Joyful Dentist Maplewood

Originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, Dr. Q has earned himself the title of “The Joyful Dentist” among his patients because of his happy demeanor and commitment to helping people in whatever way he can. He loves that dentistry provides him with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of his patients and coworkers by meeting people where they are and seeing them fully, as well as providing helpful insight and pain relief whenever he’s able to.

Every day, Dr. Q strives to change the perception of what it means to be a dentist here in Maplewood, and he uses dentistry as a method of service and worship. "My logo is an illuminated tooth. My practice is my way of bringing light into the world; my ministry, if you will, is giving people the ability to shine with their smile to make this world brighter." You can learn more about Dr. Q by reading below.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?

Dr. Q decided to become a dentist during the beginning of his sophomore year in college. During that time, he discovered that he had relatives that were dentists, and he was able to shadow them. He quickly fell in love with the day-to-day variety that dentistry brings, the smiles that were shared, the problem solving that was required, and the creativity that went into dentistry.

“Dental school teaches procedures, but doesn’t do a very good job speaking to the fact that patients come with their own experiences, cultural beliefs and traditions. The African American community has a distrust of health care providers, especially when we don’t have providers that look like us and have the same experience and background. There’s a lack of mutual understanding.,” shared Dr. Q in an interview with Sheletta Brundidge. The 2019 Minnesota Dental Workforce report by the Minnesota Department of Health found that 1% of Minnesota’s dentists are “Black or African American.” Along with continued excellence of care for patients of all cultures and creeds, Hilltop Dental seeks to be a source of refuge in dental care for marginalized patients.

Where Did You
Study Dentistry?

Dr. Q attended Fort Valley State University for undergrad before attending Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville. Following his dental degree, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Tennessee.

He stays up to date with the latest advancements in his field and is always taking continuing education courses to sharpen his skills and expand the services he’s able to offer his patients. Over the years, he has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in endodontics, clear aligner therapy, surgery, and dental implants. He is a certified Invisalign provider and has experience working in both corporate and public health settings.

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

Outside of the dental office, Dr. Q enjoys spending time with his wife of over a decade and their four children. Together, they love going on bike rides, roller skating, having picnics, chasing waterfalls, and snowboarding. Whenever they’re indoors, they love cooking and eating together, listening to praise and worship music, watching anime, and playing board and card games. He’s currently in the process of convincing the rest of his family to relocate to Minnesota since his grandmother moved here with them!

Whenever he isn’t at the dental office, you can find him coaching youth sports and leading the young adult ministry at his church. An interesting fact about Dr. Q is that if he had to start life over and choose a different career, he would be an auto mechanic because he loves cars, has a serious need for speed, and enjoys working with his hands.