THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 23, 1995 TAG: 9507210268
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
Less than a year ago, Ronald Lynch opened a his own dental practice in Great Bridge. The Johnstown Road location is quite a change from other settings in which he has practiced.
As a Navy dentist, Lynch served in some unusual places.
During the Persian Gulf War in Saudi Arabia, dental clinics were often set up in tents.
And when he was stationed in California, dental facilities were housed in trailers.
``Once after an earthquake we were still experiencing aftershocks,'' he said. A patient was in the chair with his mouth open when an aftershock shook the trailer.
``The chair was turning from side to side,'' he said. ``I had to remove the instruments from the patient's mouth.''
According to Lynch, one of the main differences between military and civilian dentistry is choice.
``Basically military dentistry is socialized medicine,'' he said. ``That's how it has to be. There are more than enough patients but the money is limited.
``You have to do the most dentistry for the most people with the least money. The quality of treatment is still high. The dentists are highly qualified people.''
In the military, patients may not have a choice about restorations or fillings, he said.
For example, not only are tooth-colored fillings more costly than metal-colored fillings, more time is required to place them.
For Lynch, leaving the security of a monthly military paycheck required a lot of faith.
But he says that his patient roster has grown faster than he had anticipated.
``I looked at maybe 20 practices to either buy or buy into,'' he said. ``A lot of the practices were not what I wanted to gear my practice to.''
He wanted what he refers to as a small-town quality practice.
``I don't want my patients to feel as though they have been run through a cattle car,'' he said. ``I want to get to know my patients and have my patients get to know me.''
Because knowledge sets the foundation for good oral health, he attempts to educate his patients in regard to dental care.
``If they have questions, I want them to ask,'' he said. ``Patients need to be informed.
``There should be open communication between patient and health care professional regardless of the problem,'' he said.
``The patient needs to understand what is going on.''
Full name: Ronald D. Lynch
Grew up: In Louisiana and Texas
Fond childhood memories: ``Paddling my canoe in the bayous of south Louisiana.''
Spouse: Mary
Children: Megan, Joshua and Caleb
Occupation: General dentist
Hobbies: Bicycling, hiking, backpacking and archery
Last book read: ``Debt of Honor'' by Tom Clancy
Can't resist: ``Having a water fight with my kids.''
Favorite TV program: ``I don't watch TV. My favorite radio program is `Thistle and Shamrock' on National Public Radio.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Cara's
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Being outdoors with my wife and children.''
Pet peeve: ``Complacency. People who won't strive for excellence and who won't continue their education throughout their lives. We are never too smart or too old to learn.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB