Dr. Mike Finn
Compass Dental, Campbell River, BC
How would you define or summarize your practice philosophy?
Our philosophy has always been to treat everyone like they are family. We believe in forming long-term relationships with our patients and delivering a level of quality care that makes us proud.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known at the start of your career?
At the start of my career, I wished I would have realized how much more there is to know than what a typical dental education provides. I cannot stress enough the importance of quality CE and finding mentorship through your peers.
What is the one piece of equipment you could not work without?
For me, the piece of equipment I couldn’t live without is my DFV 4.5X dental loupes and headlight. Without magnification and light, it’s impossible to do quality dentistry.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a new practitioner?
Form good professional relationships with your support network (business advisors, specialists, other colleagues). All these connections can offer mentorship and give you support in your career.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
We started an annual charity event that offers free dentistry once a year for those in need in the community. It’s an incredibly fulfilling day for the whole staff and we feel like we are making a real impact on the people we are helping.
What is your biggest day-to-day challenge?
Presently, the biggest challenge we face is the acute shortage of available staff, especially for a small-town practice. If you’re looking for a great place to live and a great place to work, call me. Campbell River has a lot to offer!
What do you do to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I don’t take the work home with me. I give my all at the office every day I am there and try to leave it there once I go home.
What have you observed to be the biggest change to the dentistry profession since you began your career?
There are so many changes over the years from when I started. Digital dentistry is probably the biggest with the radiographs, CT scans, intraoral scanners, guided implant surgery and more. Not only do they help deliver great dentistry, but they also provide excellent communication with the specialists referrals and labs.
Who was the greatest influence in your life and why?
My wife, Marketa. There is not a day I don’t think she has made me a better person. Her support has allowed our office to be a real family environment.
Dr. Mike Finn grew up in Amherstburg, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1993. Looking for an adventure, he relocated to Campbell River, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island and has been practicing there for almost 30 years. He has been an active part of the community with coaching and supporting youth sports. Dr. Finn and his lovely wife, Marketa, have two kids that are both in university. He is a proud community dentist at Compass Dental in Campbell River, BC.
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