Within the busy hub of Varsity Lakes, Dr Rita Lai is putting her own shine on the dental industry with a unique and warm approach.
Our Driver is someone with a vested interest in making people smile, and as we cruise through Varsity Lakes in a Mercedes-Benz E 350 Coupé, Dr Rita Lai positively beams.
There’s no doubt this vehicle is an impressively smooth operator; at the touch of a button, we’ve entered Sports Mode, one of several customised performance programs available in the E-Class.
The pre-set drive program has lowered the vehicle, sharpened the steering, stiffened the adaptive suspension, and refined the throttle response so that when Rita taps her foot, the car produces a low purr.
As we pull up outside Soul Dental, the boutique clinic owned by Rita, she stops to admire the car.
“It’s simply beautiful; the style and power of the car is incredible,” she says.
“I love the cabin and the way it drives.”
Going out on her own in early 2022, Rita wanted to create a space that makes a difference for anyone needing a dentist.
Soul Dental offers excellent customer service and uses advanced digital technologies with meticulous attention to detail, while also feeling right at home in the trendy streets of Varsity Lakes.
The clinic’s modern décor, warm lighting, and understated elegance evokes a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Where most people are very nervous to go to the dentist, Rita’s goal is to make the entire experience comfortable, beginning at the front desk all the way to sitting back in the dental chair.
“I like the idea of being able to choose things that I love and believe will produce the best long-term outcomes for patients,” she says.
“I strive to be gentle, thorough and communicate effectively to ensure my patients understand their oral health.”
Wanting to be a dentist from a young age, Rita was inspired to enter the industry after visiting her uncle’s dental clinic most days after school.
“I didn’t know what he was doing but I loved the relationship he had with his patients and how he would be chatting as though they had been friends for years,” she says.
“I have always loved working with people and being able to help others, so it was seeing the difference my uncle made for his patients that inspired me to become a dentist.”
Adopting a similar philosophy at Soul Dental, Rita ensures each patient is treated with care and a personalised approach.
“The Soul Dental difference is everyone who visits us and for treatments, is cared for like family,” says Rita.
“We get to know you and understand the health status of your oral hygiene, then we advise on treatments according to specific needs or desired dental outcomes.
“Our customers are never made to feel as though they are a number; when you come in, we carefully tailor a plan and course of action unique to you.”
While being a new business owner is sometimes stressful, Rita admits she picked the perfect location for her surgery.
“It’s still a juggling act between clinical work and administration, especially since we have been incredibly busy, but the Gold Coast is an amazing area for business growth,” she says.
“It’s wonderful to be able to offer something people need.”
In an industry that promotes smiles, not everyone is at ease when visiting the dentist, and it’s a perception that Rita is trying to turn around.
“My top dental advice is to come in and visit us regularly; dentists are not scary and should not be avoided,” she says.
“The problems usually occur when you haven’t been for a long time, so chances are we could find something that needs seeing to,” she says.
“But if you come regularly and we treat things as they come along, it’s much better and less daunting.
“Teeth are very important to our overall health, and if you look after them regularly, there’s usually not that many surprises.”
Rita brings her own energy to the dental industry, which is a mix of patience and understanding of how most people feel when in the chair.
“I’ve always felt that going to the dentist and receiving treatment, at least for some people, can be personal and perhaps a little unnerving,” she says.
“I’ve made it my mission to understand that going to the dentist and getting treated is not an everyday occurrence for the patient and I always make sure people feel confident in telling me when they need a break, need extra care or time.
“It’s important that patients know I am here to care for them and that I actively make sure they are comfortable, and to make each visit the best experience and outcome possible.”
Website: https://souldental.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souldental_gc/