Meet the Doctor

Hi, I am Dr. Kidonakis. I’m excited to welcome you to Smile Today Dental. Smile Today Dental was started over 30 years ago. My inspiration to start Smile Today Dental was based on my desire to take care of patients in a way that supports their needs and wants as well as my own practice philosophy. Patients I feel are very unique and it’s important to understand them and meet them at their level. I wanted to be able to deliver a level of service that was based on excellence, honesty, integrity, and respect. I value that about people, and I wanted to take that onto the patients. I also value non-invasive preventative care and long-lasting dental care. My philosophy has always been less is more. I’ve tried and I will always do the least invasive procedure that gets the desired outcome. I believe in doing things right the first time because that is what’s best for the patients and their teeth. It has always been important to me to give people what need and what they want and do it in a way that supports each person individually. I believe in listening to the patients and making them partners and achieving their goals. Having my own practice has allowed me to accomplish both my practice philosophy and the needs of my patients.

What a new patient can expect when coming to our office is to be welcomed and treated with warmth and kindness. Being a new patient can bring a certain level of uneasiness, and we work very, very hard to put patients at ease. The ladies at the front desk are amazing at answering patient questions and gathering information that helps the patient become comfortable in the treatment rooms. We welcome the patients again and get to know them. As people, individuals, we ask questions to help us understand them and their needs. We explain what we do. We share information regarding changes in their mouths, and we recommend appropriate treatment for them. We focus on the patient’s understanding what is urgent, what is not urgent, and what is completely elective. We answer clinical questions and we turn it over to the front desk with the ladies at the front will schedule appointments to fit the patient’s timeline and budget.

What I find rewarding in being a dentist is that I truly, truly believe teeth matter and we are making a big difference in people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve had so many people cry in my chair because they can’t enjoy a meal with their loved ones or privately for various reasons. They didn’t go to the dentist regularly, some because they were afraid or were judged, or didn’t realize what could happen if they neglected their teeth. As a result, I’m very intentional to educate patients and explain the benefits of regular dental care. It’s important to me that we create an environment that is judgment free and welcoming so that people feel safe to get the treatment they need. The number one thing that keeps people away is the fear and anxiety of going to the dentist. For example, one of our patients, Sharon, who presented with multiple problems, was very nervous and didn’t want to go to the dentist. After a few visits with us, she got comfortable, showed up for her appointments and had no anxiety because she felt safe. She was totally fine and didn’t even want her handheld during her visits, which is what we had to do previously. The work that needed to get done was completed and the patient is very happy. In conclusion, we would love to welcome you to Smile Today Dental, and we hope to see you soon.