We recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Steven Krause of The Center for San Diego Smile Makeover. A graduate of the University of Detroit Dental School, Dr. Steven Krause has served the residents of San Diego’s East County for over 25 years. The cosmetic and laser dentist followed a rigorous course of ongoing professional education including among many other designations earning a Fellow through DOCS Education. He graciously offered to answer questions posed by Incisor. How did you choose dentistry? My interest actually began in high school. I veered toward both science and medicine. Frankly, dentistry struck me as more interesting. And I really wanted to do something with my hands; I felt I always needed to be busy with them. Dentistry fulfilled my passion to be creative. Other strong drives are photography and the arts generally. I consider cosmetic dentistry in particular a form of artistic expression. What do you like most about dentistry, and what do you like least? The ability to enhance people’s smiles is my biggest reward. Many patients don’t realize until afterwards the degree to which dental improvements can transform their whole outlook. I love to impart that confidence. Sometimes they haven’t had a clue about the impact self-consciousness has had upon their smile until AFTER the work. They gain not only a smile but more engaged personality. The least attractive aspect of dentistry is the degree to which I have to serve as a psychologist. When patients are anxious or afraid I find I must deal very carefully with strong emotion. They can be jumpy. And of course it is extremely difficult to care for someone who is producing involuntary and jerky movements at the same time! I find myself walking on eggshells. Sometimes I think it would be much more efficient if patients could just drop their teeth off at the office! Who is/was your mentor in dental studies? Dr. Frank Spear is an iconic figure in dentistry and I am privileged to have studied with him. He combined big-picture acuity with great practicality. He sees a larger vision through the minutiae and keeps things simple. He has a practical, logical way and I admire him tremendously.
