From welder to dentist: Winding path leads to White Rock’s newest addition to the dental community
“When I was 10, I endured dental trauma during a hockey tournament, but the professionals in the area restored my teeth ��� to me it was unbelievable what could be fixed,” says White Rock dentist, Bradley Watson. Photo courtesy of Johnston Road Dental.
Dr. Bradley Watson's journey into dentistry is as unique as the dental services he plans to offer at White Rock's new location Johnston Road Dental office. Just a block from where it was for over 30 years.
Dr. Watson's passion for dentistry was sparked early, following a transformative childhood experience.
“When I was 10, I endured dental trauma during a hockey tournament, but the professionals in the area restored my teeth – to me it was unbelievable what could be fixed,” Dr. Watson says.
Life sometimes takes a winding road, and years later, after earning a red seal journeyman certificate in welding and working several years in the field in northern Alberta, it was time to return to his chosen career in dentistry. At 25, he returned to university and by 30, he was immersed in dental school in Syndey austrlia. A school at the forefront of dental education.,.
But his past is not forgotten “Welding taught me work planning, precision and patience, skills I carry into every dental procedure I perform,” he reflects.
Today, Dr. Watson’s vision for Johnston Road is an evolution in dental care in the community. Taking over the practice from Dr. Tim Barker, a long-standing figure in the white rock dental community Dr. Watson is keen on integrating cutting-edge technology and comprehensive services under one roof.
“Our goal is to offer specialized services right here. We don’t want our patients to feel like a number, but rather like valued members of our dental family, and we want to keep services in house,” he says.
New location brings more space and new technology
Nearly tripling in size at its new location. the clinic features innovations like GBT- guided Biofilm therapy, which promises less discomfort and more effective and efficient teeth cleaning appointments. Patients are loving the results of this new method.
“Our new technology for in office dental hygiene uses an aerosolized powder sprayed at the teeth and gums to remove plaque and stains more effectively and brighten smiles without the harshness of traditional methods,” he says, noting plans are also underway to transform the clinic into an educational hub during weekends to train other professionals in that technique.
Johnston Road Dental will also be one of the first local clinics to accept the new federal dental plan. “We aim to make dental care accessible and stress-free for all patients, while expanding our scope of practice and operational hours,” he says.
“Bringing the mouth back to health was his university's slogan and is one Dr. Watson aims to bring to his practice. because the mouth is so closely related to the rest of the body. A healthy mouth supports overall systemic health,” Dr. Watson says.
“My journey has been unconventional, but at Johnston Road Dental, we're just getting started.”
For more information, visit johnstonroaddental.com. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for any updates!