Meet Mary D -Office Manager

If you are a patient, vendor or friend of Artistic Dental it is more than likely that you have met and spoken with Mary. Mary is the friendly face in our front office that often greets you and checks you out, and helps keep the office running. You can also sometimes find her in our exam rooms helping patients, assisting Dr. Dougherty or Dr. Adhikari.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in a small southern Alberta town in Canada. 

How long have you worked at Artistic Dental and what do you do? 

I’ve worked with Dr. Dougherty for 13 years. He started seeing patients on Nov 6, 2000 and I started working here just a few days before that. I work in the front office, and when they need extra help, I work in the clinical area, which I enjoy quite a bit!

What do you like most about your job?

 There is nothing like being across from a patient at my front desk and seeing them smile the smile they have always wanted. They are beaming–and you beam back, because you know it’s a life changer. I know what it is like to feel like you need to hide your teeth behind closed lips, to cover your smile with your hands, or not want to smile for a family photograph. I know how it changes you when you can smile freely. Helping to enhance smiles, whether as a dental assistant or a financial coordinator, keeps me passionate about my job.

When did you first know you wanted to work in dentistry?

  I didn’t initially intend to build my career in the dental field. I enrolled in in a dental assisting course way back in 1988 after a suggestion from a friend. It was only an eight month course, so I thought it was something I could do “in the meantime,” before doing what I really thought I wanted to do. Marriage and kids kept me in the business over the years, and I have been fortunate enough to work in both the clinical and administrative areas. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful dentists and team members, making it a career I am grateful to have.

Tell about some of your interests or hobbies outside of work? 

What’s something most people may not know about you?  I love to hike. Hiking was the thing that made me realize that Arizona is where I want to be. Dr. Dougherty actually got me hooked when he asked all of us at the office if we wanted to do the R2R Grand Canyon Hike with him back in 2004. I’ve been hiking and going on the annual trip ever since. 

What or who inspires you? 

 Nature and good music. Both “what’s” were instilled in me by the “who’s”.  My Mom and Dad were the “who’s”.  They were good kind people who worked hard, respected nature, used their musical talents, judged no one, and stood for what was right.

If you could be on any vacation right now, where would you be?

Sitting on a mountain cabin porch swing in the morning sun, a light breeze making the Aspen leaves rustle, and having the people I love around visiting with me.  Or the silence and a good book.

What is your favorite type of food or restaurant?

 Ah.. Mediterranean or Italian, and always the old time favorite - mashed potatoes and gravy!  I’ll also promote Boston Market – their Mediterranean Chicken Salad and Dutch Bros Pumpkin Pie Breve!

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

 Well.. Take a very nice vacation.