Meet Dr. Jessica Brereton Peterkin, an Arizona native and family dentist in Midtown Phoenix. Her practice, Breton Family Dental, is a bilingual dental office (speaking English and Spanish) that serves patients of all ages. Dr. Peterkin offers everything from Invisalign to oral surgery and everything in between.
What made you decide to become a dentist?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor in healthcare but had not exactly decided what specialty. My childhood hygienist was an incredible influence in my life and her chair-side manner piqued my interest in the dental profession.
By my sophomore year of college, I solidified my decision for dentistry when I participated in a 6-week summer medical and dental interest program at one of the top medical schools in the country. I found everything during the weeks of the dentistry emphasis to be quite intriguing. I discovered that dentistry was able to combine my interests in healthcare, art, teaching and engineering into one amazing career while serving my community.
What is your specialty/area of interest?
I have a great deal of interest in comprehensive dentistry for the entire family. My unique career experiences immersed me in dental practice environments that were specifically dedicated to various stages of dental development. From geriatric to pediatric and everything in between, I am passionate about empowering everyone to make informed decisions regarding their oral health, and maintaining that health for the duration of a lifetime.
Do you brush and floss as much as you recommend?
Next question, please? Lol!
Honestly, I recommend to my patients that they build a routine of frequency rather than perfection. I brush daily and floss regularly (*wink*) so certainly practice what I preach.
What is your favorite flavor toothpaste?
There are other flavors of toothpaste?! I thought toothpaste was a flavor in and of itself!
Electric or manual toothbrush (for yourself and for patients)?
Electric toothbrushes for all! There’s just something about the electric toothbrush doing most of the work that just makes me so happy!
Which celebrity do you think has the best smile and why?
Julia Roberts, of course! I too have a smile showing all 28 teeth and feel that it is beautiful, authentic and absolutely contagious.
If you could tell patients to stop doing one thing, what would it be?
Stop being so fearful of dental professionals. We often get a bad rap but we genuinely care about you and want to help improve your overall health. Our goal is always to make you feel as comfortable as possible while helping you to achieve a healthy smile, optimal function and beautiful esthetics.
What is the best dental advice you’ve ever received?
Do your best! People will always respect your best and know that you are genuine. Even when mistakes are made, I found doing my best and putting my best foot forward has always helped with form true relationships and gaining the trust of my patients.
What is the best thing about being a Delta Dental dentist?
The support is endless. When I started my office, a Delta Dental of Arizona representative took their personal time to assist my front office personnel in getting acclimated with the claims process and answered many questions. I will forever be grateful for the exceptional customer service.
What is your favorite dentist joke?
Why do we call them dental X-rays and not tooth pics?
Funny, right?
Do you have any funny stories from the dentist’s chair?
The funniest story for me that I often tell is regarding my morning sickness when I was pregnant with my son. Of all the things that I could have an aversion to when pregnant, my baby chose TOOTHPASTE. I could not and would not dare brush my teeth with it when pregnant because it would literally make me sick. The irony was too funny not to laugh!
What are three things that always make you smile?
- My family.
- My friends.
- Beautiful memories.
I’m really a sentimental person and all the above means the world to me. Especially my husband, my son and our puppy, Reeses.
November is National Diabetes Month. Are there any special oral health concerns diabetics should be aware of?
Absolutely! Diabetics are more susceptible to advanced gum disease due to delayed wound healing especially when blood sugar levels are uncontrolled. It is very important that patients being treated for diabetes also be in the care of a dentist to improve healthcare outcomes mitigate risks and achieve optimal overall health.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
My cell phone. And my toothbrush and toothpaste. What else could we possibly need?
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