When Dr. Katie Heald joined Aspen Dental nearly 12 years ago, she knew she wanted to make an impact. But she never anticipated how deeply one patient’s story would reaffirm her purpose and inspire her entire team.

"This truly exemplifies the mission of why we do what we do,” she said. “If I can change one life, that would make me happy. And I feel like with this patient, we did that.”

From Hiding to Healing
The patient arrived at Aspen Dental in Asheboro after years of pain and self-consciousness. As a professional who often spoke at conferences, he described the effort it took to hide his teeth and how that effort slowly chipped away at his confidence and happiness.

“I’ve gone several years without smiling due to the looks of my teeth,” he wrote in a heartfelt letter to the office. “Being a professional myself, it made it difficult to hide my teeth while speaking at conferences and during luncheons and dinners with coworkers. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I used my hand to try to hide my insecurities. For years, I wouldn't smile in photos with family or friends, and they began to notice.”

Worsening dental issues, compounded by a lifelong fear of the dentist, had kept him from seeking care. But with encouragement from his wife, he took the first step.

“Putting the fear and embarrassment aside, with the support of my wife, I knew it was time to make a change,” he shared. “That is when I came across Aspen Dental in Asheboro via their website and made an appointment for a consultation. And this was the beginning of a journey well taken.”

A Team Effort From Day One
From the moment he entered the practice, he said he felt the difference.

“As I walked in the door for the first time, I was greeted by a cheerful professional receptionist. The wait time was less than 10 minutes before I was called back for my consultation.”

He met the dental assistant, who he described as a “positive force” in his decision to move forward, and then Dr. Patel, who gave him confidence and clarity about his treatment plan.

“Dr. Patel was thorough, knowledgeable, professional, and personable. Jadaca and Dr. Patel listened to all of my concerns without judgment. The entire process was thoroughly explained.”

With support from the team, he opted to begin treatment with full-mouth extractions, temporary healing dentures, and lower implants. After his lower denture was placed, he returned almost immediately, asking for the upper implants as well.

“He loved it so much on the implants,” Dr. Heald said. “He said, ‘Okay, let’s do the top.’ He literally said, ‘I’ll be back tomorrow.’ And he came back. That’s just a testament to the team.”

A Moment That Changed Everything
On the day of his extractions, he met Dr. Heald and that moment left an impact.

“I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Katie. She’s extremely skilled, gentle, and made me feel the least uncomfortable throughout the process. Her calm demeanor exemplifies what a caring professional should be. I am grateful and blessed to have Dr. Katie as my dentist going forward.”

He walked out that day with temporary dentures that gave him back something he hadn’t experienced in years: a normal-looking smile.

“Although these were not permanent, I was thrilled to be able to walk out with teeth that looked normal. As I was walking out of the back office, every member of my village was excited for me and my new smile. The tears from my wife’s eyes said it all.”

For Dr. Heald and her team, that moment was unforgettable.

“She came in and said that it transformed their marriage,” Dr. Heald said. “They go out to eat now. They go to social events. It’s given them a renewed lease on their relationship.”

A Mission-Focused Practice
Throughout the healing process, the patient continued to work with the team, making adjustments and ultimately choosing implants for his upper denture as well. In his letter, he thanked the entire office by name — including the financial coordinator who explained options without pressure, and the office manager who “kept us up to date on the financials of the process with her honesty.”

“My new smile has boosted my self-esteem and restored my confidence. It's given me freedom and happiness again. Most of all, I found my village in this process through the caring professionals at Aspen Dental. And now I know the true meaning of what it is when they say: it takes a village.”

That phrase has stuck with Dr. Heald.

“It was truly a village effort,” she said. “And the team seeing the patient recognize that — it gives them the motivation to stick out the hard days, the grumpy patients. We say, ‘Remember Steve. That’s why we do what we do. Let’s find another Steve.’”

More Than a Job, A Calling
Dr. Heald believes this story reflects what’s possible when the right team, training, and mission come together.

“Aspen gives us the tools and the training to rally the team and deliver life-changing dentistry,” she said. “Not one person can do this alone. And they don’t expect you to.”

To her, this kind of care isn’t about prestige or perfection, it’s about changing lives for people who need it most.

“This is not cosmetic dentistry for already-beautiful people,” she said. “It’s functional, psychological, and necessary. And because of Aspen’s investment in tools, technology, and access, we get to deliver top-tier dentistry to patients who never would have had access to it.”

Thinking About Your Next Step?
For clinicians considering Aspen Dental, Dr. Heald has one clear message:

"You’re not just clocking in to fill cavities. You’re here to change lives. I have a patient for life now. Him and his wife. He’s going to tell his friends. That’s what it’s about."

And for her, it still comes back to one thing: the mission.

“These patients have been left out of traditional dentistry,” she said. “And now, they have a place. A village.”

Join the Village
If you’re passionate about patient-first care, driven by purpose, and ready to be part of a supportive team that changes lives every day, Aspen Dental may be the place for you.

Explore careers at Aspen Dental and find out how you can make your impact.