Ghassan Chebli, DD ("DD" is a designation given to a fully licensed Denturist who can provide regulated care to patients under the Health Professions Act), runs the denture clinic by the name of 'Smiles & Beyond'. Many people mistaken them for dentists and the clinic as a dental office and always get the odd person asking him if he does crowns or veneers or even fillings; he doesn't.
Ghassan's speciality is dentures. Denturists are primary caregivers who specialize in replacing missing teeth with a removable appliance. Whether it's just some, or all of your teeth, screwed onto implants or fitting over your gums; they can fill in the gaps. They also fabricate other things like mouth guards, night guards & snoring devices. Some of them make grills ("grillz") & custom halloween teeth. It is definitely worth seeing a denturist, they can restore your bite and smile!
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These days, dentures look super natural and hard to distinguish between natural teeth. There are so many shapes, sizes and shades. Even the "gums" on the denture can look realistic. Dentures are a lot more common than people think. Ghassan's client base is composed of mainly people under the age of 65, although they assist many seniors as well.
Dentures are covered under the dental portion of many insurance plans. Seniors & low income individuals can always apply for government subsidy. If you are unsure which route to go, most denturists offer free consultations to help guide you to the right direction.
When did you start your business?
I opened my company in March of 2014, while I was employed at another Denture Clinic in the West End of Edmonton, unsure which path I was going to follow. I bit the bullet.
Was there something/someone who inspired you?
What inspired me was the many lives I have improved, giving patients back their smiles and ability to chew their food (blessings we take for granted). Patients referring family members and friends, as well as patients requesting to see me was consistent. The main fuel to my fire was definitely my parents, as they were both extremely encouraging and wanted to see me succeed. I want to thank them both.
Would you say you reached all of your goals since you started or do you have more to achieve?
Goals are what drive entrepreneurship. I had goals, completed them, had more goals, some worked, some didn't, and currently have goals and will always have goals. Whether they succeed or fail, you have to push forward. The only issue with goals is that they keep getting bigger.
What are the ups and downs when dealing with the Arab community?
Ups: the Arab community is very respectful, kind, and trusting. I think you have to be Arab to understand one. When they're happy with your service, they're yours for life, lol.
Downs: Punctuality. A 2 pm appointment doesn't mean you leave your house at 2pm. Also, walk-ins expecting to be seen yesterday before today. Oh, and dentures take time to be made. They're not a "one size fits all" and I don't have a denture vending machine. But, hey, it keeps things interesting.
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What would you change if you had to do it all over again?
I believe I did the best I could, I did my part, the rest was ordained. I wouldn't change a single thing.
What challenges has Covid-19 brought to you and your business and how did you overcome them?
Covid-19 could have and can still possibly result in the closure of many businesses. Thankfully, we are still up and running. However, our services are considered non-essential. We were closed for a time period, waiting on new guidelines to get up and running. Even when it was time to open, it was a challenge accessing additional PPE to meet the requirements.
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