Meet Sopuruchukwu Chima of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sopuruchukwu Chima.

Hi Sopuruchukwu, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Let me begin with a bit of background. I have competed at the highest level and have achieved awards and accolades that even the closest of individuals around me dream of having. Becoming a division 1 athlete was what was expected of me. As a student, I wasn’t expected to reach or maintain the same level as my athletic achievements. I was only expected to be subpar at best. There was this stigma that African Americans only settle for what is expected, and it wasn’t becoming a dentist, doctor, or lawyer. I was caught in between who I really was and how I was perceived. With that being said, I was forced to figure out my own path by learning from lessons that would shape me and make me who I am today. My story is one about overcoming obstacles. It started long before my college career as an athlete. I am the fifth child out of seven of Nigerian immigrants. My parents didn’t have the resources to place attention on one child alone so when we were faced with poverty, I took it upon myself to overcome it. When my parents couldn’t take me to school, I got up early and walked to school or made arrangements with another family to get to school. As soon as I was able to start working I provided for my younger and sometimes older siblings. When I was presented with difficulty as a student-athlete, with coaches and advisors telling me to switch my major so that I didn’t have so much on my plate, I made sure I spent longer nights in the library. My life has been dedicated to breaking the stigma and determining my own future.
I began volunteering and shadowing at a couple different dental offices and I recognized the qualities of a compassionate dentist. The doctor’s that I shadowed never rushed into a procedure, they took their time to talk to their patients and ask them about their lives. They made them feel comfortable and part of the family they had built in their practices. Furthermore, they educated their patients on what the procedure consisted of so that they understood the importance of oral health. They taught me that the level of care goes far beyond treating the physical ailment. It was about the doctor-patient relationship they formed that allowed patients to trust in them which led to a relaxed patient and an efficient, successful visit. This quality is one of many that motivated me to become a dentist. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with an oral surgeon to help those with low income and the homeless. I understood that being a dentist extends beyond the walls of the practice. It allowed me to reflect on my own life which is full of disparities. My background resolves around the idea that I want to stand up in my culture for my culture. This pursuit is to alter the idea that I am another statistic and that those following can choose their own paths rather than have them chosen for them.
I believed that characteristics and experiences I possess would complement a profession in dentistry. Being able to interact with people is critical in dental care. My background as an athlete involved interacting with people towards a common goal, taking the steps and preparing a plan to compete and perform, and taking the time to practice, learn, and educate so that we could help teammates. On the days of competition we had to execute. It was fundamental to pay attention to detail. These characteristics translate to establishing a game plan in addressing oral health.
Becoming a dentist has allowed me to fight the disparities that many others are facing currently as I have in the past. It has allowed me to be an example and a mentor to young minds who want to do the same. Inside the walls of the practice, it has allowed me to provide the best patient care to those that just want to smile every day because that is all some have to offer and those who want to be able to eat comfortably. Each patient brings something different to the table, making the profession special and exciting every day. I recognize the importance of oral health and strive for the betterment of my community. It was a goal of mine to open a practice. One that I could make feel like home and be a clinician that many can relate to or see themselves in. Looking back on my journey, I wished that someone would have guided me in finding my passion for dentistry sooner. I hope to help my patients achieve their own dreams with smiles of happiness.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to open Bixby Hill Dental was not a smooth road. It presented with many challenges and sacrifices, however I can say they have been worth it. Relating back to my story, while working, I’ve faced adversity with being judged by the color of my skin and how it relates to my clinical skills and knowledge. What I can proudly say is that although I had patients request another doctor or not viewed as an equal despite my training because the color of my skin, my practice has received positive reviews. The biggest compliment has been patients referring their friends and family to me. I hope to continue to gain the trust of my community.
Another challenge has been establishing myself in an area that is full of dentists. I had to ask myself, “what sets me apart?” “What will make people choose me?” To me it has come down to communication and honesty. I have heard many stories of patients seeing multiple doctors for opinions and treatment and each one has told them something different. I like to use visuals in my practice to show what I see, what’s happening, and how we address it. As long as I give as much information and evidence, patients are well informed and do not have to go based off of words alone. The responses from patients has been really positive and makes them feel comfortable being here.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a general dentist that offers various dental services, including new patient dental exams for adults and children, dental cleanings, composite fillings, crowns, veneers, dentures, whitening, root canals, extractions, and more. I manage a wide range of dental problems and disorders. Going to the dentist for many is no small feat. I pay close attention to patient’s concerns and develop their treatment plans accordingly, enabling them to receive the necessary care. I do my best to meet a patient where they are at. I am most proud of the environment I’ve been able to create where patients don’t feel like a number. They are treated like family at Bixby Hill Dental.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think that risks are necessary for growth. If you are not happy or satisfied with where things are, you need to do something about it. Sometimes getting far in life is all about starting. I like to reflect sometimes and think about all the things I want to do or thought about doing. It comes down to just taking the first step. I was terrified of starting my own practice, especially because I had a good paying job, didn’t have to worry about the administration side of dentistry, and could leave everything at work once I was done. Being an owner, especially 9 months in, has been stressful. There have been countless times where I doubted myself, asked myself if I made a mistake in taking on such a big venture, and lost sleep thinking about the cost. Two things that I have learned in this process are to be patient with myself and to bet on myself. I didn’t come this far to quit and I didn’t come this far just to come this far. For anyone reading this, take that risk. Instead of asking, “What can go wrong?” Ask yourself “What if it goes right?”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bixbyhilldental.com
• Instagram: bixbyhilldental