Dental Spotlight: Sloan Hildebrand, DDS

Through our Dental Spotlight Series we are taking the time to highlight successful professionals in the dental industry. If you’re an aspiring practice owner, or a current dentist looking for your next big move, we hope you gain some valuable advice from these successful individuals and their stories.

Sloan Hildebrand, DDS

Where did you grow-up and what is special about your home town?

​I grew up in the country and really enjoyed the peacefulness of playing outside in the fields and forests. Dallas has now grown and surrounded our family home.

Why did you decide to become a dentist?

To serve others and be my own boss, with the flexibility to travel to other countries to serve others in need. I go wherever there is a need and try to coordinate my schedule to allow for time off from the practice as well as involve my family on my mission trips as much as possible. I don’t have a regular group that I go with but just pray about where I can be of best service and allow God to open those doors.

Where did you go to dental school and when did you graduate?

I graduated in 2010 from UT Houston.

Who is/was your mentor?

My dad was my mentor and now I have several senior mentors, such as Frank Higginbottom, Damien Mulvany and Witt Wilkerson. I met Damien Mulvany in Africa in 2003 on a dental/medical mission trip. He is a retired dentist from Colorado and native of Australia. I have known Frank Higginbottom since I was a child; he is a colleague and friend and was close friends with my father. Frank and I are now partners in the same practice. Witt Wilkerson taught for many years with my father at the Pankey Institute in Florida and he and I serve together on the Christian Medical and Dental Association Peter Dawson Board. Witt is a restorative dentist in St. Petersburg, Florida and on faculty at the Dawson Academy.

What is your favorite dental instrument? Why?

I enjoy doing implants.

How do you like to relax?

I am the most relaxed when I am on the beach or riding my dirt bike in the mountains.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

​Being a father to 3 amazing kids.

What do you most look forward to doing in retirement?

Hopefully I will get to spend my retirement playing with grandkids.

What is the biggest challenge facing dentistry?

Maintaining a balanced life with work and family.

What is the best advice you’ve received for your career?

Treat your patients like family and never cut corners on care. When deciding where you want to have your practice, keep your options open until you find the right spot for you, each city needs a new great dentist.

How do you make practicing dentistry fun?

I try to keep a light heart and positive perspective while listening to each patient and addressing their individual needs.

What advice would you share with someone looking to purchase their first practice?

Find a practice that has a similar philosophy as you do, keep the senior doctor around to introduce you to their patients and don’t try to “change” a practice when you buy it, that may not work.