Dr. Debra Gray King

Interview Questions

Debra, Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with the DCA online.You have got to be one of the most accomplished dentists in the country -and probably the most most accomplished female dentist. Were you thisspectacular in elementary school, too?!

Actually in elementary school I was a very shy and quiet little girl! It wasn´t until I got into dental school that I kind of came out of my shell!

Your Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is very well known--and huge! Aside from Bill Dorfman, you are one of the only other dentists to have appeared on ABC´s Extreme Makeover. What was it like?

Incredible! It was very exciting to be a part of a hit TV show. Dr. Dorfman graciously let me and my team work from his office in Beverly Hills and we felt very fortunate to be a part of two dramatic transformations. It was a little nerve wrecking to work under the spotlights and with camera men looking over our shoulders, but it was so much fun! I´d do it again in a heartbeat!

You yourself are a fellow in the AACD. You have been to LVI, Pac-Live, Hornbrook and so many other programs. You have appeared on ABC´s Extreme Makeover, you have many celebrity patients, and you have lectured with Tony Robbins. But, what is your business´s claim to fame?

We got started early on in this business, before it was chic to be a cosmetic dentist. And then we have strived to continually improve and serve our patients in a way that is not the norm for most general dentists. We focus on quality cosmetic dentistry and consider ourselves artists.

Like so many high powered people in the business world, you must beincredibly busy. Yet, you always look fabulous! What do you do to takesuch good care of yourself in the face of all your business and personal time commitments?

Thank you! With three kids, a husband and a busy practice it is sometimes difficult to make time for everything I need to! But I am committed to exercising at least four or five times a week mostly because I feel so much better and energetic when I do! I love eating healthy- my biggest temptation is pizza, but I usually put veggies on it instead of meat. My current focus is on eating fish, fruit, vegetables and walking daily.

What is your favorite food? Pizza! Favorite restaurant?

Lobster Bar in Atlanta

What is your favorite film?

Pretty Woman

Favorite actor?

Sean Connery

What business books have been most influential to you?

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and "How to Swim With Sharks Without Getting Eaten Alive" by Harvey McKay

What mentors have had the most impact on you and why?

Tony Robbins

How did you manage to develop such an unbelievably successful--and large-- practice?

That´s a great question! It actually just evolved. Years ago my team and I visioned that we wanted to create a dental practice that was nationally known as the Ritz Carlton for cosmetic dentistry. Then we created a plan to make it happen!

What did you do before you had your own practice?

I was an associate for a mentor of mine, Dr. Edward Mills. He hired me right out of dental school and introduced me to the concept of cosmetic dentistry. He taught me so much about shapes and contours and really sparked my interest in the artistic side of dentistry.

A lot of DCA members are intrigued by the spa aspect of your practice. Tell us how you got involved in that and how it benefits your patients and your practice. This may sound like an obvious question but how does spa dentistry appeal to patients who just want a more comfortable experience at the dentist?

Our focus has always been to deliver quality cosmetic dentistry in a pleasant and pampering environment. We only provide spa services that accentuates the dentistry. We have chosen to focus only on services like aromatherapy, massage, music and zen chairs, all that enhance a more relaxing DENTAL visit

Tell us about a typical procedure appointment in your office.

Years ago I limited my practice to cosmetic smile designs. I usually see only one or two patients each morning. The patient arrives first thing in the morning and leaves at lunchtime with their gorgeous new smile. It is very rewarding!

I understand you have a very unique type of dental chair in your practice. Tell us about your chairs and where we can purchase them. Can you show us a picture?

The dental zen chairs were specifically designed for our office by the inventor working closely with ADEC. The chairs look like real dental chairs but they have carbon fibers embedded in the chair that resonates with the base notes of the music that the patients listen to through Bose headphones. This actually relaxes the patient to the point of being in a zen state which makes them feel relaxed and energized.

How does your practice differ from most other practices and why did you decide to practice in this way.

I have been an artist as long as I can remember! I have several relatives who are also artists and encouraged me at a young age. Cosmetic dentistry is a way for me to express my artistic side and help my patients achieve their desires. We have also strived to be very customer service oriented. We realized long ago that there are so many different areas of dentistry it is difficult to be really good in every area. So I decided to limit my area of focus to what I was very passionate about. I refer all my endo, ortho, oral surgery to the specialists so I can focus on the cosmetic aspect.

What advice do you have for DCA members who are trying to bring in patients who are looking for a more comfortable experience in the dental office?

A relaxed patient is so much easier to work with! You can&acutt go wrong in an active plan to make the dental visits more pleasant. You can start with a relaxing atmosphere and friendly team members. Aromatherapy is easy to introduce and existing team members may be interested in learning massage.

What business principles have made you so successful?

I learned from Anthony Robbins the principle of CANI- Constant and Never Ending Improvement! We are always trying to improve our skills, our systems, our verbiage, our customer service.

What one adjective describes you?

Motivated!

Many of us have looked into making significant changes to our practices and it always sounds so expensive. How can we justify the expense when our budgets are already stretched to the max?

More importantly, how can we make these changes pay off?

What quote do you like that is most relevant to DCA members?

Chuck Noll, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to many superbowl victories said it best: "When you think you´ve arrived and want to coast you are in trouble, because the only place you coast is downhill. "

Very First Job?

Burger Queen. I grew up in a small town in Tennessee that wasn´t big enough to warrant a Burger King! It was a great first job because it taught me several valuable lessons. I learned how hard it was to be on your feet for eight straight hours, how it´s important to find some work to do even if there is not a single customer in the place, the importance of customer service, and the value of an education so that you have the option to not work on your feet for eight straight hours!

Business Philosophy?

Constant and Never Ending Improvement

How do you stay motivated?

I read motivational books.

Best decision?

Joining the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 1991.

Worst decision?

Not following my gut instincts and regretting it later.

What do like best...and least... about your job? I love the people! I have great patients and incredibly talented team members and doctors that I am fortunate to be able to work with every day.

I like least having to deal with the occasional person who is content being mediocre.

Pet peeve?

Not using time wisely

Most important lesson learned?

You can have it all! Dentistry is an incredible career that allows time for motherhood, professional development, family time and overall balance.

Person most interested in meeting?

Rudy Gulliani. I had hoped he would have won the nomination!

Can you tell us who some of your celebrity patients are?

We have many celebrities who prefer to remain confidential. Our most notable clients who have given us permission to mention are Toni Braxton, Big Boi of Outcast and Akon.

Characteristic most admired?

Being in shape and not overweight. Least admired? Arrogance

Your greatest strength?

I am very down to earth. And weakness? I find it hard to take time where I don’t think about the office.

Question you want answered?

Most ecstatic moment--aside from wedding day and kids being born?

The day I achieved my Fellowship with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To this day, there are only four women who have achieved this credential.

What would someone be surprised to know about Debra Gray King?

I am an introvert and am most happy finding a little quiet time with a book.