Chairside Chats: A Word With…Dr. Monty Gaur

Dr. Monty Gaur

Nose Creek Dental, Airdrie, Alberta

What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known at the start of your career?

I wish I would have known how critical it would be to possess knowledge of how to successfully operate a business. There are so many unimaginable and unforeseen aspects of running a dental practice and, unfortunately, many of them are learned the hard way. I have been so fortunate to have the individual expertise of my team to help navigate any situation.

What are the two key qualities you look for in a new team member?

The key qualities I look for in a new team member are personality and clinical skills. I believe both traits are intermingled. A friendly and compassionate team member is often more likely to be eager to learn the clinical skills required to be successful. I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by many of these people.

What is the one piece of technology you could not work without?

The one piece of technology I could not work without would be my laptop. As it pertains to my clinical work, it is invaluable in sharing photos of cases and for doing presentations. The effectiveness and efficiency in aiding communication is something I could not live without.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a new practitioner?

The most important piece of advice I would give a new practitioner would be to never forget who we work for. In the end, it is the relationships we build with our patients that dictate our own level of satisfaction in our careers.

What do you do to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

In order to maintain a healthy work-life balance, I chose to work a four-day work week many years ago. The ability to have a full day during the week to manage responsibilities and my task list allows me to really enjoy a mental and physical break.

What have you observed to be the biggest change to the dentistry profession since you began your career?

The biggest change to the profession of dentistry since I began my career must be in the communication. Whether it is a digital scan shared with a lab in another city immediately or the ability for a community of dentists to share an online forum for their concerns, the changes have been life altering.

Who was the greatest influence in your life and why?

The greatest influence in my life has been an amalgamation of traits from health care professionals I have met. From my childhood physician to friends in high stress medical positions. I try to learn a little from all of them. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

The profession, other than my own, that I would like to attempt is as a professional hockey player. If I can ever find a way to grow six inches in height, retrain my fast twitch muscles and find a cure for advancing age, I honestly believe this goal is attainable.


Dr. Monty Gaur is a native Calgarian. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan Dental School and has practiced in Airdrie, Alberta, since 1995. Dr. Gaur is a father to three university aged students. He currently serves as one of the team dentists of the Calgary Flames and proudly supports local charities and community associations.


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