Carrier Pigeon February 2007
The "Dentist Office" has changed since I was a child. For me, it was a simple space with some child-size chairs and tables, and books for the young reader. (I think that's where I got hooked on "Highlights," a kid friendly magazine.) You also heard the whizzing sound of a drill. The piped-in music tried to cover up that hateful noise, but it didn't, and for me I just sat there anxiety-laden until my dental appointment was over.
Jump ahead, I don't want to say how many years, and enter Dr. Leonard Tau's office and you're greeted with snacks and three-dimensional artwork reflecting the whimsy of the professional who works there. And yes, there can be whimsy in dentistry... especially if you're talking about Dr.Tau!
Go into his personal office and you'll be hit by a 24" MAC computer monitor. (A techie's dream come true!) Then you'll see his iPhone and then of course, you'll see his Mac computer. This is "command central" where all his gadgets are aligned and synchronized for the careful management of his office. Sitting across from his chair you wonder where Spock and Sulu are. I suspect they're upstairs prepping a patient for the Commander in Chief, Dr. Tau!
Originally from Rockland County, New York, Dr. Tau grew up observing another Dr. Tau practice dentistry, his father, Dr. Morton Tau. Still a practicing dentist, Dr. Tau, senior, continues to inspire his son professionally, serve as a mentor and, yes, routinely takes care of his son's teeth teeth! (His son returns the same courtesy!) And so when Dr. Leonard Tau decided to go into dentistry it was not completely unexpected.
Following dental school he joined a practice in Landsdale and after looking to set up his own office, he landed in Northeast Philadelphia where he bought the practice of well-known dentist, Dr. Donald Katz. Speaking with Dr. Tau you can't help but notice a twinkle in his eye as he exhuberantly talked about his staff. "Dr. Katz had an untimely passing. When I bought his practice in March of '07, I stepped right into a building, a full staff and of course, a full patient load. It's been wonderful. I've been here barely one year, but I've more than settled in. We now have a brand new, completely renovated office. Even more, I'm blessed with a competent and caring staff and their combined efforts have made the transition almost flawless."
We talked about his practice and how his efforts are focused on not only state of the art treatments, but even more so, patient comfort. "I talk to my patients about any anxieties they might have and what help is available to relieve the same. Prior to any work being done they fill out a comprehensive 'Comfort Menu.' They're asked if they would like blankets or pillows, or maybe they'd like to see a favorite movie or listen to music on an iPod. We make every effort to reduce and hopefully remove any discomfort... physically and mentally. And it works. My patients are often astonished at the pain free dentistry experienced in my office."
Dr. Tau's practice provides the most current of dental treatments and that includes among other services tooth whitening, veneers etc. "We live in a 'white society.' I think our teeth can be too white. I don't strive for what we call the 'Kohler white' look in capped teeth. I prefer a more natural look. And yes, the 'white correction' is among the most requested of cosmetic treatments. Fueled by celebrities, I don't see this disappearing. It will only increase."
What about changes in his father's dentistry and his? "Technology has taken dentistry to a whole new level. Some of those changes can be seen in how we address comfort issues. You now hear less of that high whining sound from today's electric utensils. We now use digital scanners to make impressions and have gotten away from that goopy stuff that would make people gag. And today, there's a procedure called STA, Single Tooth Anesthetic, which allows us to numb a specific tooth rather than the larger area as has been the case in the past. Increasingly patients are opting for the permanent feel of implants when teeth are lost. So clearly, there are ever increasing developments in dentistry towards helping patients smile in comfort and confidence."
But go to Dr. Tau's office and you can get more than "Dentistry for the Quality Conscious." You can also get cosmetic procedures for those wrinkles and creases around your mouth. Botox and Restylane treatments are admistered to those who request it. Not only will you leave his office with a beautifully healthy smile but those unwanted lines framing that smile can be eliminated!
And remember those toothbrushes that we used to get from our dentist after every visit? Well Dr. Tau is a firm believer in using an electric toothbrush. "The brushing capability is so much better than using a manual brush." Well, upon leaving Dr. Tau's office, he will give you a new head for your electric toothbrush. He is fully stocked with the most popular brands and, if you don't have an electric brush yet, you can purchase one at his office for cost. It's his way at educating and encouraging healthy dental care.
"Most people have a poor understanding of what today's dentistry can accomplish. Unfortunately, when we think of a dentist our thoughts often go to the gruesome clip in 'Marathon Man.' That is not what modern dentistry is about. Instead, it will continue to become even more comfortable, quieter, better tasting, include more cosmetics and above all, more patient centered."
Now, Dr. Tau could talk forever about the wonders of dentistry...but he can also talk all day long about his young son, 8 month old Aidan. Fatherhood has seemed to hit an undeniable gleeful chord with this proud father. And he delights in talking about his accomplished wife, Risa. A busy chiropractor, she's a multi tasker par excellence and together, they juggles the joys of both career and parenthood. That twinkle in his eye appears once again!
A regular tennis player, he's an avid Yankee fan... he roots for the Phillies, but his heart definitely belongs to the Yankees, just look at the wall in his office. And if you look in that same office and in the treatment rooms and waiting room, you'll also see just part of an approximately 900 piece dental figurine collection! That's that "whimsy" of the profession and the professional that envelopes you in Dr. Tau's office.
I have to say, on a personal note, I was somewhat angst filled when I started my interview with this affable dentist. I really didn't want to sit in a dentist's office for what could be one hour. However, the experience proved calming and not as problematic as I expected. Dr. Leonard Tau is very clear and determined in his commitment to patient comfort and quality dental care. Just look at the environment he's established, listen to his voice and look at his eyes sparkle and you can see he's a professional that delights in "doing right" by his patients. And that he does, one patient at a time with a twinkle in his eye!
