Denobi Award Winner Spotlight: Dr. Whitney Deitz and Julie Bostwick

Dr. Whitney Deitz and Julie Bostwick

My main motivation as a dentist is the belief that everyone deserves a smile. I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Campbellsville University in 2011, earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky in 2015, and completed a General Practice Residency at the same institution in 2016. My commitment to dental care and public health initiatives has remained consistent throughout my career since completing my residency. I have focused my expertise on general dentistry within Aspen Dental practices while also volunteering in programs like Floss & Gloss, a public health initiative that aims to provide interventions and preventative measures, including Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) applications, to at-risk children.

I was honored to work with my Lab Technician, Julie Bostwick, to treat Weston, a young patient diagnosed with Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED), a disease that prevents normal dentition growth. Being neighbors with Weston's mother, Ashley, I was aware of his dental needs and pledged to make sure he received the best care he could get. Motivated by the same compassion I would extend to my own child, I promised Ashley I would explore all avenues to provide Weston with a smile he feels confident about.

Collaborating closely with Dr. Sundeep Rawal, the Senior Vice President of Implant Support Services, we explored long-term implant solutions and alternative options tailored specifically to Weston's unique circumstances.

Our research revealed that most children diagnosed with this genetic condition typically received adult dentures, lacking the necessary customization for pediatric patients. Using molds of my own daughter’s teeth, Julie and I work together to craft a set of dentures for Weston, ensuring they closely resembled natural dentition and were appropriate for his age. This not only provided Weston with a complete set of dentures but also secured his place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest patient worldwide to receive such comprehensive dental prosthetics.

Continuing to push the boundaries of dental innovation, I collaborated with Eric Kukucka, the Vice President of Clinical Removable Prosthetics and Design Technologies, to streamline the digital workflow as Weston grows older. Together, we wanted to simplify the impression and delivery process, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the patient experience. As advocates for inclusive and innovative dentistry, we hope to continue to pave the way for future clinicians to address complex dental needs like Weston's. We also want to continue the great work of the Aspen Dental team, setting records like Weston's for early interventions and better access to specialized dental care.

My journey from academia to hands-on practice and community involvement has deepened my dedication to enhancing dental healthcare and promoting confidence in every individual's smile. Through unwavering dedication to our patients and an unwavering pursuit of positive change, I urge both my colleagues and leaders in the industry to join me in charting a future where smiles are limitless.

For any questions about my experience, I can be reached via email at drdeitz@aspendental.com. To learn more about TAG and its mission, visit https://www.teamtag.com/.