Say hello to our Dentist Spotlight, Dr. Gary Pulsipher at Pulsipher Family Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and continues his dad’s legacy as a family dentist in south Phoenix. Fun fact, Dr. Pulsipher’s brother is also a (newly retired) dentist!
Do you brush and floss as much as you recommend?
Yeah, I’m pretty regimented when it comes to my own oral health. I floss at least once a day and brush twice a day at minimum.
What is your favorite flavor floss?
Johnson and Johnson’s mint floss. My mom used to use that [floss]. All my memories of my mom she was always flossing.
Electric or manual toothbrush?
Electric is much more efficient. I wasn’t a big fan at first, personally. But after you get used to them, you never go back.
Which celebrity has the best smile?
Everybody probably says Julia Roberts, but she’s pretty memorable. And George Clooney for a man. I think the key thing is just being able to smile. It doesn’t have to be a perfect smile for people to be welcomed and feel warm.
If you could tell patients to start doing one thing, what would it be?
Pick a dentist, and establish a meaningful, comfortable relationship with them. And seek ongoing care. If everybody were to do that it would be so much better because it’s easy to find things when they’re small. Instead of putting out big fires, you’re doing the small things from time to time.
What is the best dental advice you’ve ever received?
I think it has to do with the regular regularity of visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene at home. I mean, it’s pretty basic, I know. But it’s important to be disciplined enough to do your hygiene every night and you’d prevent some problems.
What is the best thing about being a Delta Dental dentist?
Delta Dental has served the community for years. And I think the best thing is simply the opportunity to have exposure to establish these trusting relationships with patients and provide good care for them over a long period of time.
Any funny stories from the dental chair?
I have one patient who I asked to “jump in the chair, I’ll be right there.” He took it has a literal translation and jumped into the chair—both feet left the ground and he was in flight! Landed his back right onto the chair.
Can you explain why Delta Dental of Arizona’s Special Health Care Needs benefit is important and it impacts your patients?
Having a special health care need can be financially devastating for these families, so any benefit you can provide them is helpful and they’re appreciative. It’s also important to provide good routines for them and use adaptive products like toothbrushes with special handles or electric toothbrushes.
How would you describe oral health’s impact on their overall health and well-being?
Everybody makes a connection between general periodontal health and cardiovascular health these days. And that’s really true. The microbiome in the gums when they’re not healthy, can transfer to other parts of your body and sometimes have a cardiovascular effect. That’s pretty well accepted now. But there’s a lot more to it than that. What they teach at school is the digestive track. The first thing we need to start digesting food and nutrients is chew our food. If you can’t chew your food very well, then you don’t break it down and won’t expose your gut to all the vitamins and minerals.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
Floss, fluoride toothpaste and a wave runner. I need something to play in the water and to stay alive.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I learn a lot when I’m with my patients and I’m talking about their health. It’s surprising because the more they tell me and the more I learn about their treatments, I can translate it into their oral health care. So, I think there should be a general health, ongoing CE requirement for dentists. Right now, you learn only if you’re aware enough to ask the right questions.
