People are often surprised when they find out I play Zydeco music—and even more surprised when they realize how much it connects to my dental practice.
For me, dentistry isn’t a rigid formula. It’s more like a live performance. Every patient, every case, is a little different. You’ve got to stay sharp, improvise when needed, and keep things flowing.
From Zydeco to Dentistry
Years ago, I met a band from New Orleans at Blues Harbor in Atlanta. We hit it off instantly—music will do that. They needed a dentist, and I became theirs. As a thank-you, they gave me a washboard and invited me to play with them.
I wasn’t trained as a drummer, but I found my rhythm. That experience helped me feel at ease in front of crowds—and later when I began teaching other dentists, especially in areas like laser dentistry where I’ve lectured and trained colleagues worldwide.
Rolling With the Unexpected
Dental work doesn’t always go by the book. You might think something’s routine, but once you get in there, it’s a different story. X-rays don’t show everything. That’s where experience counts.
Just last week, I had a patient here in Atlanta with a particularly tough case. My assistant Curcilla told her afterward, “You’re lucky. He saved your teeth.” The patient hadn’t realized how complex it had been. That’s how it should be—we do the hard work behind the scenes so you can relax.
One-on-One Performance
When I say this work is like performing, I don’t mean putting on a show. It’s about being fully present—tuned into what my patient needs in that moment.
If someone needs a neck pillow, headphones, or a little nitrous, we make it happen. For many, sedation dentistry takes the edge off and makes their visit something they can actually look forward to.
I check in mid-procedure. Thumbs up? I keep going. Thumbs down? We stop and reset. That level of care isn’t the norm everywhere—but it’s non-negotiable here.
Crafting Every Detail
Our office is filled with music—posters, instruments, photos from New Orleans. It’s part of who I am.
I’ve always loved working with my hands. My mom used to say I was destructive as a kid—now I get to rebuild smiles every day. There’s nothing like stepping back and seeing the result of a great smile makeover. That’s the juice. That’s the flow state.
Patients notice the energy. One asked about the Zydeco memorabilia recently. That led to a conversation about art and dentistry—how both take practice, rhythm, and feel.
That’s what I love most about this work. It’s technical, sure. But it’s also deeply personal.
Dr. Hugh Flax, DDS, leads Flax Dental in Atlanta’s Sandy Springs region with a clear mission: to offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry that blends artistry, comfort and long-term health. With more than 40 years of experience, prestigious leadership roles in cosmetic dental organizations, and a practice built on cutting-edge technology and personalized care, Dr. Flax helps patients not just improve the appearance of their smiles—but elevate their confidence, oral wellness, and how they live each day.