Meet Dr. Melinda Beck of Irvine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Melinda Beck.

Dr. Beck grew up in Portland, Oregon. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She graduated from Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery.

After dental school, Dr. Beck completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry in Chicago, IL. The program consisted of focused rotations in simple and complex tooth extractions, root canals, gum surgeries, minor orthodontics, and full mouth rehabilitation.

She was then commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US Navy, working as a dentist in Sasebo, Japan for 3 years and providing care to the 8,000 shore based sailors, marines and family members stationed there. She enjoyed the more family oriented approach to dentistry in this environment and learned to be very efficient in treating dental emergencies and trauma. As the only treating dentist dealing with a heavy PTSD population, she eased patient’s fears with her warm compassion, gentle nature, and willingness to take the time to educate patients and explain necessary treatments to the patient’s satisfaction and understanding. She places a high priority on building trust and getting to know the patient.

Following her naval service, Dr. Beck owned and operated a very successful private practice in the retirement community of Ashland, Oregon. There she dealt with the perils of medication and radiation therapy induced dry mouth, treatment planning for the medically compromised, root decay, full mouth reconstructions and other dental issues associated with the more senior members of the community. Education of our senior care facility workers and home care aides is also of utmost importance in improving oral hygiene in our patients who have lost the ability to do so themselves.

With the birth of her first daughter, Dr. Beck relocated to Orange County to be closer to family. She enjoys running, reading, gardening, independent films, eating and most of all, traveling.

“Our office mission is to serve our patients in a calm, comfortable atmosphere of trust and compassion. We are driven to be the best, love what we do and want you to feel good about visiting us. We strive to build long term relationships through quality dental care and are passionate about improving the health and wellness of our patients. Additionally, dentistry is not only the act of providing care, but also being an active community member through volunteer and support of local causes. We wish for a better life for everyone involved.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Opening a dental practice in a super saturated area like Irvine was a difficult venture. But I saw where things could be different and I know my patients appreciate it.

When I first moved to Southern California 3 years ago, I felt like a number in most practices. I didn’t like it. My style of dentistry is a more personalized “concierge” style where we take the time to inform our patients and work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan. I am very flexible in our schedule where we offer appointments as early as 6am or as late as 8pm and even some weekends. If we aren’t open when our patient needs it, we find a way to make it happen. We are here for our patients as people providing care to persons we truly care about and I wanted to make a family atmosphere like that available. My patients have my phone number and know they can always reach me in an emergency.

And for these services I don’t feel like I need to charge more because I enjoy what I do. But getting the word out there has been hard.

Melinda Beck, DDS – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We opened about 1 year ago in Old town Irvine with a newly renovated building. We have a clean, modern and comfortable office with the motto of giving back 5% of our proceeds every year to support local community causes. We orient our practice around our patient’s personal needs and strive to make every effort towards a happier, healthier community that we serve. I want our patients to feel part of a dental family and not just another visit to the dentist.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Happiness. My Grandfather once told me that if you love you job more than 51% of the time, then it is a great job. There is a reason why they call it “work”. You have to work hard to be successful but also love what you do. You may not love it 100% of the time but you have to have your eye on whatever goal you have set to pull you through those tough times. I have a two-year-old daughter and I think as long as I can be a good leader and someone she respects, then I am successful. Both at work and at home.

If you aren’t worried about making money, I think it just happens. When you are concerned about the dollar as your bottom line, patients see that and it clouds your decision making. I am fortunately to never had to worry about this because I set myself up for success with academic scholarships and the Navy paid for my dental school. Through these avenues and I was allowed amazing experiences and life events. I had to work hard but I always try to enjoy the moment and ask myself what I can take away from each day to make me a better person. This reflection and self-awareness I think is also a measure of success.

Contact Info:

• Address: 14982 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618
• Website: www.beckdentistry.com
• Phone: (949)396-3803
• Email: melindabeckdds@gmail.com
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/melinda-beck-dds-irvine-3

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