the University of California, San Diego for my undergraduate degree was a natural move. After that, I went to dental school at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. I also completed a general practice residency with the VA for advanced training in surgery, implants, root canals, and dentures. Helping veterans really showed me the importance of providing people-first dental care.
What is your favorite part of your dental practice?
I love working with a diverse, motivated, and loyal team. At Dental Express we make a big office feel cozy. Coming to work is like showing up at my second home. My colleagues are family and our patients are too. Also, I love the sense of community and connection I have at work. As one, we solve problems, we find solutions, and we work together to provide the best experience possible. And just so you know, none of this is a given in dental — we do it differently at Dental Express.
I could tell you 100 things I love about my practice but here’s one more big one — I love the motivating environment at Dental Express. I’m encouraged to continue learning, growing as a dentist, and not only that but to share my knowledge and expertise with others. As I grow, my team grows, which means we become closer and more aligned with our patients’ needs. I’m truly blessed to do what I do.
What are your passions outside of dentistry?
I love surfing, art, and music. But my 10 month-old son has moved all those passions to the backseat. Becoming a father has completely changed my perspective on life. Being with him is one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for. He’s an incredible little guy and I spend as much time with him as I can. That being said, I still do get my salt fix. Although I’m surfing without my little man, I can’t wait for the day when we can catch a wave together.
What do you enjoy most about working at Dental Express?
I enjoy the freedom they give us as dentists. At Dental Express, I’m able to do and provide the kind of dentistry that I want to practice. I get to learn new things and advance my skills as a dentist. We’re not restricted to doing just crowns and fillings, we’re equipped and encouraged to do all types of dentistry. I’m excited to get more involved with implant dentistry and SmileCorrect over the upcoming year and I see myself building lifelong relationships with my team and my patients. Again, it just goes back to my dream: science, art, medicine, and helping people. Working at Dental Express fulfills all those needs and more.
How do you help cultivate the Dental Express team?
I like to motivate the team by reminding them why we do what we do — to help people, get them out of pain, and make them proud of their smiles. That’s why I do it, and that’s why I put so much time into getting the team pumped. We are doing a great service…not just a job. And sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of that when we are busy and caught up in our tasks.
Also, in dental, it’s really important to stay motivated and focused. So I make it a daily goal to encourage my team, give them praise, and most of all, lead by example. We want every patient to feel the energy we have at Dental Express. The more positive, caring, and professional energy we bring to the patient, the better their experience is. We can feel it and so can they.
What would you say is the highlight of your career?
For many dentists, it’s hard to find a stable dental office to call home. I’ve been super lucky to land in such a unique place as Dental Express. So, I’d have to say I’m really proud that I’ve made it 5 years, and I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be. This is a huge win for me and my family. I have support from a great team. I have the ability to grow my practice. And I have the best patients a dentist can ask for. This is an achievement for me and I’m taking it as a blessing, one step at a time.
Of Dental Express’ five core values (integrity, empathy, adaptability, collaboration, and whistle while you work) which do you feel is the most valuable to you as a dentist?
Empathy is my go-to for everything: dentistry and life. Leading with empathy has never steered me wrong. It’s an invaluable part of my success and our success as a family dentist. I’d also say integrity goes hand and hand with empathy, and once these two fall into place all the other values come naturally. We come to work for the right reason and give our patients our best every day. We collaborate. We adapt. And we whistle while we work because we are grateful to have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing dental family.
What is your greatest challenge working as a dentist?
My greatest challenge as a dentist is leading a large team and a busy office. This is new to me and it’s a personal challenge. I know I’m a confident leader, but I also know there is so much room to grow. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure I’m adding as much value to the team as possible. This means taking each day and every new challenge as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become a better dentist — and ultimately, a better leader. This also means practicing humility at every step of the way. I’m a firm believer that one’s attitude determines their aptitude. And I work every day to show up with a smile on my face and the commitment to provide the best dental care I can offer. It’s my mission and I stand by it.
Who is your hero?
My parents, hands down. They’re the reason why I am who I am today. Until I became a father, I didn’t realize how much my parents influenced me, my point of view, and the things I care about. Now that I’m a dad, the way they raised me reflects how I raise my son. My parents were small business owners and worked hard to run a small team with thirty employees. Now, they’re in their mid-60s and 70s and they still work seven days a week! They’re the most hard-working people I know, and they’ve weathered all kinds of crazy storms. They’re just an incredible source of inspiration for me and life.
