Dr. Kristin F. Yont
BHI SMART – Certified Healthcare practitioner, Calgary, Alberta
How would you define or summarize your practice philosophy?
Providing exceptional care to patients who I truly care for and value. I love connecting with my patients on so many levels and I strive to make a difference to my patient’s entire wellbeing.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known at the start of your career?
That it gets easier! Every day in practice is a new day—if you learn from your mistakes and strive to be the best that you can be, your future will be bright.
What are the two key qualities you look for in a new team member?
I love to surround myself with highly motivated and enthusiastic people. It is important to know why we are here and how we can make a difference in the lives of our patients.
What is the one piece of equipment or technology you could not work without?
My favorite dental technology is my intraoral camera. A picture says a thousand words and I love seeing the faces of my patients light up when I educate them with a photo.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a new practice owner?
Becoming a new practice owner is a very stressful time that can seem like it is filled with continual uncertainty. Define why you are here! What drives you as a dentist to wake up every day and serve your patients, then try to live from that place every moment of your day.
What do you do to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I begin and end my work day with formal meditation practice that is extremely valuable at reducing stress. I love spending time outdoors running, walking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. I also try to take self-care breaks throughout the week and try to connect often with friends and family.
What have you observed to be the biggest change to the dentistry profession since you began your career?
Anything implants related! I am so inspired by how I can provide better aesthetics and function to my patients with dental implants. It is just amazing what we can do now compared to 20 years ago.
Who was the greatest influence in your life and why?
My parents. My dad used to read me a kids book when I was young called “The Little Train That Could.” Every time I feel challenged and need some courage, I just think of my dad’s voice saying, “I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can….”
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
If I was not a dentist, I probably would have become a forensic or surgical pathologist. I would also like to be a motivational speaker!
Dr. Kristin Yont was born and raised on a grain farm in Saskatchewan. Besides working full time on her dental practice, she is also the lead dentist for the Calgary Flames medical team and a Forensic Dentist for the Medical Examiner’s Office in Calgary. She is the co-owner of Downtown Dental in Calgary and loves spending time outdoors with her husband in the Rocky Mountains.
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