Dr. Jonathan Huffman and patient
Giving Back
During the Christmas season, sounds of music can be heard everywhere. You’re probably thinking, what has that got to do with a story about a dentist? Well, when I think of Christmas music, one song that comes to mind is, All I One for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.
As an elementary music teacher, I’ve used that song a number of times for Christmas programs throughout the years. Even though it’s really cute, sung by a child, it’s not so cute when someone is having real dental issues.
When that happens, it’s nice to know there are caring dentists who are willing to give back, not only in their practice, but also in their church and community.One such dentist is Dr. Jonathan Huffman, DDS, of Salisbury, NC.
Recently, I talked with him about how being a dentist must be a calling. While he admitted it was, he said he didn’t find his calling until after joining the Navy in 1993. Growing up with parents who did the best they could, Jonathan said there was never any extra money. So, not wanting to waste his parents’ money, and not sure what he wanted to do after one year of college at Western Carolina University, he joined the Navy.
Jonathan believes his assignment to work with a dentist at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia was one of the best things that ever happened to him. He loved working as a dental technician so much, he decided to go back to school to become a dentist. Working out details to attend college at night for undergraduate requirements, after his enlistment, Jonathan finished his course work at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 2002.
After graduation, Jonathan joined Dr. James T. Mitchell’s practice in Salisbury, NC, later becoming sole owner of the practice. His goal is and has always been to provide gentle, caring and comprehensive care for his patients. Staff members say he accomplishes that goal through his easy going manner, which may explain why one of his patients, living in Japan, continues to schedule trips to Salisbury for dental work.
Caring not only about his patients’ physical needs, but spiritual ones as well, when a patient is having a problem, often they ask Dr. Huffman and his entire staff to pray with them.
While it’s true patients love Dr. Huffman for his caring ways in the office, it doesn’t stop there. Believing in the Christian mandate of serving others, it’s not unusual for Dr. Huffman to be found at the local care clinic, volunteering his time and services for patients who couldn’t otherwise afford the procedure.
Even though Christmas is the time of year we generally think of giving back and serving others, it’s inspiring to know there are people in this world who view service as their mission in life all year long.
To learn more about Dr. Huffman’s story, check out the following Salisbury Post hyperlink. To learn more about his practice, check out his official website page.
Dr. Huffman, because of your willingness to use your talents in serving others, you are my favorite person of the week.
Do you know of someone who gives back to the community? If so, leave a comment, message on facebook or email, dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
