If I become a better person, I can show up better for my team and my patients.
Q & A With Dr. Isabel Cumandra, Dentist & Partner at ScarboroSmiles
What services does ScaboroSmiles offer?
ScarboroSmiles is a dental office.
How did you come up with the idea to start ScarboroSmiles and what purpose did you intend to serve with the concept?
This dental practice was started by my father 40 years ago. My dad built an office that always aimed to provide the best and latest technology for patients so we could provide the best care. He also always valued constant education to upgrade skills. Since I was young, I always wanted to follow his footsteps and after finishing dental school I joined his practice. Since becoming a partner at the practice our mission is to improve the quality of our patients' lives by helping improve their health. We continue to educate patients about how dentistry fits into a more holistic approach to overall health. If we can have an impact on helping our patients live longer and healthier lives, we consider it a success.
Which milestones have marked meeting benchmarks towards the fulfillment of your personal goals/ the dental office's vision and goals?
Over the 8 years I've been working at our practice, we've grown to serve more patients. We've hit and surpassed a lot of our targets. This past year we won Top Choice Dental Clinic of the year, which was a great honour. I was also invited to speak at my first speaking engagement at LEAP and innovate, a tech conference in Saudi Arabia.
Which steps have you taken for the company to achieve the level of consumer trust that has been nationally recognized?
We show our patients constantly that we truly do care about their wellbeing and want to guide them to do what's best. We think of our patients as if they are our family members. We truly want to help and our intentions are heartfelt. Consistency is key, and we never waiver from our values and approach.
What part of your education or other experiences do you feel was the most helpful in preparing you for success?
Personal growth is an area that can improve all aspects of your life. I am constantly reading books, listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos on health, wellness, leadership, mindfulness etc. If I become a better person, I can show up better for my team and my patients. It makes me a better dentist, better team member, and better friend.
Which strategies have you found the most effective in growing your audience/ bringing awareness of your service to a larger consumer group?
Our greatest source of new patients is from word-of-mouth referrals. The majority of patients coming to see us do so because someone dear to them trusted us enough to recommend us. Referrals are one of the greatest compliments we can receive, and we are honored with the trust our patients put in us.
Which partnerships, if any, have been the most constructive in bringing your goals closer to becoming a reality?
My father and I always push each other to think of new ideas, new ways of doing things and challenge each other to do better. Working with a family member who cares for me and supports me helps me feel confident to pursue my goals and dreams.
Are there any challenges that made it difficult to continue operation and that you managed to overcome? What was your approach to get past these?
During COVID, we realized that our patients needed information about how to take their health into their own hands. We developed a more holistic approach to dentistry. We talk to patients about optimizing sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management, and have discussions about oral health. Your best defense in life against any illness is keeping yourself as healthy as possible.
How do you balance work, passions/hobbies, and relationships?
Dentistry is a great profession because for the most part you can decide on your hours. I am able to do morning workouts before coming into the office on certain days that I start later. We usually have weekends off to spend time with friends and family. During any other time off I'm able to read, watch good movies, enjoy the outdoors and explore new places.
What are your future plans to build on your personal/ company achievements and fulfill your vision for success/ what developments can your audience or clientele look forward to expecting next?
We want to grow and expand our philosophy to help more people. This means bringing on and training more dentists to have a similar mindset. We will always continue upgrading ourselves and our technology.
What advice would you like to give readers that hope to achieve success in your field?
Be careful what you believe. If you believe you will succeed, you have a higher chance than if you believe you'll fail. Don't let fear stop you; the only failure is not trying at all.
We thank Isabel for sharing these insights and experiences with Winner Magazine's readers. If you are looking for Dental Services in the Scarborough Area, we would recommend reaching out to Dr. Isabel Cumandra at ScarboroSmiles!
