Dr. David Lee Hill, Jr. isn’t your typical oral surgeon. Beyond the technical expertise and advanced procedures, he brings a unique, patient-centered philosophy to his practice at Chapel Hill Implant & Oral Surgery Center. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Hill shares his SWIM™ philosophy – Safety, Wellness, Integrity, and Mastery – the four pillars that guide his practice in Chapel Hill, NC. He opens up about a particularly moving patient encounter that solidified his commitment to compassionate care and offers valuable insights for both patients and aspiring oral surgeons.
Join us as we delve into Dr. Hill’s journey, exploring how he’s redefining oral surgery through a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, patient-centric values, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of his patients.
Interviewer:
What specifically drew you to the aesthetic aspects of oral surgery, and how did this ignite your passion for helping people transform not only their smiles but also their overall confidence and well-being?
Dr. Hill:
My journey into oral and maxillofacial surgery began with a deep fascination for the intricate structure of the face and jaw. I’ve always seen oral surgeons as the orthopedic surgeons of the craniofacial skeleton; we have the ability to reshape the very foundation of a person’s appearance. While precision and technical expertise are paramount in procedures like bone-guided surgery, I believe the impact of our work extends far beyond the technical. It’s about transforming lives, not just smiles.
Interviewer:
How do you consider the whole person—their emotional and psychological needs—when developing treatment plans?
Dr. Hill:
I firmly believe in a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing that treatment extends beyond addressing the physical condition. The team and I emphasize the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological needs of each individual. This involves actively listening to their concerns and understanding their treatment goals.
Interviewer:
If you could summarize your philosophy into a few key principles, what would they be?
Dr. Hill:
My practice philosophy is built on four core principles called SWIM™: Safety, Wellness, Integrity, and Mastery.
- Safety: At Chapel Hill Oral Surgery, patient safety is the top priority. We have implemented a unique dual anesthesia model with a CRNA and a director of anesthesia services present for every sedation case. We are also pursuing AAAHC certification, demonstrating our commitment to meeting the highest standards for non-hospital ambulatory centers. This focus on safety permeates every aspect of the patient experience.
- Wellness: I recognize that wellness encompasses the well-being of both patients and staff. My practice strives to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone. A “well-tuned team” is essential to providing exceptional patient care.
- Integrity: Transparency and honesty are fundamental to my practice. I believe in maintaining open communication and ethical practices in all aspects of patient care and business operations.
- Mastery: My team and I are dedicated to continuous improvement. We stay abreast of the latest advancements in oral surgery, invest in state-of-the-art technology, and strive to provide the best possible care for our patients.
These four principles form the foundation of my practice, guiding my team in delivering exceptional and compassionate care.
Interviewer:
Can you recall a patient encounter that deeply moved you and helped shape how you approach your work?
Dr. Hill:
One patient who stands out in my memory is Emily, a woman in her seventies who had weathered a lifetime of dental challenges. For over three decades, she had struggled to maintain her teeth, a battle that left her feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. She faced a difficult choice: continue with the endless cycle of treatments and temporary fixes, or consider a more permanent solution. The constant worry of losing more teeth, the discomfort, and the limitations on her daily life had taken a significant toll.
My team recommended the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, a cutting-edge solution that would provide a complete and permanent set of teeth in a single surgery. Using advanced technology like digital smile design, we meticulously planned the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome for Emily. The transformation was nothing short of life-changing. Emily was finally free from the pain, anxiety, and self-consciousness that had held her back for so long. She described the experience as “giving her life back,” a testament to the profound impact that compassionate, patient-centered oral surgery can have.
“From the beginning, Dr. Hill explained all my options and the associated costs so there were no surprises. Once I decided on All on 4 dental implants, he had me come in, and I had an extensive consultation with Dr. Hill, who explained every part of the process visually and verbally. My surgery was seamless, and I was able to manage my pain easily without narcotics. It has been over a year, and I have not regretted it for a single day. I cannot say enough – my experience was as good as I could have ever hoped for.” – Emily
Emily’s story highlights the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological burdens that patients carry. It’s a reminder that medical professionals have the power to not only heal physical ailments but also to restore hope and empower individuals to reclaim their lives.
Interviewer:
What key takeaways do you hope Ailm readers will gain from your story of personal and professional growth?
Dr. Hill:
I hope my story will inspire hope and optimism, highlighting the incredible advancements in medicine and their potential to heal and restore. I believe we live in an extraordinary era where medical professionals can regenerate, build, and recreate anatomy in ways never before imagined. I find immense satisfaction in being part of this transformative field and witnessing the positive impact it has on patients’ lives.
My advice to patients is to find a healthcare provider and facility that aligns with their values and needs. Once they’ve found the right team, I encourage them to place their trust in those professionals and allow them to utilize their expertise.
For aspiring oral surgeons, I emphasize the importance of ethical conduct and patient-centered care. I believe prioritizing the patient’s well-being will naturally lead to success in the field. I also encourage continuous learning, investment in staff and facilities, and staying at the forefront of advancements in oral surgery.
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