Malcolm J. Murray, D.D.S. Delivering Five-Star Dental Care with Exceptional Precision, Professionalism and Passion

Transcription

1 Malcolm J. Murray, D.D.S. Delivering Five-Star Dental Care with Exceptional Precision, Professionalism and Passion Dental Care at Main Street Market Place

2 Malcolm J. Murray, D.D.S. What You ve Always Wanted in a Dentist and More When selecting a dentist, patients entrust not just themselves but often the entire family. They seek a dentist that can provide all their dental needs - convenience in location and, most importantly, an enjoyable experience, especially for their children. What have you always wanted in dental care? An article published in the Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal in 2008 reports the results of a study of attributes that contribute to a reliable dentist. The findings reveal several universal core qualities that can be used to describe the optimal dental practice as opinionated by dentists and patients. These characteristics which relate to the dentists personality, quality of work and educational and experiential background are generally considered as expectations in a dental practice. Here is what you ve always wanted in dental care and what you can generally come to expect a dentist to offer through his/her practice: Displays a personality that maintains an optimistic outlook; reflects the ability to clearly communicate with patients; controls stressful situations; demonstrates empathy and sensitivity during painful or unpleasant procedures. Demonstrates work ethics that display industriousness, conscientiousness, and diligence; is not content with mediocrity; utilizes techniques to reduce or eliminate pain; employs modern technology and equipment; and organizes appointment schedules, parking, and designs office interior to the convenience and comfort of the patient. Possesses broad experiential and educational background verified by credentials; utilizes a variety of analytical techniques to diagnose conditions and find solutions; and counsels, advises and informs patients based upon personal skills and competencies. Dr. Murray and Blanca Troncoso, Dental Assistant, consultate with patient. Photographer: Mark Moyer Dr. Murray performs a routine cleaning and checkup. Patient interaction and consultation is Dr. Murray s forté. 2 Dental Care at Main Street Market Place 2010

3 Dr. Malcolm Murray and his team at Dental Care at Main Street Market Place deliver all of the above and more to dental patients. As part of his established standard of excellence, Dr. Murray not only provides superlative general dental care, but does so in a personable and professional manner. Certified in several dental specialties, Dr. Murray provides a comprehensive menu of services and specialties that afford his patients general, orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry, in a centralized convenient location. Dr. Murray emphasizes to all of his patients that maintaining good oral hygiene and health is an absolute necessity. It is important to take dental care seriously because of its connection to total health. The body is a complex and interconnected system and proper oral care is as important as maintaining physical fitness, eating healthy and following overall good health guidelines. Medical experts point out that people take oral health for granted. Sometimes the smallest infection in the body can often be traced back to an oral health problem. That s why it s important for patients to be engaged in their own dental healthcare by going in for routine cleanings every 6 months, brushing and flossing regularly and eating a balanced diet. He goes on to point out that if you re not flossing, you re really putting yourself at risk for other health issues. Dr. Murray s passion for dentistry and his unique ability to connect with patients of all ages and backgrounds justify the phenomenal growth his practice is experiencing. Patients come from near and far to receive his dental services. Heeding the Call to Dentistry From an early age, Dr. Murray felt he had a special affinity for dentistry. Although his parents had no medical background, his mother was adamant about dental hygiene. Therefore, it was she who made sure he visited the dentist often. He enjoyed observing and questioning everything that was of interest to him. Although he describes this behavior as probably very annoying, those childhood visits Dr. Murray s mother and greatest influence, Nancy Murray incubated his interest in dentistry and shaped his career destiny. I can recall that first discussion with my mother about a career choice. We both thought, since I enjoy tactile, hands-on activities that require analysis and synthesis, dentistry as a career goal provided the perfect mix of working with my hands and brain said Dr. Murray. A native New Englander, Dr. Murray attended Hampton University, where he was a Biology/Pre-Med major and a dental apprentice under Dr. Gerald F. Banks, D.D.S. Dr. Murray recalls, He took me under his wing, fed me, taught me, and let me observe his technique as he worked with patients. Dr. Banks was instrumental in steering Dr. Murray towards a career in general dentistry. He urged Dr. Murray and father, James Murray Childhood visits to the dentist incubated his interest in dentistry and shaped his career destiny Dr. Murray to leave himself open to all optional dental segments, such as preventive care, less painful technical treatments and cosmetic dentistry, etc. Dr. Murray studied the art and science of Dentistry while attending Virginia Commonwealth University - Medical College of Virginia. He holds both a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Young Dr. Murray and his sister Remeja Murray Dental Care at Main Street Market Place

4 Dr. Murray enjoying a moment with best friend, Hiram Harrington, and dental mentor, Dr. Gerald F. Banks. Broadening Horizons As he sought to widen his areas of expertise, Dr. Murray completed his residency program at the Medical College of Virginia, and received a degree in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). This training gave him additional experience in treating a more complex set of patients that required a higher level of expertise including, patients who were medically compromised, children, adults, and cases for which clinical-based dental services were not qualified. While still in his residency, he moved to Northern Virginia, and began work as a part-time dental associate. Subsequently he became a full-time associate with Dr. Robert Leipzig in Fairfax, Va. Dr. Murray started his practice called Dental Care at Main Street in Fairfax VA in He credits the longevity of his successful practice to his dynamic staff, supportive family and loyal patient base. It is rare to find a general dentist who also certified and proficient in endodontics, orthodontics, implants, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. According to Dr. Murray, this diversity came from a desire to serve his patients needs. Therefore, he became certified with Invisalign and subsequently, certified to do metal brackets through the American Association of Orthodontics. Currently, Dr. Murray is pursuing certification for local anesthesia and he plans to seek further certification in implants, because he realizes that there s a need for that in his patients as well. With humble pride he states, My patients put their trust in me and the services we offer are based on what we can provide that best meets their needs. Our practice is specialized and intimate, and for those services that we do not offer, we rely on our network of strategic partners and vendors. Inner and Outer Workings of the Practice As you enter Dental Care at Main Street Market Place you are greeted by the front desk coordinator, Mei Mostafa, who has been in the dental profession for over ten years. She is knowledgeable with insurance billing, yet graceful with patient relations. Dr. Murray is fortunate to have Heather Howard as his hygienist. Heather has worked with Dr. Murray for 10 of her 17 years in dentistry. She has dedicated her career to helping people achieve happier, healthy smiles. She is married with one child, and has many hobbies which include running, reading and playing tennis. From the start Dr. Murray credits much of the success his practice enjoys to her continued effort and support. Blanca Troncoso and Ashley Liggins fill the role of dental assistants. Their tender care and cheerful personalities make patients feel at ease. The team is also bi-lingual and serves non-english speaking patients regularly. The entire team is dedicated to the common goal of patient satisfaction. The 2500 square foot office is instantly warm and inviting, finished with modern amenities to welcome everyone. There s a children s corner for the younger patients to unwind and wait. Adult and teens are free to take advantage of the complimentary refreshments provided. Additional services offered by Dr. Murray include: Bone Augmentation Simple Extractions Third Molar Extractions Veneers Tooth-colored fillings Crowns Bridges Sedation Dentistry Hygienist, Heather Howard discusses xray image with a patient. 4 Dental Care at Main Street Market Place 2010

5 Dental Care at Main Street Market Place staff includes: (back row, left to right) Blanca Troncoso, Heather Howard (front row, left to right) Mei Mostafa, Dr. Murray, Ashley Liggins Dental Care at Main Street Market Place is about 90% paperless. Although the initial in-take patient forms are completed on paper, everything else is processed electronically. In a time where businesses are looking toward going Green and becoming Eco- friendly, Dental Care at Main Street Market Place is doing its part. Dr. Murray s practice uses everything from digital imaging for X-rays, to the latest in medial software and technologies that allow for secure, processing and transmission of reports, notes, medical claims and billing. Using a software system known as DemandForce, s and text messages are sent to patients to welcome them, remind them of appointments, and send questionnaires to evaluate first visits and/or to clarify concerns. At monthly staff meetings, Dr. Murray and his team review all questionnaires. We love the good comments, but we take note of the bad ones also. We are interested in anything that will promote improvement in our practice. My patients put their trust in me and the services we offer are based on what we can provide that best meets their needs. ~ Dr. Malcolm Murray A contemporary practice, the staff utilizes the latest technology and tools to treat their patients. Computer monitors and cameras allow Dr. Murray to demonstrate and educate his patients. They see what Dr. Murray sees and more. Direct TV is connected in all operatories, so that if patients are waiting, they can select any show they choose (a special feature our younger patients appreciate). Dr. Murray encourages his team to acquire, refresh and retool needed skills, attitudes and knowledge through continuing education classes (4-5 per year). The goal is to keep the staff up-to-date on the latest in dentistry and functioning smoothly as a team, all to the benefit of patients and the practice. Dental Care at Main Street Market Place

6 Giving Back to the Community Dr. Murray, who lives in Fairfax with his family, is a strong proponent of giving back to his community through community service. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Washington, D.C. area. I grew up in the Boys Club, becoming a member in third grade. It s an important part of who I am, he said. He is also part of a local program, College for Kids, that encourages and exposes school-aged children to college. Through the program professionals come out to the weekly Saturday meetings and speak about their careers and their college experiences. They also share their insights on dealing with such issues as peer pressure, poor decisionmaking and academics. He recalls, One of the best features of the program is the graduation ceremony for the kids, where they actually wear a cap and gown, which they really like. The aim is to expose the kids to the idea of going to college, and the meetings are sometimes held in classrooms on actual college campuses. Dr. Murray stressed that the goal of Dental Care at Main Street Market Place is simple: With my team of skilled professionals, we strive to make the experience for patients as easy, and painless as possible. We want them to be happy and we want them to come back, he concluded. Malcolm J. Murray, D.D.S, truly provides what you ve always wanted in a dentist and more. Wouldn t you agree? Dr. Murray with his wife, Michelle and his two daughters, Mickhaila and Macie. 6 Dental Care at Main Street Market Place 2010 Malcolm J. Murray, D.D.S. Dental Care at Main Street Market Place 3941 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, VA For more information, visit: OR To speak with a member of the staff, call: Produced by Strayhorn Enterprises, LLC (703)