North Shore Dental Care

Dr. Thomas Atkin and Dr. Matt Peers
Princeville Dental

Please tell us about your business.

Thomas: Princeville Dental is a comprehensive family dental practice. We employ the latest in dental technologies to be able to provide world-class care you would expect on the Mainland or Oahu. We offer care in nearly all aspects of dentistry, including orthodontics, wisdom tooth surgery, root canals, implants, implant-supported dentures, cosmetic dentistry and, of course, fillings, teeth whitening, crowns and dental hygiene cleanings.

Thomas: We felt that Kauai needed better access to high-quality dental care, reduced wait times for basic dental services such as cleanings and toothaches, and a dental practice that does not have to refer patients off island or to other dental clinics on Kauai.

How did you open the business?

Thomas: We contacted the manager of Princeville Center and were lucky enough to find a space that would accommodate the three operatory practices we had envisioned. The space even came with complimentary views of the waterfalls of Hihimanu Mountain.

What is your professional background and where did you attend school?

Thomas: I completed my bachelor’s degree at University of Utah and joined the U.S. Navy in 2004 before starting dental school. I was classmates with Dr. Peers at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and we both graduated in 2008. Two days after the graduation ceremony in Las Vegas, I checked into Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay and served two years as a Dental Officer, then served two more at Pearl Harbor Naval Station.

Matt: After graduating from University Of Nevada-Las Vegas School Of Dental Medicine, I opened a practice in Las Vegas. Over the years I completed post-doctoral training in orthodontics, implants and IV sedation. I remain current in BLS and ACLS, which are the basic life support and the advanced. I am currently in the National Guard serving with the (Mainland-based) 19th Special Forces as a dentist, but am planning on obtaining a reassignment to Hawaii National Guard.

Why do you do what you do?

Thomas: I enjoy working with my hands and interacting with different people on a variety of problems. I enjoy the challenge of the dental profession, diagnosing and fixing problems. Most importantly, I enjoy using my knowledge, expertise and experience to help people and to educate them on ways to improve their oral health.

Matt: I like working with people and using my hands. I try to give patients a positive experience and show them what needs to be done and why. I want them to see light at the end of the tunnel instead of just a tunnel if they need treatment. Sometimes you see new patients who have had bad experiences with dentists in the past, and it is my goal to get them over the anxiety of going to the dental office.

What do you recommend to people regarding keeping their teeth and gums healthy?

Thomas: Floss.

What are some of the main issues people have regarding their teeth?

Thomas: The biggest problems people have are gum disease and cavities, both of which are primarily a result of failure to properly use dental floss. Once that process starts in teenage years and begins the lifelong decline to losing teeth, many people just don’t want to deal with the physical and financial pain of going to the dentist.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your business?

Thomas: Meeting so many different people from different walks of life throughout the day, addressing their concerns and then running into the same folks at random places like Home Depot.

Matt: The relationships that are established with the people and the community. But most of all, experiencing my patient’s satisfaction with the results that they see from the work that I have performed. There is no better feeling than seeing someone smile when they see the implant that I placed or when their braces are removed!

What are some of your future aspirations for the business?

Thomas: We would like to grow and expand with our patient base and always be sure we can accommodate dental cleanings and emergencies without excessive wait times. We also are committed to keeping up with technology and continuing education training as the profession evolves around us.

Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
princevilledental.com
212-1806
princevilledental@gmail.com

cocomidweek@gmail.com