As a youth, Dante Brown dealt with fluorosis, a dental disorder that was affecting his confidence. His dentist, Dr. Ruiz, fixed his teeth and smile, setting him on a new course full of confidence. Now, Brown is a general dentist with Marram Health’s Gary office, helping others gain new confidence in their smiles.
“My dentist changed the trajectory of my life. I went into dentistry with the thought that I could have that impact on others as well,” Brown said.
As a general dentist, Dr. Brown finds opportunities to give back to his community. Even when he was a college sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago, figuring out his life path, he knew that he wanted to do something that would not only allow him to help his community but would also be a career he enjoyed.
“When I was in college, I was interested in public health and community service. I wanted to work in public health,” he said. “As a dentist, not only can I make someone more confident in their smile, but I’m also giving back.”
Brown especially enjoys giving back to the community through oral health teachings at local schools and shelters.
“A lot of kids aren’t getting the education on good oral health and I’m sometimes the first interaction they have with learning how to properly brush their teeth or floss,” he said. “I enjoy getting to teach them those things and hopefully it’s a lasting lesson.”
Having a supportive employer like Marram Health Center is something that has encouraged Brown in his mission as a dentist.
“Marram has really supported me and what I’m about as a dentist,” he said. “I can’t ask for more than that. I really enjoy doing work within the community, and for them to support that mission means a lot to me.”
Throughout his career, giving back has been Brown’s main priority. Another way he is looking forward to doing that is by going into a local women’s shelter to provide dental care.
“To be able to go out to those in need, and give them that care and education is a great service that they may not receive otherwise,” he said. “For a lot of them, this is their only chance.”
While Dr. Brown has only been with Marram Health Center since October, he’s finding them to be a great employer willing to provide him with the tools needed to do quality work for those with dental needs.
“Anything I’ve asked for, they’ve gotten it for me to make sure I can do my job without any hindrances,” Brown said. “For example, when I see kids, I don’t need to send them to a pediatric dentist because Marram has given me the resources I need to care for them. When you work for an employer that gets you the resources you need, it makes your job easier.”
When Brown isn’t busy helping people build their confidence through their smiles, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and watching improv, especially at Second City. He’s also a big fan of traveling and makes an effort to visit a new place every other month at least. What’s been his favorite place to visit?
“I loved New York City,” he said. “I’ve never been to a place that was more fast-paced than Chicago, and to experience that was really enjoyable.”
From cleanings to fillings and much more, Dr. Brown enjoys using his gifts and knowledge to help others and provide them with a boost in confidence through their smiles.
To learn more about Marram Health Center, visit their website at http://www.marramhealth.org/.
