Most Valuable Smiles recently opened in downtown Eatonton (122 W. Marion St.), where dentist Dr. Willie Oliver achieved his goal of returning to his hometown in order to benefit the community that raised him.
“I realized that I have a talent for healing and as I worked in other places, I was healing people from all over the world,” said Oliver. “But I also realized that I had not brought this talent back to my community and my people. So, I looked for the opportunity to return to my hometown and give back.”
Following in the footsteps of his sister, who also is a dentist, Oliver graduated in 2013 from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. Then, he attended Ohio State University to learn about anesthesiology.
Once out of university, he returned to Georgia with hopes of opening his own office.
“I was inspired to become a dentist because of my sister. I saw the great things she was doing for people, and I used to help her around the office,” said Oliver. “Dentistry was the perfect profession for me when I researched it because it is about making people look good and feel good. Plus, I saw the desperate need for dentistry in my community and that gave me the determination to chase this goal and return home to offer those services.”
For Oliver, his favorite thing about working as a dentist is the instant gratification that both he and the patient feel after an appointment. He expressed the most important thing about his job is keeping his patients healthy, happy and feeling positive about themselves.
“Dentistry is life-changing for me because I really love to help people have higher self-esteem. I love when my patients come in with their fears, traumas, or worries and talk to me. My goal is to have a discussion with you, treat you and help you walk out the door with enough positive energy that you can’t stop smiling,” said Oliver.
During a typical appointment, Oliver explained that he focuses not only on the task of the appointment but on leading a conversation with his patients. He expressed that educating people, discussing their concerns and working toward a solution is the proper way to validate each patient’s personal situation.
“I want people to come into this office and have a regular conversation with me,” said Oliver. “I want to create that environment where people can come and be comfortable speaking with someone and understanding that getting their dental needs met does not have to be such a hectic and chaotic process.”
Most Valuable Smiles is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Smiles are the first thing people see when you encounter them. Every smile is equal and valuable so Most Valuable Smiles is here to help that smile be the best it can be,” said Oliver.