May 1, 2017

Meet Blake Quarles of Quarles Dental in Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Quarles.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Blake. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Sometimes you’re lucky enough to find the right career for yourself early on. Sometimes you’re lucky to find the right person to complete your life. Somehow, both of those situations happened for me! I’ve always had dentistry in my blood with my great-grandfather having a career as a dentist in Abbeville, SC and my grandfather just recently retiring after decades as an orthodontist in Augusta, GA. I followed in their footsteps, always being drawn to science classes and the medical field, graduating from the Dental College of Georgia in 2015. Although Augusta, GA is my hometown where both my sets of grandparents and my parents reside, I knew that Atlanta presented large possibilities in the dental world for me… and it was certainly convenient that my future wife, Mary, lived just inside the city! Once I moved, I sought out positions with a few local dentists who know a great deal about how to run a successful dental practice. They gave me invaluable insight and guidance about how to grow into a confident and caring dentist using state of the art equipment and techniques. One of the dentists I worked with expressed interest in retiring and selling his practice. After almost a year of working with him, I purchased his practice. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to continue to receive his support and his patients, employees, and practice have welcomed me in as if I’ve been there for many years.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Even when you’re passionate about the subject you’re learning or excited about your future profession, obstacles are always present. Dental school was very demanding, both academically and clinically, with many of my nights being spent at the lab and early mornings spent studying and seeing patients. Dental school challenged me in a way that I feel has made me a better dentist. The rigor of the schedule a dental school student must keep forces one to become incredibly organized, focused, determined, and committed. It was a great lesson in discovering balance, both for work and personal life. Now as a dental practice owner, I can look back and see that the skills and techniques that were practiced every single day have become second nature for me. The process of purchasing a dental practice was challenging in that it was long and tedious work at times. Filling out paperwork and learning so many new things about being a business owner was overwhelming at times! Being a great dentist is very different from being a great dentist who also runs the practice. My mentor dentists provided contacts for applying for my business loan, names and small groups of other young practice owners, and what companies to use for supplies and materials. With support from others who started in a very similar way, I think I’ve had the best model for how to start and maintain a successful practice.

Quarles Dental – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Quarles Dental is a general dentistry practice conveniently located in the heart of Sandy Springs, GA, directly across from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite and Northside Hospital. Our office provides preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency procedures and care to families, seeing both adult and pediatric patients. To assist all patients in receiving affordable dental care, our office files any insurance and will work with patients to develop a payment plan if necessary. We also are a preferred provider for those patients with Humana dental insurance. We pride ourselves on being family-friendly and getting to know each of our patients, ensuring that their visit is a pleasant experience. We are known as a practice that has been in business for decades with many patients who began coming to this office over 40 years ago. A few changes made in the last couple months include fresh paint, brand new technology to help provide the best dental treatment, a company website, and convenient online appointment booking. We have maintained the essence of what it means to be a family dental practice that will hopefully continue to see these same families for generations to come. We easily set ourselves apart from other larger practices that see volume over quality care as the best method and give each patient the care and time we would give to our own family members.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success means many things to different people, however it’s pretty easy for me to define. Success means giving my patients a new smile and tips to keep their mouths healthy. Success is having patients tell me they didn’t dread coming to the dentist, but instead enjoyed seeing me! Success for me is waking up in the morning looking forward to going into the office. My success is also measured by the happiness, companionship, and security I have with my wife, my family and friends. To be loved, supported and encouraged by those around me in all areas of my life means I am a successful man.

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