Have you ever considered how important your smile is? No really, smiles are infectious and an excellent indicator of your mood and general personality. I personally believe that being the light in a room is a superpower that we all have the capacity to tap into… it could be as simple as starting with a smile.
I imagine at this point you’re wondering what the heck this has to do with the Wkender, well…
For our feature this month, we have secured the smile specialist, owner and sole dentist of Smile Design Dental Studio, none other than, Dr. Franklyn Aguebor. Just gonna put this on the table, they say your network is your net worth so consider yourself leveled up…
You have to wonder though, what’s the backstory on this Owner, Doctor, Mogul, Model, Billionaire (it’s coming!).
Dr. Franklyn Aguebor was born in Benin City, Nigeria, had a brief stint (see what I did there) in NYC but was primarily raised just outside of Atlanta, Georgia (Nawf side). He studied Bio at the University of Georgia, completed dental school at Dental College of Georgia in Augusta, followed by formal training in General Practice Residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. Needless to say, Dr. A had extensive training!
At the outset, he began practicing as a board-certified dentist in Atlanta, Georgia, but as fate would have it, his talents took him back to “The Big Apple”, Midtown Manhattan to be exact.
“Becoming a Dentist has truly been one of my greatest accomplishments because I am able to change people’s lives by giving them the perfect smile they’ve always wanted.”
Amongst a number of procedures he performs in his office, he loves a comprehensive exam. “It is the greatest opportunity to educate my patients and explain to them that here at Smile Design Dental Studio, our focus is not only on the mouth but the connection it has with the entire body.” His goal is to expand his patients’ knowledge to support improving their dental health and to set them on a path to complete oral and systemic health.
Aside from his practice, Dr. A enjoys traveling both personally and professionally. He’s been a bit of everywhere in the United States and abroad (#passporttatted). One of his favorite journeys was a dental mission trip to the Dominican Republic, which he says was an absolutely life-changing experience because of the care he was able to provide to a community in need. Not sure if you can tell by his pointed sentiments around holistic health, but Dr. A frequently goes to the gym.
I must say, above all Dr. A is a man of the people. He loves spending time with friends/family and developing our youths. He’s served as keynote speaker for several events at a number of schools. “I like to inspire kids to let them know that anything is possible at any moment in time. The moment you count yourself out of anything you strongly desire to achieve and accept failure, is the moment you sell yourself short in life altogether.”
Interview:
What got you excited about dentistry?
Initially, I wanted to be a cardiac surgeon. I shadowed in the trauma center, and I saw many individuals in critical condition, with a low chance of survival. This, itself, caused me to take a moment to reflect.
I knew I still wanted to work in the medical field, but I resolved that I could give the gift of instant gratification through dentistry. Also, there isn’t a high rate of life threatening situations in my field, so I’m a bit more at peace.
I know we are at a critical time in history. Can you talk about being an essential service, and how you have managed through the COVID situation?
Being an essential to service is not a misnomer in any way, you are literally who everyone is depending on. As a dentist, I have to make sure that I have a safe environment for both my patients, staff and then me (I come last when I put things in perspective). I want to be sure that I have the proper PPE and not overbooking to be sure that we are social distancing. The cost implications are immense, and I have to be cautious with my schedule as we don’t have the luxury of a snafu as we will be in direct violation of Social Distancing Guidelines. Also as a general note, PPE is on back order so inventory management becomes paramount, and we have to do a bit of cost accounting to adjust for inflated pricing due to scarcity/demand.
What does it mean to be a black business owner and a Dentist; what was the decision making process?
So, I have 4 years in my profession under my belt. Generally, I have always wanted something that was my own. My strategy was simple. While in residency, I tried to pick up as much as I possibly could. I was intentional everyday about considering all of the things that I wanted to replicate and the things I did not when I finally started my own practice. In a way, this was mentorship. Something to consider, however, most times, you’re working exceptionally hard for someone, and this person is giving you a pat on the back. You can actually make better money on your own. Granted, it’s a risk but who better to bet on than yourself?
What’s your vision for Smile Design Dental Studio long term?
EXPANSION for sure. My whole thing was to build this brand and everyone is going to follow the DR. I’ll transition to other places in NY and then to other states(Cali | Ga I’m otw). Without risk, there is no reward!
Who inspires you?
I’m a bit of a self starter; generally, I don’t see a cap. In addition, I’m inspired by my family. They have always been super supportive,
and they took care of me so my goal has always been to get to a point where I can take care of them. One of my best practices is to stay in touch with people who help me along the way…And of course GOD!
Personally, I see you operating at the intersection of personal-professional and runway lol. How do you manage it all?
Initially, I had 3 Instagrams: one for me as a Doc, one for the Practice, then another for personal. I realized very quickly that I didn’t want to stress myself out by being inauthentic sooo… I deleted quite a few pictures and found a mesh in it all. I’m one person, and I’m committed to providing my whole self publicly.
At the Wkender, our moniker is “Work 9-5, Live 5-9”. Do you have a personal mantra?
I aspire to inspire!
How important has social media been in extending your brand?
Social media was the absolute best decision that I have ever made. Initially, you pay all of these companies to help you scale, but there is nothing like sharing your authentic self. A lot of people reach out, and people are getting something positive for insights. Also, it’s fun to me, and if I can balance providing you positivity and information, it’s done.
If you could go back to your freshman year at UGA, what advice would you give yourself?
Network, get to know a lot more people. You are there to study and learn, but who you know will take you a lot more places than what you know. Also, you learn a lot from other people and as they find themselves and decide what they want to do, you may find some of your own interests.
Its always a pleasure to be in the company of greatness and you sir are well on your way. Thank you for allowing us to feature you. You are an inspiration to us all and truly a pillar in the community. I look forward to meeting you at the the top brother!
To a Life Worth Living,
The Wkender!
Hi,
I hope you are safe in this pandemic situation by avoiding gatherings and staying at home.
I am reaching you to contribute a guest post article to your website (FREE of cost and high-quality). I would just need you to provide me a backlink in return, within that article. Please let me know if I shall send some interesting topic ideas for a guest post?
Looking forward to your response.
Regards,
Eliza Megan
Hi Eliza,
I would love to explore this further. Would you mind emailing me at thewkenderblog@gmail.com so we can chat further.
Best,
J. Jackson