Dr Steven Martin and his family moved to Alberta in 2004 after having his own family practice for over 20 years in Sudbury, Ontario.  He is a graduate of The University of Toronto where he received a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Since graduating, he has focused on continual education and takes many professional development courses a year.  He has attended the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, which specializes in cosmetic smile makeovers and TMJ disfunction, among other things.  He has also had training in Orthodontics in the USA and is a proud member of The Canadian Dental Association, The Academy of General Dentistry, The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and The Alberta Dental Association.

In the summer you can find him camping and boating in the local area.

An Interview with Dr Martin

What makes your dental practice special or different to others?

Well it’s a small, personalized practice which really suits the close-knit Banff community.

I also like to focus on total health, not just oral health.  Oral health is after all the gateway to the body and studies have shown how closely your general health is linked to your oral health.  Over the last couple of years I have been focusing treatments that extend across both dental and medical disciplines.  For example, diagnosing patients for snoring and sleep apnea and developing custom made appliances to ensure they get a well rested sleep.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love finding a new product or procedure that is going to make a huge difference to my patients. Especially the non-invasive ones!  I spend a lot of time researching the industry’s latest developments and then introduce it to the practice.  I am proud to say we offer products and procedures that are not offered at any other practices in the Bow Valley.

I also like spending time fully explaining results and procedures to my patients.  I think a large part of my job as a dentist is also being an ambassador for promoting good oral health and you do this through educating people.

What do you think are the qualities a good dentist should have?

Ethical, highly-skilled, a good listener and also the ability to educate and teach patients.

How would your patients describe your personality and ‘chairside’ manner?

I like to think that I am calm and patient.  I have also been told I have a very steady hand which certainly helps!