Dr. Marvin Poland knows how people feel about dentists, and he’s trying to help put them at ease.

“Many patients come in and they’re afraid,” said Poland, who is a dentist at Oxford Dental Care. “Often times, they’re already in pain. We try to not only get them treated, but to make them feel better when they’re here.”

Poland knew he wanted to become a dentist in elementary school, and for the past 33 years, that’s exactly what he’s been doing. Poland spent 20 of those years in the Army Dental Corps, and worked at Fort McClellan before the base shut down.

When asked what sets Poland apart from other dentists in the area, Poland immediately starts to think about how he relates to his patients.

“Primarily, empathy,” he responded. “I know pretty much what most procedures feel like.”

Poland said he also has a great deal of respect for his patients, and that he is always honest with them and tries to help them avoid long waiting-room delays.

“I treat the patient the way I’d want to be treated,” he said. “That’s been my motto, and it’s seemed to work. We appreciate our patient’s time as much as our own.”

Poland said he enjoys the variety his job brings, with a new or different task always waiting for him.

“That just keeps it interesting all day,” he said.

Best Dentist

Dr. Marvin Poland, Oxford