Frequently asked Questions
1. Why did you decided to become a dentist?
My mother is a registered nurse so the health care industry was always interesting to me. I also had orthodontic treatment when I was a young child so that frequent exposure to that specialty of dentistry sparked my interest early on. The summer I returned from serving as an LDS missionary I worked on my family’s dairy farm. One day I woke with a painful wisdom tooth. I was able to get an appointment with our dentist that afternoon. All morning long we hauled hay. As many people know, it is a very hot, dusty, itchy and difficult job. As I walked into the air conditioned dental office that afternoon, the first thought that came into my head was, “I’ve got to look into this dentistry thing.” The rest is history. By the way, I also have an older brother, Dr. Brad Larsen, who is a general dentist in Kelso, Washington.
2. Do you like being a dentist?
Sometimes this is phrased in stronger terms such as, “How can you stand being a dentist?” Most of the time, I really enjoy what I do. It is very rewarding to help someone have a beautiful smile and in turn, feel better about themselves. It is also very rewarding to help someone feel better when they are experiencing pain or discomfort--this is particularly true of the underserved communities.
I really enjoy my dental team. They are like family to me, and I consider them to be great friends. One of the most rewarding things as a dentist and an employer is to have employees develop friendships with each other to the point they do social things together outside of the office.
The service I have given to my profession has made me love it and appreciate it more. I have participated in organized dentistry in the local, state, and national level. My current assignments to the Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board and the Western Regional Examining Board continue to keep me involved my profession.
Oh yes, the air conditioning is great also.
3. How long have you been a dentist?
After three great years living in San Francisco, California, I graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1978. I served three years active duty in the Army Dental Corps stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri in order to pay back my dental school scholarship. I started my private dental practice in 1981 located in the Edgemont Professional Plaza in Provo. In 1986 I relocated to the Millrace Dental Center with Dr. Sherm Cloward. I remained there until I built an office on Orem Center Street.
4.Why do you have a fitness center in your office?
When I was 48 I received an invitation to my 30th Preston High School reunion. It amazed me how fast the previous thirty years had gone by, and it terrified me to think how old I would be in thirty more years. I was starting to feel very old as well. Both of my sons were serving missions at the time so I had some extra time so I decided to lose weight and become involved in weight training. I was amazed how much better I felt—particularly in my back and joints. Back problems are very common among dentists so anything a person can do to keep their back strong, I encourage. My philosophy is you can pay a doctor or you can pay a personal trainer to get you started. Why not pay a trainer and be healthier and have a better quality of life.