The newest business has arrived on the Avenue, and has us all smiling! Mint Dental, owned by a Ward 5 resident, recently opened at the fairly new Mint condo building at 4th Street and Rhode Island Ave NE. Here is an interview with Dr. Bradshaw and some pictures of the office.

 

Welcome to the neighborhood! What made you choose Rhode Island Avenue as the location for your new practice?

I have been a fan of RIA for many years.  I see the potential it has to be a great corridor for our city and I wanted to be a part of the positive change.  I’m a native Washingtonian and I’ve been a Ward 5 resident since 2004, so I wanted to stay and give back to my community.

 Introduce us to your staff.

Our dental team consists of Eliant Mena – Office Manager, Maritza Mejia – Dental Assistant, and Nia Hines – Dental Assistant.

 Where did you receive your training and degree?

I completed my studies at the illustrious Howard University College of Dentistry.  I’m still connected to the school and enjoy giving back by lecturing students and residents.  I also keep in frequent contact with the Dean and Program Directors.

 What is the most common misconception about dentistry?

Unfortunately, the entertainment industry portrays Dentists as those who love to inflict pain.  Some patients bring those fears into the office and begin the appointment by saying, “I hate the Dentist” or “I hate needles”.  I make every effort to allay any fears and convey that I am a regular guy with a purpose to help.  Dentistry is an art and a science.  In many cases, no two problems are solved exactly alike.  Some Dental visits require more treatment than others.  There may be anesthesia involved, there may not be.

 What do you like most about dentistry/being a dentist?

Before I became a Dentist,  I had the opportunity to work in a variety of non-health related settings.  In many cases, the missions of those companies were outstanding.  However, at the end of the workday, I was unfulfilled.  I didn’t know if I made a positive impact on anyone.  Being a Dentist, the impact I have on someone’s life is almost immediate.  I get to go home at the end of the day and enjoy the fact that I helped someone who needed and wanted my help.  Many years ago, as a high school senior, I asked my father what I should choose as a major in college.  His advise was profound…he said, “choose what you love to do, so it doesn’t feel like work…that way you’ll never have to work a day in your life”.

If you could give one bit of dental care advice to our readers, what would it be?

Cleanings and professional fluoride application every 6 months. That goes a long way.  

 

According to their website, the dental office’s operating hours will be:

Monday – Thursday — 9:00am – 7:00pm
Fridays — 9:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday & Sunday — By Appointment Only