David Larson, D.D.S.
Hummelstown, PA
ADA member for fourteen years
How many years have you been an ADA member?
14
Briefly describe your practice.
Solo practice, start from pure scratch, no buyout of prior practice or records.
What generation dentist are you?
First
What's the most-often asked question from your patients?
Are you taking new patients? It is amazing how often this is asked. YES, we are. |
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What is the most interesting thing that has happened or you’ve done as a dental professional?
While in the Navy and stationed as the lone hospital based dentist, I extracted 3 teeth on a guy still intubated as they were afraid that they would aspirate the teeth upon extubation.
Why did you choose dentistry as a profession?
Just was one of those goofy kids who at around 14 knew what I wanted to be. It chose me.
What's the most difficult challenge you've faced in your practice?
Personnel conflicts and overcoming complacency.
Name one unique thing on a wall in your clinic or displayed in your waiting room.
Each room has a different theme: Lighthouse, Ocean, Movie, Birds, Train, etc.
What is/was the most challenging aspect of dental school?
Dealing with the multiple schedules and keeping the patients motivated to come in on time.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a dentist?
Be in some type of construction or machine building. I like to make functional products.
Name/describe your favorite CE course taken in the past two years.
Ron Jackson—Post Composite. Real world, good solid format and knowledgeable speaker.
What do you do to relax?
Play RPG video games and build things out of wood.
What is the most daring thing you’ve done in your lifetime?
Hung on a rope below a helicopter while in Okinawa. We went to around 300 ft. Got nice photos. Wife was annoyed as expected.
What are you most proud of?
I achieved my current point by myself. I paid for undergrad, dental school, served in the Navy 6 years active (no scholarships at that time), paid off my loans and opened my office from absolute zero patients.
What is the last book you've read or are currently reading?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I want to see what my kids are reading.
How do you deal with stress?
Reflect on the big picture. There are kids down the road at the Hershey Med. center with cancer and worse. I simply had a challenging day, they have it tough. Take the 10,000 ft view, not the 10 ft vies.
Where is your favorite vacation spot or activity?
The mountains in the Pocono region. Quiet, deliberate time.
What are your hobbies?
Video games, computer graphics, music, woodwork, tinkering with small machines.
Who is your favorite singer or musical group?
Of all time, The Police. Currently formed group, All American Rejects.
What do you do for exercise?
Not enough, walk, treadmill, golf.
Name one thing you have in your home from your childhood.
Not much, one desk and chair that my son now has.
Name the last movie you saw.
No Country for Old Men
Name your favorite movie.
The Godfather Part 2, equally enjoy Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Whom do you admire?
Colin Powell, Tesla, Houdini, Jackie Robinson
Who has most influenced your life?
My parents.
What musical instrument do you play?
I used to play the flute as it was the only thing I could play in the apartment due to noise.
What's your favorite Web search engine?
Alta Vista
What concerns you about the future?
Too many entitlement programs and government intruding into every aspect of our lives.
Any words of advice?
Stand firm if the issue is worth the risk.
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Disclaimer: The ADA Member Profile is not a referral service and does not constitute an endorsement by the American Dental Association. The information contained in the profiles has been supplied by the individual being profiled and has not been verified except for membership status.
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