I got into dentistry, my father’s a dentist, retired last year and so I’ve been around for a long time. Back in the day I was thinking about becoming an ER physician and I worked at the hospital. The doctor asked what my dad did because he saw I was kind of hands-on and did stuff and he says your dad’s a dentist, go be a dentist and I kind of took that and ran with it.
I love the projects when people come in and whether they have a perceived problem or not and trying to help them out with things. Helping patients make healthy choices is a big part of what I do but also a really big part is managing their expectations which a lot of them is fear, fear of discomfort, fear of pain, fear of the unknown and really kind of telling them a story about their mouth and they’re really functional dentistry is what I do more so it’s not just about teeth for me, it’s about airways, it’s about sleep, it’s about you know lifestyle choices, all that kind of thing and it just it didn’t start out that way but it kind of morphed into that. I feel like the way I deliver care but not just me, my whole team and I say team versus staff.
Staff’s an infection at Rexall Hospital as you know. I feel like from the moment they call or find us online, the moment they call, the moment they come in the door and then all the follow-up, what I hope is that they leave and go hey that was way better than I expected, he didn’t hurt me and I’m looking forward to referring friends and family to him. I always say is look at our reviews online.
I feel like our reviews capture the essence of our office and set up a console to come in and talk and just kind of discuss your concerns. I think you’ll find that within the office that personality-wise that we could very easily see how we work together and not against each other and that’s what it’s about is it’s a team approach with the office but also with the client and doctor interactions.
Dr. Peter J. Spalitto Delivers Outstanding Care
Dr. Pete Spalitto delivers quality care to St. Louis neighbors of all ages at West County Dental. He improves smiles by offering many types of services, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Pete studied biology at Truman State University, then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from UMKC Dental School in 2000. He served as class vice president and joined the honors endodontics program during his studies at UMKC.
As a major in the U.S. Army, Dr. Pete gained extra skills. Participation in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program gave him hands-on experience with root canals, braces, oral surgery, and other complex procedures. He treated soldiers in many countries, including Korea and Iraq.
His later work included private practice in Kansas City. Dr. Pete now treats all dental needs for St. Louis families. His skills cover the many dental issues people face throughout life.
Dr. Pete keeps learning through the St. Louis chapter of the Seattle Study Club. He also belongs to the Greater St. Louis Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and American Dental Association.
At home, Dr. Pete enjoys time with his wife Susan and their children Olivia, Anna, and Henry. He especially likes working on home projects, playing golf, and visiting his family farm.