Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Hanks.
Hi Tyler, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started as a pediatric dental assistant in Southern Utah in 2011, and the rest is history. I had the opportunity to work alongside several amazing pediatric dentists and watch them grow their practices while I completed my pre-dental undergraduate degree. Completed all my dental training and decided to start up my own practice here in Salt Lake City, in 2020.
I truly believe a good first experience at the dentist sets a child up for a lifetime of great health and I’ve included that theme into every piece of my new practice. It’s been an absolute blast this past year to watch our community grow and to make pediatric dentistry the fun experience I know it can be.
Born and raised in Sandy, Utah. Graduated from Brighton High School. Served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nicaragua. Graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor’s Degree. Graduated from Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health with DMD and MPH degrees. Completed a pediatric dental specialty residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Moved back to Utah with my four sons and wife, Lexie, to start my dream practice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Going through all my schooling and dental training with young children was definitely a struggle. I wouldn’t have it any other way though! I have four sons (ages 9, 7, 5, and 2) that have been with me at each stage of my dental training. It wasn’t easy to begin construction on my startup practice and then have covid delay things by five months.
It was borderline crazy to open a startup practice in Salt Lake during the fall of 2020 Covid spike. However, creating the most unique dental experience in the country and building an amazing team through it all, has been the most fun I’ve ever had. There are challenges every day and there are reasons to celebrate every day, that’s beautiful!
As you know, we’re big fans of Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry is the most unique dental practice in the country. Every little piece of detail was created with building a happy start for each child and family. The branding, the interior design, the patient flow and experience, everything you can see, smell and feel, the dentist and team uniforms, the patient gift bags, the marketing with local influencers, were all designed to alleviate any anxious parent or child.
The private patient rooms, the family room, the parent lounge, the basketball court, the waiting room with a light-brite wall, slide, reading nook, and fun mural. Dr. Hanks and his wife, Lexie, put every ounce of love and experience they could muster to create a happy place for their community.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Competing in sports and going to Lake Powell.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@happytoothslc.com
- Website: www.happytoothslc.com
- Instagram: @happytoothslc
- Facebook: @happytoothslc
- Youtube: @happytoothslc
- Other: TikTok: @happytoothslc
Image Credits
Mccall Monson
