In the latest Getting to Know blog post, we chat with Dr Anna Stevens, owner and dentist at Polar Dental in Alfred Cove. Anna tells us about providing the best possible service for the local community and helping anxious patients overcome their fear of visiting the dentist.
Hi, Anna. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your business.
I’ve always lived in the local area – I grew up and went to school here. I lived in Adelaide for a while when attending uni but came home for the free babysitting. Now my three children go to school locally. I have worked in private dental practice for 15 years and opened my new practice, Polar Dental in Alfred Cove, in April 2021.
What inspired you to open Polar Dental and start offering dental services to local families?
I jumped at the chance to open a new dental practice close to home when the property became available. I wanted to create a bright, relaxed place to go to work every day, and have equipped the practice with all new, modern facilities to provide the best service possible.
I wanted to provide local families and friends with a community-focused dental practice in the area. I find that a lot of people are seeking care locally these days whilst working from home.
What do you love most about what you do?
I particularly enjoy helping anxious dental patients become happy patients! A lot of people, whether young or old, have anxieties around dental treatment, and I look forward to seeing them relax into motivated patients who can attend for regular dental checks without fear. I am passionate about improving oral health and maintaining healthy mouths for life. It’s great getting to know my patients and watching children grow up over the years that they come to see me.
What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?
In my free time I love to spend time on the Swan river (you might see me down there on my stand-up-paddleboard!), visiting the food trucks at Point Walter with my family, and playing hockey with my team at the Melville Hockey Club.
Do you have any advice for mums looking to start their own business?
I would advise that they gain a good understanding of how most parts of their business works, even if they plan to outsource some aspects. Get a good accountant! Be prepared to stay calm and problem solve while dealing with unexpected issues – these will always arise.
To find out more about Polar Dental, head to their website or Facebook page.
If you loved this post, check out our Getting to Know… blog series, which features local business owners who share their stories with us.
