Matt Thunberg, DDS
Los Angeles, CA
ADA member for 4 years
Describe Your Practice
I serve as a General Dentist with the United States Army.
What’s the most-often asked question from your patients?
How do I get braces.
What is the most interesting thing that has happened or you’ve done as a dental professional?
I served in Iraq in 2003-4 and 2005-6 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Why did you choose dentistry as a profession?
I was drawn to the sciences as a kid and grew up wanting to be an Orthopedic Surgeon. One day my uncle, who is a dentist, invited me to observe him in action at his office. I realized that I liked what I saw and I decided that Dentistry was my calling.
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What's the most difficult challenge you've faced in your practice?
The Army has an HMO type set up. It is very discouraging to look at a patient you know needs extensive prosthodontic work and tell them they will have to wait for a year or longer. Budget constraints and constant movement of soldiers to overseas locations disrupt our ability to provide certain care to the soldiers.
Name one unique thing on a wall in your clinic or displayed in your waiting room.
I served as the lone dentist for a Cavalry unit (M1A1 tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles). The unit gave me a Spur Certificate which enables me to wear authentic spurs with my uniform to certain functions or on certain days.
What is/was the most challenging aspect of dental school?
For me it was making the transition from typodont to live patient. I kept procrastinating and procrastinating and it almost delayed my graduation. My advice to students: get on the clinic floor as soon as possible.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a dentist?
Golfing, or at least trying to.
Name/describe your favorite CE course taken in the past two years.
I was able to take a hands-on implant course given by Nobel Biocare to my residency class. It was very informative and gave those of us who have limited exposure to implants valuable knowledge.
What do you do to relax?
Spend time with my daughter and when possible I like to get out and golf.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud that I have been able to serve my country with honor the last 4 years.
What is the last book you’ve read or are currently reading?
I read The Da Vinci Code when I was in Iraq. With a 7 month old daughter, I don't have time to read non-dental literature.
How do you deal with stress?
It's funny, but I basically will just talk to my wife, who is a dentist, and I feel much better. Also, spending time with my daughter is a great way to relieve stress.
Where is your favorite vacation spot or activity?
I loved Maui when I went. Beautiful scenery and great restaurants make it a favorite of mine.
What are your hobbies?
Golf is the one hobby I have. I used to collect baseball cards for the longest time and probably have over 20,000 of them.
Who is your favorite singer or musical group?
I know this is going to sound crazy, but I really like Metallica. Maybe listening to them is how I relieve my stress.
What do you do for exercise?
I try to go jogging 3-4 times a week and I lift weights 1-2 times a week.
Name one thing you have in your home from your childhood.
Baseball card collection
Name your favorite movie.
Shawshank Redemption
Whom do you admire?
I admire my wife. While I was deployed she raised our daughter and taught full-time at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry
Who has most influenced your life?
Both my mom and my dad. I think that I have picked up valuable characteristics from both of them. Plus, they were always there to help guide me in life.
What concerns you about the future?
I am currently getting out of the military to pursue a career in private practice. I don't have a job lined up and that is very concerning.
Any words of advice?
I have seen how fragile life is. Don't let the little things bother you and don't take anything in life for granted, because life can change in a blink of an eye.
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