We’d like to introduce you to Delta Dental orthodontist, Dr. Jesse McGuire of ProSmiles Orthodontics in Goodyear. Dr. McGuire offers an array of services for adults and children, from traditional braces and clear aligners to jaw surgery and TMJ therapy.
What made you decide to become an orthodontist?
I was at a job fair and a young dentist was sitting at a table with no one talking to him. I went up to him and started a conversation. He told me all about dentistry. He said he got to make his own schedule, had a happy work-life balance and felt like he was helping people through his work. After that conversation, I decided it was the path for me.
Now that I am an orthodontist, I enjoy helping patients achieve a better smile and better bite. I can see how it boosts their self-confidence and improves many aspects of their life.
What is your specialty/area of interest?
Orthodontics.
Do you brush and floss as much as you recommend?
I do! I’m an avid flosser. I’m always aware if I have coffee breath or food in my teeth. I floss after every single meal and I advise my patients to do the same.
What is your favorite flavor of toothpaste?
Any variation of mint – cool mint, wintergreen, peppermint. I like flavors that are fresh and clean.
Electric or manual toothbrush?
Electric. There are so many electric options now and most are much more effective than a manual at removing plaque.
Which celebrity has the best smile?
Julia Roberts. She has always had a bright, wide smile, even when she was younger.
If you could give one piece of dental advice, what would it be?
I would tell patients to not be afraid to visit the dentist. Oftentimes, the largest step a patient will take is simply getting into the dental office. There’s no reason to be self-conscious or nervous about what the dentist will think. Getting over the fear of visiting the dentist could prevent serious issues in the future.
What is the best dental advice you’ve ever received?
A faculty member at my dental school told me to treat all people as humans, instead of just another patient. As a dentist, you must take into consideration the whole person, not just their issue. If you listen to the patient, address their anxiety, and financial concerns and discover what their goals are then you can create a comprehensive treatment plan that will work for them.
What is the best thing about being a Delta Dental dentist?
From the business side, Delta Dental is easy to work with. There’s a stigma that insurance companies slow things down and you have to chase payments, but with Delta Dental we don’t experience any of that. They also provide a large pool of diverse patients for us to see.
Any funny stories from the dental chair?
I’m not sure how funny this is, but I was taking an impression of a child’s mouth and holding the impression in place so it could set properly. I felt something warm slide down my glove and when I looked down I realized that the child had thrown up inside my glove! Since I didn’t want to ruin the impression, I had to leave my hand where it was until it set.
Oddly enough, that is not the only time I’ve been thrown up on as an orthodontist.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
Nothing. I would enjoy the peace and quiet without a phone or TV. I would drink coconut milk and just relax. If there were mountains on the island, I could bring my mountain bike. And possibly a knife to cut open the coconuts.
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