Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Mendiola, D.D.S., Larissa Navarro, D.D.S..
Mark and Larissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I always enjoyed seeing my dentist. He was always happy and joking around with the patients. I admired how someone could be so happy and positive at work. These childhood memories definitely inspired me. In college, I had an opportunity to shadow female dentists. I thought it was amazing that these women were both a health care provider AND business owner. That experience also encouraged me to pursue a career in dentistry. (Larissa Navarro, DDS).
My family was always involved in the health field. My father is a physician; my mother was a medical technologist; my older sister is a nurse. It was natural for me to become involved in a healthcare career. I wasn’t sure which career that was until I volunteered with local dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, While volunteering with Dr. Marshall I saw the positive changes that he made in his patients lives. Whether it was relieving someone of tooth pain or providing a smile makeover, he had a positive impact on many people’s lives. From that point on, I realized that I wanted to be dentist. (Mark Mendiola, DDS).
We met each other at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. After graduation we both moved to Chicago to experience life in the big city. We married in May 2007. We had our son in 2010 and daughter in 2012.
During that time we were associates and eventually had business partners in other practices. But our dream was always to have a dental practice of our own. In 2014, we were chosen by a retiring dentist to continue Pebblewood Dental’s legacy of providing outstanding patient care.
Today we are continuing this commitment to the surrounding community.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always challenges in growing a small business! One initial hurdle that we overcame was modernizing an outdated dental office. We rehabbed the office space to improve work flow and we installed modern technologies (computers, monitors, and intra oral cameras) to enhance patient care.
Some other challenges included making sure all team members shared our commitment of providing outstanding care and keeping up with changing trends in marketing.
Despite these past and current difficulties, we continue to overcome challenges by maintaining a positive attitude everyday.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pebblewood Dental – what should we know?
Pebblewood Dental is. a boutique dental practice in Naperville that provides all aspects of dentistry.
We are known for listening to our patients’ needs and concerns. We provide valuable exceptional care by delivering an outstanding patient experience and detail oriented treatment to all members of the community.
We are proud to support the community by providing patient education presentations at schools and senior living centers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our families have supported us from the beginning and have helped us every step of the way.
We love to take continuing education courses; the courses keep us on the forefront of dental care. These world class lecturers and educators are mentors that have motivated us to become the best dentists possible.
The big smiles on our patients’ faces continue to inspire us to continue the high standard of care.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1550 N. Rte. 59
Suite 148 Naperville, IL 60563 - Website: PebblewoodDental.com
- Phone: 630.369.6222
- Email: patientcare@PebblewoodDental.com
- Instagram: @PebblewoodDental
- Facebook: facebook.com/PebblewoodDental/
- Twitter: @PebblewoodDDS
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