Today we’d like to introduce you to Emeka Ezeokeke.
Hi Emeka, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started in California as a young undergrad with no direction. I selected Civil Engineering as my major because my dad had success in the field. After 1 year of engineering courses I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I dropped out of engineering with no back up plan. In my core I knew I couldn’t do engineering, I just didn’t have another option. at the time. Over the next 6-12 months I was pressured by my parents, almost daily, to select a new major. I knew I didn’t have another chance to select the wrong career path so I delayed my decision until I knew for sure. One day I was approached by a woman. She was about 5’2″ with long jet black hair and leathery brownish/orange skin. She mentioned how she was teaching a new course. The course included taking personality tests and receiving a report that would tell you what career you personality matched most closely. To my surprise dentistry kept showing up on almost all of the tests. I initially ignored it because didn’t even view myself in that light. I didn’t see myself of worthy of becoming a dentist. One day during the daily major selection questioning by my parents I sheepishly blurted out, dentistry. Over the next few weeks my mother told her friend, who then told her dentist, who then in turn invited me to shadow. Up until that point I wasn’t serious about dentistry but I thought, whats the worst that could happen. I began shadowing the dentist and quickly became enamored by the profession. After 6 months of shadowing I went back to school with my mind made up, I wanted to become a dentist. I went to the career office and was guided on what courses to take. There was a packet dedicated specifically for dentistry. I started with one class, then, two……etc. Next thing I know I have a degree in Microbiology. I take the dental admissions test and the rest is history.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our most recent major challenge occured in 2024. Our office was struck directly by and EF-2 Tornado. The building was deemed a total loss. We had to pivot on the spot. We leased a temp space and worked there while also rebuilding bigger and better than before. It was a daunting challenge and a difficult experience but with the help of friends, family, staff and the local community we persevered, We are happy with our resilience during this time and are glad to announce that the new office is now open for business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Verbena Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Verbena family Dentistry was started in 2008. I purchased the office in 2021 and continued to run the practice as a Family Dental office. More recently we have transitioned to offer more cosmetic options including implants and veneers while still maintaining the family feels. Our goal is to be a one stop office for are your dental needs, in a warm inviting elevated space. Our newly renovated office is a testament to our growth and resilience, and we are excited to continue to serve the local community.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is education. I enjoy educating my patients and explaining complex dental procedures in a way they can relate and understand. We take time to have one on one consults with patients and really dive into comprehensive dental care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://verbenafamilydentistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verbenafamilydentistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verbenafamilydentist/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/verbena-family-dentistry
Image Credits
Wes Albanese Photography
