We recently connected with Tyler Kuwamoto and have shared our conversation below.
Tyler, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
One of the most powerful stories I’ve experienced in this field wasn’t “crazy” in the dramatic sense—it didn’t involve a wild procedure or some once-in-a-career emergency. But emotionally? It hit me harder than I ever expected.
A woman came into our office who hadn’t smiled in what looked like years. You could see it all over her—she was ashamed, anxious, withdrawn. She barely looked up when she talked. She apologized for her teeth before I even had a chance to look. And as a dentist, you start to realize—people often carry emotional weight around their dental health. It’s not just about function or aesthetics. It’s about identity, confidence, how you show up in the world.
We talked, built some trust, and eventually decided on full extractions and dentures. It wasn’t an easy decision for her, but she was brave. She wanted a fresh start. We walked with her through every step, and when she came in to pick up her dentures, I’ll never forget her reaction. She put them in, looked in the mirror, and started to cry. Not because of how they looked—though they looked great—but because she finally saw a version of herself she remembered. Or maybe one she never thought she’d see again.
About a month later, she came back for a follow-up. This time, her energy was completely different. She walked in lighter, happier—she was glowing. She gave us all a hug and told us she had just been asked out on her first date in twenty years. Twenty years. And it wasn’t even about the date—it was about what the date represented: the fact that she felt worthy again. Seen. Beautiful. Confident enough to let someone in.
That moment—it’s hard to explain. It reminded me so clearly why we do what we do. Dentistry isn’t always glamorous. The behind-the-scenes of running a practice can be overwhelming—between business operations, staffing challenges, and equipment randomly deciding not to work. Some days feel like a grind. But then, something like this happens, and suddenly you remember: This is why I’m here.
We didn’t just make her smile—we gave her something she had lost a long time ago: the ability to show up in the world without hiding. And that’s the kind of story that sticks with you. It’s not just about teeth—it’s about transformation, healing, and helping people feel like themselves again.
That hug she gave us? I’ll never forget it. No ad, no award, no production number could come close to what that meant.
Tyler, 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?
My path into dentistry actually started in a pretty unexpected way—on a golf course. I was randomly paired with Dr. Vegter, a dentist with 40 years of experience, and we ended up having an awesome day and really connected. We kept in touch, and while I was in dental school, I’d reach out to him after big milestones—my first filling, my first root canal, my first extraction. He was always there with advice, encouragement, and perspective.
Fast forward a few years, and he offered me my first job in San Diego at Alpha Dental. Working with him was an incredible experience—he mentored me not just in dentistry, but in how to take care of people. He taught me the kind of dentistry that puts the patient first, every time.
Today, I own and operate Alpha Dental, and our goal is simple: to make going to the dentist a whole lot more human. We offer general dental care—everything from cleanings and fillings to implants and cosmetic work—but what we’re really proud of is how we explain the why behind it all.
Growing up, I remember being told I needed fillings or crowns and thinking, “Okay… but why?” That question stuck with me. Now, we make sure our patients never have to wonder. With intraoral cameras, 3D imaging, and digital scans, we walk patients through exactly what we see so they fully understand their treatment. No mystery, no pressure—just clear, honest care.
At the end of the day, what sets us apart is how we treat people. We slow down, listen, and treat our patients like family. We genuinely want people to feel comfortable, informed, and cared for—and maybe even leave with a smile.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Honestly, it’s simple: treat people how you want to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule—timeless, underrated, and still undefeated. In a world of fancy marketing funnels and social media algorithms, we’ve found that old-school kindness and consistency go a long way.
When patients feel genuinely cared for, they talk. And let’s be honest—they talk whether the experience is good or bad, so we make sure it’s the kind of story they want to tell.
I’ve always said, if your patients are leaving the office feeling respected, listened to, and maybe even smiling (despite the drill), you’re doing something right. That kind of word-of-mouth is better than any billboard or ad campaign.
Do we advertise? Minimally. Our marketing plan is basically “do great work, be a decent human, and let the rest take care of itself.” It’s surprisingly effective—and a lot cheaper than Google Ads.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Totally by chance—on a golf course, of all places. About two years before I started dental school, I got randomly paired with Dr. Vegter for a round. We had a great day, hit it off, and exchanged numbers. From there, he kind of became my dental pen pal. During school, we’d text about my first filling, root canal, extraction—you name it.
When I graduated, I took my first job at Alpha Dental in San Diego, working for him. That’s when the real mentorship began. He taught me everything I know—not just the clinical side, but how to treat patients, run a practice, and stay grounded.
He was one of those rare mentors who gives you guidance without ego and support without micromanaging. I still hear his voice in my head sometimes, usually saying, “Measure Twice Cut Once.”
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