Today we’d like to introduce you to Tien Dang.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In December of 2018, my wife, Tiffany La, and I opened the doors to our dream, embarking on a journey to create a dental office that went beyond providing exceptional dental care. Studio Dental of River Park was born from our desire to connect with our community on a deeper level, support our team members, and give back through various campaigns and outreach efforts. From the very beginning, our goal has been to create a dental practice that not only prioritizes excellence in patient care but also nurtures our community and our team. As our practice has grown over the years, we’ve expanded our team and hours to better serve our community. In the very beginning, our team consisted of Tiffany, who expertly managed insurance matters and patient coordination; Stephanie Huynh, Tiffany’s cousin, who utilized her medical background to assist me with everyday clinical aspects and patient care; and myself. Together, we laid the foundation for what we believed a dental office can and should be. We now have a dedicated team of 19 members, providing job opportunities that contribute to their well-being and help them care for their families.
One of the key aspects of our practice has been our commitment to giving back to our community. We have organized and participated in various campaigns and outreach initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those in need. These efforts range from providing free dental care to underprivileged individuals to supporting local schools and charities. Through these activities, we strive to make a positive impact in our community and demonstrate our genuine care for the well-being of our neighbors.
The journey to opening Studio Dental of River Park has also allowed us to connect with like-minded business owners in the area, working together to serve and improve our community. These connections have enabled us to learn from one another and collaborate on initiatives aimed at bettering our community as a whole.
Studio Dental of River Park has been instrumental in creating lasting relationships with patients and their families, as we’ve essentially become their extended dental family. Our commitment to providing compassionate care, along with our dedication to the community, has been the driving force behind the deep connections we’ve forged over the years.
Our team is continuously growing, not only in numbers but also in expertise and skills. We prioritize the professional development of our team members by providing them with opportunities to attend Continuing Education (CE) courses and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry. This commitment to ongoing education not only benefits our team members but also ensures that our patients receive the best care possible.
The story behind Studio Dental of River Park is one of growth, development, and a sincere dedication to our community and our team. Our journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and foster deep connections. We look forward to continuing to provide personalized dental care and support to Houston and beyond for years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At Studio Dental of River Park, we’ve faced several challenges since opening our doors in December of 2018. However, our determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in our vision for the dental office have enabled us to overcome these challenges and grow stronger as a team and a business. Patient Anxiety and Fear: One of the most significant challenges we faced was addressing patients’ anxiety and fear of the dental office. Many people avoid dental care due to these emotions, which can lead to more significant oral health issues. We made it our mission to create a welcoming, comfortable environment and offer empathetic care to help patients overcome their fears and anxiety. Our dental office has been designed to resemble a spa, with a modern and airy feel, ambient lighting, comfortable seating, and entertainment options like TVs in treatment rooms. We strive to create an environment that reduces anxiety even for our most anxious patients who haven’t seen a dentist in years. Our team is trained to be compassionate and understanding, ensuring our patients feel supported throughout their dental journey. Although we feel that we have come a long way in helping our patients to reduce their anxiety, we continually search for treatment methods and technologies that make dental treatments ever more comfortable. We want our patients to receive the care they need, and having anxiety is one of those major walls that we pride ourselves in helping our patients conquer.
Opening Night Flooding: On the very night of our grand opening, a heavy rainfall struck, causing water to not only flood the streets but flood into our office through the facade. The building’s facade had not been constructed properly, and as a result, we were up until 3 AM, mopping the floors and trying to contain the water from spreading throughout the office. This incident led to the landlord completely demolishing and reconstructing the front of the building. Unfortunately, this left our office without signage or any indication that we were still operational, causing many passersby to assume we were still under construction. To overcome this obstacle, we turned to social media outlets and community outreach programs. We leveraged platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to share updates on our office’s progress, showcase our services, and engage with potential patients. We also participated in local events, partnered with nearby businesses, and sponsored community initiatives to spread the word about our practice and demonstrate our commitment to serving the community.
Staff Retention and Well-Being: Ensuring the well-being of the dental team is a challenge that dental offices must address. High levels of stress and burnout are common in the dental profession, which can affect the quality of care provided. At Studio Dental of River Park, we prioritize our team members’ mental and emotional well-being by creating a supportive work environment, offering opportunities for growth and development, and fostering a healthy work-life balance. Furthermore, we hold frequent team-building events that help our team members bond on a personal level. These activities create a tight-knit group that genuinely cares for one another, which transcends to unparalleled care for our patients. This supportive atmosphere, where team members feel valued and connected, not only promotes staff retention but also results in a higher quality of care for our patients.
Impact of the COVID Pandemic: Just as we were ramping up our operations following the completion of the building reconstruction, the COVID pandemic hit, affecting businesses worldwide. This was a particularly challenging time for us, as our practice was still in its early stages. Despite the challenges, we persevered, confident in our vision for a unique dental office that held a special place in the community and was needed more than ever. Fortunately, we were able to secure loans and grants that allowed us to keep our business afloat during those perilous times. The pandemic led many dental offices to update and improve their infection control measures to meet new guidelines set out by the CDC and the Texas Dental Board. These new requirements only further validated the extra measures we had been taking all along to ensure patient safety. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for our patients has always been a priority, and we are proud to have met and exceeded these guidelines from the very beginning.
By sharing our personal stories and experiences of overcoming these obstacles and challenges, we hope to inspire readers to overcome their obstacles in order to fulfill their dreams and to showcase our dedication and commitment to providing exceptional dental care to our community. We’re proud of the resilience we’ve shown and the positive impact Studio Dental of River Park has had on our patients, team members, and surrounding community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Studio Dental of River Park?
At Studio Dental of River Park, our mission is to serve the entire family, from babies to adults. We offer a comprehensive list of services that cater to a wide range of dental needs, from routine care and preventative treatments to cosmetic services designed to enhance your smile. We understand that each family member has unique dental requirements, and that’s why we dedicate ourselves to continually pursuing continuing education (CE). This commitment allows us to stay updated on the latest techniques, dental materials, and advancements in the field, ensuring that we consistently provide the best care possible.
Our approach to dental care is centered around truly understanding our patient’s needs and concerns. By listening intently and fostering open communication, we’re able to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses each patient’s individual requirements. This personalized approach ensures that every member of the family receives the best care, customized to their specific needs and preferences.
At Studio Dental of River Park, our goal is to be your go-to family dental practice, providing top-notch, individualized care for all ages in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
At Studio Dental of River Park, we believe that our practice is more than just a place for dental care—it’s a nurturing environment where our team members and future dental professionals can truly grow and thrive. Our heartfelt desire is to guide each individual to become the best version of themselves and unlock their full potential in patient care. We extend this warmth and dedication beyond our team by offering mentorship to aspiring dental students. Through volunteering and shadowing opportunities, as well as one-on-one discussions, we provide valuable insights into the dental profession, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in this field.
Over the years, we’ve been honored to play a part in helping numerous students achieve their dreams of dental school acceptance. We take immense pride in contributing to the growth and development of the next generation of dental professionals, knowing that we’re helping shape a brighter future for the dental community as a whole.
At Studio Dental of River Park, we’re committed to fostering a culture of growth, support, and love. It’s our passion to ensure that our team members and future dentists are well-equipped to provide the highest level of care to patients, and we genuinely cherish the relationships we build along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studiodentaltx.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/studiodentaltexas
- Facebook: facebook.com/studiodentaltexas
Image Credits
Studio 8e8
