A Dentist’s Life

A 2023 report from the American Dental Association estimated that there are 60 dentists per every 100,000 people in the country. It’s a rather common profession. And while dental care falls under a different category than traditional healthcare, it’s important to maintain your dental health, as poor hygiene not only leads to gum disease and tooth decay, but is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other illnesses. This month, Thrive spotlights three female dentists who treat patients in SWLA every day with love and dedication.

Dr. Erin Seale: Seale Family Dentistry

by Kerri Cooke

Dr. Erin Seale, who owns a dental practice, Seale Family Dentistry, with her husband, Dr. Colin Seale, is a SWLA native who has honed her expertise right here in the Lake Area.
Dr. Seale grew up in Westlake and graduated from St. Louis Catholic High School before pursuing her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at McNeese State University. She then attended the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans.

Dr. Seale credits her childhood dentist as sparking her interest in the field of dental care. “Dr. Paul Vidrine helped me overcome my own self-consciousness about my teeth as an adolescent. I was young at the time, but I knew I wanted to help people feel good about their smiles just like he helped me.”

While Dr. Seale does all the tasks and procedures you would expect from a dentist, such as installing fillings, crowns and bridges, performing root canals and extractions, or assisting with quality-of-life improvements through whitening treatments, snoring devices and occlusal guards, she says the variety in the age of her clientele and their needs is what keeps her job fun. However, she says, “my favorite part of the job is getting to know my patients. Generally, patients come every six months for cleanings. It’s fun to catch up and find out what new things are happening in their lives.” As far as Dr. Seale’s job satisfaction, she says she feels fulfilled when she can help “a patient overcome long standing dental anxiety as we build a relationship.”

Being a business owner and a working mother can be a challenging balance, but Dr. Seale makes sure she has plenty of time to dedicate to both of her responsibilities. She or her husband drop their two daughters off at pre-school every morning before heading to the office, and she ends her workday at 2:00 p.m. when she picks up her girls. “That’s when the most important work of my day begins. Collin works in the office until 5:00 p.m. while I spend time with the girls in the afternoon.”

For more information on Seale Family Dentistry, call (337) 474-0212 or visit sealefamilydentistry.com.

Dr. Sara Phillips: Robinson Dental Group

by Tori Whittaker

From an early age, Dr. Sara Phillips, dentist with Robinson Dental Group, knew she wanted to help others thanks to the influence of her father’s career in the medical field. She had an interest in pediatric medicine but found her passion in dentistry.

“I had braces in middle school, and I thought it was interesting how that process helps transforms a person’s teeth, their whole expression,” she says. “With that in mind and a few suggestions to explore the profession, I gave it a shot,” she says. “I had the opportunity to shadow a few doctors, and I fell in love with how their work positively impacted their patients.”

A New Orleans native, Dr. Phillips began her path to dentistry at the University of Texas, earning a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science, then completing her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Phillips spent the first three years of her career as the lead dentist for a community health clinic in Rhode Island. “This clinic was focused on restorative dentistry, including dentures, oral surgery, and root canals,” she explains. “This was a great first job and I learned a lot. It’s a rewarding experience to help patients overcome their fears about dental work, and an even greater gift to see them gain confidence when they love their smile.”

In 2017, Dr. Phillips moved to Lake Charles to join Robinson Dental Group. She says professional and client relationships are the best part about being a dentist.
“From my first interview with Robinson Dental I loved the family atmosphere of the office,” she says. “Our staff is the best of the best and I’m so appreciative of their hard work to provide excellent care for our patients. I also value getting to know my patients beyond just their dental needs.”

Dr. Phillips says this enjoyment is what keeps her motivated every day and is what helped her achieve her career goals.

“When you are chasing your dreams, every day is a choice to keep moving forward or to take an easier path,” she says. “I did my best to complete my education, and now I strive to do my best for my patients.”

In addition to her dental training, Dr. Phillips is also certified in BOTOX and JUVEDERM procedures. “I added cosmetic injections to the range of services I offer in response to patients expressing this need.”

To other young women interested pursuing a career as a doctor, Dr. Phillips says it’s important to “surround yourself with people who support you and share your goal-oriented mindset. Talk about your goals with others and always compliment and encourage them too. The way you treat people is important, and this applies to how you treat yourself. Your own voice inside your head is the loudest one you’ll ever hear. Speak positively. Your opinion about yourself is the most important one.”

Learn more about Dr. Phillips at www.robinsondentalgroup.com.

Dr. Navdeep Thind: Oak Park Dental

by Kerri Cooke

Dr. Navdeep Thind, Oak Park Dental, decided in high school that she wanted a career in dentistry. “

I wanted a career in science, specifically healthcare. When I started exploring the different fields, I quickly realized dentistry was the perfect amalgamation of science and art. It’s a very stimulating and growing field, but it’s also very independent and allows one to be creative and engineer the best results for one’s patients.”

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Dr. Thind and her family arrived in SWLA 15 years ago. She obtained a Bachelor of Science from McNeese State University and received her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Oregon Health and Science University.

Every workday is a little bit different, Dr. Thind says. “Some days I’m doing routine dental work that consists of fillings, root canals or extractions, but other days I’m doing full arch veneer cases and injecting Botox and filler for facial aesthetics. Aside from treating my patients, I’m performing multiple examinations and diagnoses on people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Since Dr. Thind is certified to do cosmetic injections, she has an additional tool to help patients get relief from chronic conditions. “Patients that clench and grind their teeth may notice pain and tension in their TMJs (temporomandibular joints). By administering Botox in both the masseter and superficial temporalis muscles, you can temporarily paralyze and significantly reduce the tension, therefore reducing muscle spasms that occur during bruxism.”

Overall, Dr. Thind finds treating trauma cases as the most rewarding part of her work. “I have had the honor to partake in a lot of trauma cases involving automobile accidents, domestic violence, etc. These patients come in with the hope of another chance to regain their confidence and functionality.”

When not focused on serving others in her job, Dr. Thind enjoys going to the gym, trying her hand at cooking food from a variety of cuisines and watching true crime documentaries. “I enjoy traveling too,” she says. “It’s a privilege to experience the different walks of life the world has to offer.”