Tell us about your job at 1-800-DENTIST and what you love most about it.
I'm currently working in Operations as a Matching Specialist, and I help callers by matching them to a great dentist based on what their needs are. One of the best things about being a Matching Specialist is not knowing who's on the other line -- you have to put yourself in their shoes and help them find a dentist who can help out in their particular situation.
Describe a situation in which you were able to help a caller with special circumstances.
I spoke to a mother whose daughter was getting married over the weekend, and the mom had lost her dentures. She was freaking out - it was a Wednesday and her daughter was getting married on Saturday. She didn't want to go to the wedding without her dentures. We were able to find her a dentist who had a lab on site and got her dentures made right on time for that big event! She was so happy and that made me feel really good to be able to help her.
What's your idea of a great night out? A Lakers, Dodgers, or Kings game, Live music at the Viper Room or a movie at the ArcLight ... ?
A great night out for me would be having dinner or going to the theatres and watching a good flick. One of my favorite restaurants is Tony Roma's because I really like their baby back ribs! And I like chick flicks because sometimes they're just more on the funny side. I just went to see "He's Just Not That Into You" with Drew Barrymore and it was really funny.
Name one food you could eat every day for the rest of your life.
Chipotle's chicken bowl - I am addicted. It's so good ... you get to pick out whatever you want; you can add rice, beans, chicken, guacamole, salsas. I recommend it!
What would you tell a consumer who's afraid to see the dentist or hasn't been in awhile?
I pretty much start by letting them know that I'm glad they called us, and I tell them about our screening process - how the dentists become members of our service. That usually helps callers feel better; they know they're not just going to a random dentist. Then I'll find them an office that's good with fearful patients. And when there's feedback about that office I'll read it to callers so that they can see that other patients are in the same situation as they are.
Island vacation or Alaskan adventure?
I would definitely pick an island vacation. I'd probably go to the Caribbean. I love sunbathing - it's not safe, but it's great!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I don't think I'd move and live anywhere else because I've pretty much lived here my whole life and I think it would be weird. But I'd love to visit Paris. The fashion district out there seems really amazing, and I'd love to experience the culture. But of course I'd want to see the fashion!
Why would you recommend 1-800-DENTIST to friends and family?
I'd recommend 1-800-DENTIST because even though someone might be happy with the dentist they're going to, they probably haven't been to a really great dentist - like our dentists. I always tell people how nice our member dentists are - they're always so nice and welcoming.
