There's no hidden meaning behind Avalon Dentistry’s moniker — it just sounds nice, says owner Dr. Andrei Vasilian. The most important thing about it, he adds, is that his name isn't part of it.
"This is a team," says the University of Toronto graduate, who did his post-doctoral residency training at the prestigious University of Texas Health Sciences Centre. "Patients aren't coming here just to see me. That’s why I didn’t put my name on the sign."
With a periodontist, two office administrators, a dental assistant and three hygienists on staff, it’s the team that keeps Avalon Dentistry running smoothly, Andrei says. "People may not realize it, but every day you are running what amounts to a micro-corporation. It’s health care, but it’s also HR and constantly training yourself and everyone else."
It's challenging and stressful at times, but the fact that "there's something new every day" motivates Andrei. "It keeps me on my toes. You just have to make sure it doesn’t overwhelm you."