An Interview With Dr. T.T. Nguyen From The Tigard Dental Office of TruDentistry of Tigard

We recently sat down with Tigard Oregon dentist, T.T. Nguyen, DMD to find out how she established her Tigard dental practice at the beginning of a global pandemic and to dive into the services and mission statement of her practice. 

Interviewer: What initially sparked your interest in dentistry?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: From a young age, I was drawn to the healthcare field. I considered pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry as potential career paths. To explore my options, I decided to shadow my current dentists. I started working as a sterilizer in their office for three years while attending college, which gave me the opportunity to witness firsthand how dentistry allows you to provide care for patients while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It was the combination of caring for patients and having a fulfilling personal life that ultimately led me to choose dentistry.

Interviewer: It’s fascinating how finding that balance between personal and professional life can significantly impact one’s overall happiness and success. Could you share more about your educational journey and the time you spent in dental school?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: Certainly. After completing my four-year biology major in college, I applied to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and was accepted into dental school. I dedicated an additional four years to complete my dental education at OHSU. It was an intensive and rewarding period of learning that equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a dentist.

Interviewer: Transitioning from being an associate to owning your own practice is quite a significant step. Can you elaborate on how you ended up running your own business?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: It’s an interesting story. I initially joined Dr. Weinberg’s practice as an associate. However, due to limited availability, I could only work there one day a week. Surprisingly, Dr. Weinberg and I developed a great working relationship, and she decided to bring me on full-time. We quickly realized that our collaboration was a perfect fit, both personally and professionally. In 2019, as Dr. Weinberg expressed her desire to slow down, we discussed the possibility of me taking over the practice while she stayed on as an associate. We essentially flipped roles, ensuring a smooth transition for our patients without any surprises. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide care to the patients I’ve come to know and appreciate.

Interviewer: Creating your patient base must have been a significant undertaking. How did you establish your own patients?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: We see both existing and new patients on a regular basis. For new patients who haven’t been seen by another dentist in our practice, I am usually the only dentist they encounter. It has been exciting for me to establish my identity as a provider and to represent my own practice. Dr. Weinberg has done an exceptional job building this practice over the past 30 years, and I am honored to continue that legacy. It has been a fulfilling journey, constantly evolving and striving to improve the experience for our patients, staff, and myself. I am fully invested in making this a wholesome experience for everyone involved.

Interviewer: Taking over a practice at the beginning of a pandemic must have presented some unique challenges. How has it been running your own business for the past three years?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: Yes, I officially took over the practice in 2020, right at the start of the pandemic. It certainly added unexpected challenges, but we quickly adapted and implemented safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our patients and staff. Despite the difficult circumstances, I am grateful for the opportunity to provide dental care and support our community during these uncertain times. It has been a tremendous learning experience, and I am proud of how our practice has thrived and evolved despite the obstacles we faced.

Interviewer: Establishing a mission statement for your dental office is important. Could you share the mission statement of your practice?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: Absolutely. Throughout my career, my main focus has always been on patient care. However, as I’ve grown older and gained more experience, I’ve come to realize the crucial aspects that are a must for me. It starts with truly listening to the patient and understanding their reasons for seeking dental care. When I visit a healthcare provider with a concern, the first thing I want is for them to listen to me and comprehend the underlying reason I am there. I make it a priority to provide the same level of attentiveness to my patients. By combining their concerns with my clinical expertise, I aim to create a simple treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and aligns with their goals. My mission is to ensure that patients feel heard and to provide the care they seek. Additionally, I strive to alleviate any fear or apprehension that may be present in new patients by fostering clear and open communication. I want every patient to feel informed and comfortable throughout their dental experience.

Interviewer: It’s evident that patient care is at the forefront of your practice. What else would you like people to know about your dental office?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: Our practice is a true family-oriented environment. We see patients of all ages, from grandparents to parents and children. One of the things I love about our practice is the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with our patients. We recognize their faces, and our conversations go beyond just teeth. We discuss various aspects of their lives, making the experience personal and meaningful. At times, we are quite busy with routine cleanings and check-ups. To better serve our patients, I have plans to expand our team by bringing on another hygienist. This will allow us to meet the needs of our patients more efficiently and provide timely care without having them scheduled months in advance. Our goal is to support our patients comprehensively and ensure they receive the attention and care they deserve.

Interviewer: If someone in the community hasn’t been to your dental office before but is seeking dental care, what message would you like to convey to them?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: I would like to extend an invitation to come and experience our friendly practice. We genuinely strive to make the patient experience all about them. We understand that visiting the dentist can be intimidating, especially when it’s a new dentist you haven’t met before. However, I want to assure anyone with hesitation that my team and I are dedicated to providing the best possible care. We listen attentively to our patient’s concerns and make every effort to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. If there are any reservations or doubts, I encourage them to come in and see how friendly and accommodating we truly are.

Interviewer: Your practice seems to offer a wide range of dental services. Could you elaborate on the types of treatments and care available at your practice?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: Certainly. At TruDentistry of Tigard, we are a general dentistry practice, which means we provide comprehensive dental services. Our offerings include routine exams and cleanings to maintain oral health. If we discover cavities, we discuss appropriate treatments such as fillings or crowns. We also offer cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign for those seeking teeth straightening options. Additionally, we perform simple root canals to alleviate pain and provide relief. However, there are certain procedures, either due to complexity or specialization, that we do not provide in-house. For such cases, we have a trusted network of providers, including oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists specializing in root canal therapy, periodontists for gum-related issues, and TMJ specialists. We are committed to guiding our patients through their dental journey, ensuring they receive the best care from start to finish.

Interviewer: Thank you for providing such detailed insights into your practice. Is there anything else you would like to add?

T.T. Nguyen DMD: I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our patients for choosing TruDentistry of Tigard. Your trust and satisfaction mean the world to us. We genuinely appreciate the time you take to visit our office, and we are dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to serving you and helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for many years to come.