By Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD  
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com

Confession: I love country music. There’s something about the way country music tells life’s stories with honesty, humor, and a touch of heartache. Honestly, being a dentist isn’t all that different from writing or singing a country song – especially here on the South Shore, where community and connection matter so much.
Every smile has a story
Country songs are all about storytelling – falling in love, losing a friend (even a furry friend), raising a family. Dentists, too, see stories every day, especially from senior patients. There’s that chipped tooth from a long-ago Red Sox game. The dentures that let them finally enjoy corn on the cob at the Marshfield Fair. Or the crown that brings back the confidence to smile in family photos. Every visit carries its own melody.
Heartache and healing
Much like country music, there’s plenty of heartbreak in dentistry. Toothaches can certainly make you sing the blues. The good news? Just like a country song often ends with resilience and hope, a trip to the dentist can offer healing. Whether it’s relief from pain, a brighter smile, or advice on keeping your teeth healthy as you age, dentists provide the happy ending after the hard part.
The local connection
Think about your favorite country singers: Many come from small towns where everyone knows their name. The same goes for dentists here on the South Shore. We’re not just healthcare providers; we’re your neighbors. You see us at the grocery store. We sponsor your kid’s Little League or soccer teams. As a dentist who also happens to be a senior, I know how much I value that sense of trust and community. It’s one thing we’ve tried to develop at our practice. We want our patients to know we care about them as people, not just patients.
Grit, patience, and practice
While there might be one or two overnight sensations in country music, most performers spend years practicing guitar chords and perfecting their voice. Dentists follow a similar path. Years of schooling, steady hands, and an eye for detail prepare them for the precise work of fillings, dentures, implants and utilizing new, cutting-edge technology. Behind every smooth performance – whether on stage or in the dental chair – is hours of preparation you don’t always see.
Smiles and twang
At its heart, both dentistry and country music are about lifting people up. A good song leaves you humming, just as a good dental visit leaves you smiling. For seniors, that might mean regaining the ability to enjoy favorite foods, feeling more confident in social settings, or simply being free of discomfort.
A chorus we can all sing
You’re probably wondering where’s all this coming from. Well, yours truly, The Toothboss, recently commissioned an original country song about our practice. It’s called “Toothboss of My Heart.” It’s a playful reminder that smiles are worth celebrating – and that dentistry, like music, is about connection, joy, and making life a little brighter. Stay tuned for an upcoming column where we will debut the song and video. For hard-copy newspaper readers, you’ll be able to check it out on our website and social media.

About the Author: Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com