Answers to the “WHY”

Why Choose Fred?

I have been thinking of adding a partner to my practice for a few years now, but I couldn’t find anyone who “fit.” They either didn’t have the advanced dental skills or they didn’t have the relationship building skills that my patients were used to. Then, I met Fred. Actually, I had corresponded with him online for years, as he was a dentist in Brazil. About four years ago, he decided to move to the U.S. and was accepted into the prosthodontic residency program at the University of Alabama Dental School. During his final year, he started reaching out to dentists in the U.S. to decide where he wanted to go. I invited him to come to Tyler to see my practice. He was an accomplished dentist. He had advanced training in the complex dentistry I was doing, he knew how to treat patients with care, and was easy to get along with. Most importantly, my team loved him and felt he could do outstanding dentistry. As partners, I think we can continue to change lives for the better.

Why Choose Dr. Coker?

I had built a very successful practice in Brazil, but over the years I knew I wanted to rise to the top. I was always taking extra courses to better my skills, but began to understand that dentistry is not just about being able to fill a tooth or to make a crown. I wanted to do the type of dentistry that my internet friends in the U.S. were doing. They were actually changing lives with their expertise and building relationships with their patients. I decided I was ready to move to the U.S. First, I had to upgrade my skills, so I elected to apply for a 3-year graduate program in Prosthodontics. With these skills I can change the lives of people who have lost teeth because of accidents or disease. I can design custom dentures or implants, diagnose gum disease or joint discomfort and even plan a new smile for them. When planning where to set-up-shop after graduation, it was pretty much a no-brainer to join with Rick. He has been a mentor for years and when we met in person, I knew he was a person of high integrity and impeccable values. I hope to be able to stand beside him for many years.