Interview With the Doctor

by Katy Dentist Dr. Barker

Great cosmetic and general dentistry starts with the training, commitment, and personal care provided by the dentist. Here Dr. Barker discusses his background and training, his philosophy, and how he's built his practice around providing the utmost care for all of his patients...

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Where did you initially school?

I received my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. I graduated cum laude with honors with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Following undergrad, I obtained my D.D.S. from the University of Texas Health Science Center-Dental Branch in Houston.

What continued training have you received?

I have attended the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), completing 9 courses of advanced study to date. Because the level of training, hands-on casework and personality of the dentist are so important in choosing the best dentist, I encourage readers to also review the Meet the Team section of the site to learn more about my credentials and philosophy.

Emphasize any remarkable grades or awards:

• Texas A&M University-cum laude with honors
• UTDB-Houston-Dean’s List (multiple times)

What made you seek out Cosmetic Dentistry?

I feel privileged to have the ability to offer someone life-changing dentistry with predictable results, where form follows function. That’s what is so special about cosmetic dentistry, letting a guest’s inner smile speak to the world, the way they always envisioned.

What do you love about Cosmetic Dentistry?

I love the “Reveal.” When treatment is complete, there is nothing more satisfying to the team than seeing the “reveal.” Tears of joy equate to a winning touchdown in aesthetic dentistry.

What are the rewards of being a Cosmetic Dentist?

The greatest reward from being a cosmetic dentist is the positive effect it has on someone’s life. Giving someone a boost of confidence they might have been lacking in their life, or just noticing the difference in the way someone smiles in photos. Having them come back and tell their stories of how their new smile gave them the boost of confidence to go for it, whether a new job, or promotion, or some other facet of their life.

As a Cosmetic Dentist, what is your philosophy or your goal for each patient that is in your care?

Every guest in the practice is unique, and is treated in that way. We truly believe lasting smiles are made through lasting relationships built on trust.

Do you provide additional training for your staff?

Absolutely, continuing education for the team is just as important as continual training for the dentist. Advancements in general, cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry are always being made, regarding high-tech equipment with benefits to diagnosis and precision treatment, new techniques, and even lifelike materials replacing obvious metal and inferior materials. Our team moves forward to keep up to date with these advancements, and takes advantage of every opportunity available to learn more. Attending LVI, AACD, and being an active member in the IACA (International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics) allows us the opportunity to stay on the forefront in dentistry.

Do you feel that the dentistry field is changing? How over the last couple of decades?

Dentistry is ever changing. There are new materials and equipment released daily, staying on the forefront is the key. Also, the paradigm switch to neuromuscular-based dentistry is going to be at the forefront of dentistry for decades to come. It’s truly an exciting time in dentistry.

Who can benefit from your services?

We cater to the aesthetic driven patient regardless of age or gender - those who are looking for excellent hygiene and periodontal care, those who want a straighter smile, naturally looking white teeth, persons who want to restore their self confidence and replace missing teeth or gaps, anyone who struggles with discolored teeth, or chipped, cracked or broken teeth. Every patient receives a consultation which can help them to see exactly what service can help enhance their smile the most.

What specialty services do you provide?

The cosmetic dental services offered at Barker Aesthetic Dentistry are cutting-edge... either in offering our patients a more comfortable experience, or in technique. For example, sedation dentistry is a real breakthrough that is helping many who have put off getting good care, and adds to the convenience of our patients by shortening the amount of visits needed to achieve the amazing end result.

I make it a point to not only restore beauty and aesthetics, but also relieving headaches and pain, and the bite - which is why Neuromuscular Dentistry is so important to help a beautiful smile last.

With Laser Dentistry, we can minimize discomfort, promote healing and recovery, and reduce harmful bacteria with a variety of procedures that give patients a great - healthy - smile.

Many people enjoy athletic pursuits, and want to be protected and safe.  With special mouthguards, my team and I can help them not only keep their smile protected, but enhance their overall performance to give them that edge.

Other special services like Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening and Invisalign are making dramatic improvements to the lives of patients and their overall self-confidence.

With each of these services, we do everything possible to provide a comfortable, relaxing environment. We have a relaxation room, state-of-the-art audio and video equipment for guests, warm towels, aromatherapy, and paraffin wax treatments. And our staff works to make the entire experience less stressful - including making any travel accommodations for our out of town guests.

What have you learned about yourself over the years?

Like many things in life, it’s the journey I embellish.

What is the best piece of advice you have received? From who?

My parents always tell me to treat everyone like family. I think that’s great advice.

What continued or refresher training do you personally insist on having?

Continuing courses with LVI, AACD, IACA.

In your words, describe your practice:

Home away from home.

With your specialty services, what do you personally excel at or focus on?

Attention to detail, combining artistry with science. Because I love a day at the spa, or the spa treatment, why not bring that atmosphere to the dental office.

What equipment and policies in your practice work to keep your patients safe? 

We do take infection control very seriously, and have created a unique environment. I.C.E. (infection control environment) is something specially designed to our specifications for a state-of-the-art sterilization area.

What media appearances have you appeared in?

I was interviewed on local TV, CBS, when I was in dental school concerning cosmetic dentistry. I also received several press releases from LVI, (the organization responsible for some of the best in cosmetic training and advances.)

Hobbies and interests:

My interests include travel, just about anything athletic. I’m a big supporter of Houston-based sports teams. I enjoy reading, and anything dental.

Family:

My family includes my mother and father, who reside in the Houston area. I have three dogs that are my children: Gallant, an Italian Greyhound; Mia, a Corgi mix from the SPCA, and Stinky, a mixed breed dog I adopted.

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Get to know Dr. Brad Barker and discuss your personal dental goals... at the office of LVI-trained Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Brad Barker; serving the communities of Katy, Sugar Land and the greater Houston, Texas area.