202 Magazine September 2013 Edition September 2013 | Page 21

202’s reader’s choice favorite dentists / 202 COVER STORY / Interview by wu Kate Bolnick General Dentist at Sossaman Family Dental Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Dental School: Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in Mesa, Arizona Years of Practice: Three Jared Mayer, D.M.D. 202: What excites you most about your field? Mayer: All of it! As a dentist, I’m one part scientist, one part artist and another part coach. I diagnose everything from cavities to cancer. 202: Our readers love you! What sets your practice apart? Mayer: We know that going to the dentist is not one of the most pleasurable activities in life. Most people hate it! With that in mind, we work hard to make sure you can be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. 202: What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had during your dentistry career? Mayer: About a year ago, a woman brought her 84-year-old mother into the office with severely worn and broken front teeth. The elderly woman was self conscious and rarely allowed anyone to see them. Once we transformed her smile, her daughter’s eyes filled with tears and she told her mom, “It’s been more than 20 years since I’ve seen you smile like that.” That moment will be with me for a long time. 202: Tell us something about you that even your patients don’t know? Mayer: Being 6 ft 1’ and more than 200 pounds, my neighbors usually laugh when they see me walking three tiny dogs. My wife and I have three adopted Chihuahuas and a rescued cat. We’ve also fostered birds, cats and rabbits. Dentistry is not only technically difficult, but can be emotionally draining, so it always lightens my day to come home to three wagging tails. 202magazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2013 / 202 MAGAZINE 21