Dr. Bernie Villadiego graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1989 and went on to complete a general practice residency program at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. He established a private practice with an emphasis in esthetic and reconstructive dentistry in Chatsworth, California in 1993. He is an Accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Villadiego is a graduate of several cosmetic residency dental programs. He is also a visiting faculty, clinical instructor with Spear Education at Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Arizona. An avid photographer, Dr. Villadiego was influenced by his brother, who was a professional photographer. Practicing in Los Angeles in the heart of Hollywood, Dr. Villadiego has trained under several world-renowned portrait photographers.
His favorite quote and why:
“Lost riches could always be recovered, but time wasted will never, ever return.” – (click to tweet!)
The quote was given to him by his father whom he lost 8 years ago. He says the value of time is more important than material goods and suggests that we spend a lot of time with our family.
What he does for the dental profession:
Bernie is in private practice, doing smile makeovers and full-mouth rehabs with a lot of patients. He takes glamor shots or headshots of his patients after he’s done their smile makeovers/reconstructions. He also gives photography workshops on taking better patient pictures for marketing.
His difficult time story:
Bernie recalls the story about a patient he calls “the superglue lady” from Colorado, who superglues her crowns in because she didn’t have enough money for dental work.
Listen as Bernie shares how he was able to help her and how she eventually became an advocate.
What is concerning or exciting Bernie right now in dentistry:
Bernie is excited by the different technologies that are happening right now in dentistry, like the stem cell research of replacing teeth, the CAD CAM E4D, VELscope and Tekscan.
One of the things that worries Bernie is how dentistry is being delivered; the franchise dentistry is becoming more prevalent.
The best advice Bernie has ever received:
Coming from a medically-oriented family, he says the best advice he received is to become a dentist and not a physician (as far as lifestyle goes).
The one habit that contributes to his success:
“Think positive.”
Bernie says thinking positively, and knowing that things will always workout in the long run is the way he approach life. He says the more you become negative, the more it’s going to affect your health.
He also says never being satisfied with mediocrity is another thing that he believes has contributed to his success.
Clinical or management pearl (tip):
Taking pictures.
He says it is a very helpful tool in educating patients and showing them the “past, present and future” of their oral health.
Technology or procedure that is exciting him right now:
Bernie enjoys giving photography/glamor shot workshops in his office, which he does 4-5 times a year.
Internet / App resource that Bernie feels is awesome:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom – a photo editing and management computer program designed to assist users in managing large quantities of digital images and doing post production work. Lightroom combines photo management and editing in one interface.
Photodex ProShow Producer – slide show software. Great for before and after images.
His book recommendation:
“Messages: The Communication Skills Book” by Matthew McKay, PhD
His recommendation for those who are about to start new or restart:
Read The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber. The E-Myth Dentist is also available.
Also, treat each patient and make them your friend because they are not just customers; they will be out there promoting you. Treat them with genuine concern.
Dr. Bernie Villadiego can be reached at:
- Website: www.powerofthesmile.com
- Email: bbvdds@gmail.com
- Phone: (818) 601-1658
For inquiries about the photography workshops, you may call or send an email to Dr. Villadiego.
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