Clearwater Family Dental
Born and raised in Sarnia, Dr. Gabriel Ponce was encouraged by his parents to follow in their footsteps and study to become an engineer. "Engineering didn’t line up with what I enjoyed. I’ve always been artistic and loved design so I thought about plastic surgery, but after shadowing a few local dentists, I fell in love with dentistry," explains Ponce. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Ponce attended the University of Detroit Mercy and completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery. "After I graduated in 2015, I returned home to establish my practice because everyone I care about is here and it’s home."
Ponce worked in local dental clinics for three years before establishing his own practice, Clearwater Family Dental, at 1000 Finch Drive. "A dental office is not a relaxing place, so we try to create a gentle environment for our patients. There is no weird dental smell here, and we provide noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, and ceiling-mounted televisions to make our patients as comfortable as possible." Clearwater Family Dental also offers different levels of sedation for stress-free dentistry. "We have a lot of high anxiety and special needs patients who prefer to sleep through their procedures, and sedation is covered by many insurance plans."
Clearwater Family Dental provides a wide range of dental services, including family, laser, and sleep dentistry, straightening, veneers, and dental implants. "I am a family dentist who is passionate about cosmetic dentistry. I’m also an advocate for increased access to affordable dental care because oral healthcare is important and dental treatments should be accessible to everyone." Ponce invested in technology that makes many services like crowns, bridges, and veneers same-day procedures. "More complicated dentistry work often requires multiple visits, but we use a 3D printer and scanner, as well as laser equipment, in our clinic to make a lot of treatments same day."
Ponce believes that a healthy smile is not just for aesthetics, but for overall well-being. "There’s a special place in my heart for cosmetic dentistry. I work with digital technology, dental ceramists, and new dental techniques and materials to build beautiful, healthy smiles." Ponce has seen many patients’ confidence and self-esteem improve as a result of cosmetic dentistry. "Patients come to us for a variety of reasons, including misaligned teeth, previous dental work that has failed or simply wanting a more youthful smile. It’s exciting to see a patient smile with confidence again."
The biggest challenge for Ponce has been getting his name out there. "There are a lot of great dentists in Sarnia, and I’ve only had my clinic for two years, so people don’t know who I am yet." Ponce encourages people to find a dentist who is a fit for them. "I’m passionate about what I do. I invest in ongoing training so I can provide my clients with the very best care. To give my clients the results they want, excellent care, and a beautiful smile is why I do what I do."
Related Stories
Goodwill Industries - Essex Kent Lambton
In 2018, Goodwill Industries Essex Kent Lambton is celebrating 85 years of service to the community. As we celebrate this anniversary, this is an opportunity to look back on some of the successes that we've seen over the years, explains CEO Kevin Smith. In 2008, Goodwill was recognized w
Junior Baker
If there is one thing John and Nicole Moore have learned, it is when life throws you a curveball, you'd better be ready to swing the bat. The owners and operators of Junior Baker, a gluten free bakery in Sarnia, have faced many challenges over the years, but are thrilled to be working together ser
Celebration of Lights
The lights turned on in Centennial Park for the 33rd time on November 25, 2017. The Celebration of Lights started in 1984 with a few decorative houses, explains board member, John Charest. Harvey McMichael was the inspiration for the festival. He always decorated his home. The Lighting Comp
Patodia Eye Institute
Dr. Murari Patodia believes in the importance of community. Having grown up and completed his high school education in Sarnia, he felt a strong connection to the city and its people. He also believed that the community was under-served by eye care professionals. "I knew that there was a need for e
Related Stories
Stonepicker Brewing Company Inc.
From bacon to beer. That pretty much sums up the career path Joe Donkers has taken. A pig farmer for nearly three decades, Joe did a 180 about five years ago when he made the decision to start brewing his own beer at home. That ultimately led to him and his wife Mary starting Stonepicker Brewing Co.
Henne’s Jewellery
Henne's Jewellery was started in 1973 by Wally and Elly Henne. Their son Markus joined the business in 1989, and he took over from them in 1997. "They are enjoying retirement. My father is a huge swimmer and cyclist and my mom enj...
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sarnia-Lambton
Danica Craig is the first to admit she was not looking for a new career. But when the job offer came, seemingly out of nowhere, she jumped at it. I had an old friend who knew me growing up in church and she hadn't seen me in years, Danica recalls. But she reached out to me and said, "Th
LEADWAVE Technologies
LEADWAVE Technologies has just celebrated ten years in business. A lot has changed in the IT field since they opened, and yet, for co-owner Mat Berube, some things remain the same. From the beginning, we have really focused on small business. They can't justify the cost of an entire IT department.