We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cheyn Gunnerson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cheyn below.

Cheyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

15 years ago I was personally diagnosed with sleep apnea. At the time little was being done through ironic devices to open the airway and the medical field was stuck in prescribing sleep drugs and placing patients on CPAP machines. I personally experienced the struggle of tolerating wearing a mask connected to tubes and having air forced into me, along with being placed on medications which made my heart face during the day, my mind numb at night and still feeling like I wasn’t getting quality sleep. I started tending the few limited seminars that were available at the time. That’s when I realized I could help and change peoples lives through alternatives which didn’t drug me up or confine me to a strapped down face mask all night. Over the years my love to help others has increased, my understanding of all the complexities in sleep and how dentists can make a difference and play an integral part in the overall health of our patients. The realization that most patients receiving medical care and placed on multiple medications have never had their sleep checked. Sleep is integral to our overall well being and health. This has led to treating chronic TMJ pain which frequently us found in patients with sleep disorders.

Cheyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

 I grew up in what was a small community at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City. I was never a fan of going to the dentist as a child. I am, however, thankful that my wife urged me to give the profession a try since it suited my talent for working with my hands, my love of art, and desire to connect with people on a personal level in a positive and impactful way. I found my calling in dentistry and am grateful to have realized this dream of having a full service, comprehensive family practice serving the many communities in and around Payson. I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree and continued my education at Oregon Health Sciences University. I graduated from there with honors in the top five percent of my class.

I began my private dental practice in 1996. I chose to build my practice and serve the community in Payson because I loved the closeness of the community and positive culture. I continue to pursue continuing education, and embracing the most advanced technology, materials, treatments, and procedures in the industry. I strive for a state of the art practice that reflects our commitment to providing advanced modern dental care in a relaxed and comfortable environment where patients are treated like family.

 I spent the first years in practice solely devoted to family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentistry. As I mentioned before, In 2007 I discovered my love for treating sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. Frustrated by my own Obstructive Sleep Apnea journey and the challenges of finding a treatment that was both comfortable and effective, I began searching for an alternative to the use of a CPAP for treating Sleep Apnea. From my own health journey I have developed a deep appreciation for the life-changing impact great healthcare can provide. My personal experience with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and TMJ pain spurred my passion to aid others in living a healthy, energetic, and pain-free life.

Recently we added a new dentist to Gunnerson Dental, Dr. Jakob Bradford, who has been taking excellent care of our general & cosmetic dental patients while I shift to focusing on relieving TMD, Sleep and Craniofacial pain at my other practice, TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah. I started the TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah medical clinic after realizing how underserved our Utah community is when it comes to TMJ pain. I am currently working and training with healthcare providers worldwide who provide the highest-level techniques for restoring dental health including adult orthodontics, jaw pain,  facial pain and sleep issues. Seeing each patient’s success makes every minute worth it.

In addition to his extensive training and experience, Dr. Gunnerson is a member of these prestigious organizations:

• The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)

• Utah Dental Association

• American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)

• American Dental Association

• Academy of LDS Dentists

• Academy of General Dentistry

• Payson Chamber of Commerce

• Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce

• NuCalm CNP

You can read more about him in the January/February issue of Utah Valley where he was highlighted as one of Utah’s top dental professionals. Dr. Gunnerson is a man of many talents, one of which is music. He is an accomplished piano player and artist and still writes music. He and his wife have five children ranging in ages from 18 to 30, and like their dad, they are musically inclined. When he is not caring for patients or donating dental services through Dentistry from the Heart, you will find Dr. Gunnerson caring for two dogs, six chickens, five ducks, and the 30 grapevines growing around his yard. He loves gardening, being outside, and listening to his children’s musical performances. You will also find him in community parades on his volcano and dinosaur float, and look for him at many other events around town, like car shows.

“I look forward to working with my team every day. I love the high energy, the positive environment, the fun and excitement that we have, and we all love sharing that with our patients. That is what I look forward to every single day I am here.” ~ Dr. Gunnerson

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

There are a few things I would recommend to a new entrepreneur. First, know that it is going to take work. Perseverance is key in being able to work through the challenges that come, both economically and personally. Second, an entrepreneur needs to realize and accept that not everyone will agree with you, or what you’re doing, and that’s okay! This ties into the third recommendation. Build a supportive team around you. I could not do what I do every day if it wasn’t for the dedicated, hard working, team members in our practices.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Continue to provide a high quality of care, service or product. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for reviews or recommendations from your current customers. People naturally talk about positive experiences they’ve had. Remember to listen to the client. Help clients discover the answers to their needs within your product, or even somewhere else if your service/product is not a good fit.

Contact Info:

• Website: tmj.excellencebychoice.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmjsleeptherapyofutah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMJSleepTherapyofUtah
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQB0Rj03tioDquO0Xj19-Ww