In Inglewood, California there used to stand an empty building that was destroyed by a fire. It was an eyesore to the public, but Carla Thomas, DDS, was able to visualize its potential. As a dentist with a long-standing relationship with the community, Dr. Thomas saw an opportunity to turn this building into her own dental office with the help of Patterson.
“I knew for a long time that I wanted to open a practice in my hometown.” “I’m so passionate about this community and I want to give back. The people here should not have to leave the city to receive quality healthcare.”
Dr. Thomas didn’t cut any corners when designing her practice. She wanted to build something that the people of Inglewood would be proud of. She invested in the newest technology, buying a CEREC and purchasing products that would allow her and her staff to perform the latest techniques.
Valued Partnerships
“Patterson made me feel extremely comfortable. They had knowledgeable people in each area willing to share their expertise to make my practice a success,” she says. “The trust and partnership they have shown me are why I continue to work with them.”
What stood out about Patterson for Dr. Thomas was that they treated her the way she treats her patients. “There is a level of customer service they bring to the table. Whenever I have a problem, it is addressed immediately. I feel very valued.”
Dr. Thomas’s rep, Sarah Biedel, has nothing but glowing remarks for the Dentist. “She is committed to providing her patients exceptional care,” says Sarah. “I work closely with her to make sure she has the solutions that meet her standards and keep her office running smoothly. On a personal note, I admire her passion for the community that she serves. She is absolutely thriving!”
The Smile Studio as it’s named has grown more than Dr. Thomas ever imagined. She is surrounded by an amazing staff who take just as much pride in offering a great dental experience to the community as she does–and it shows. On her website, there are numerous testimonials calling her practice “the best dental practice in California.”
Importance of community
Dr. Thomas has a special relationship with her patients. Many of whom she had a relationship with before they started coming to see her as a dentist. Some of her former teachers and classmates, as well as political leaders all count on Dr. Thomas, making her extremely visible in the community.
This has allowed her to get involved in local organizations. “I’m a product of this community. I feel a sense of loyalty to see it prosper.”
Around the holidays she sponsors a toy drive with the Inglewood Police Department as well as a Thanksgiving Turkey giveaway. She gives scholarships to students graduating from schools in the Inglewood school district. She was instrumental in getting a local Lions Club chapter started, which aims to serve the community by organizing different service projects. Most recently, she helped organize the Martin Luther King Day celebration that included a parade and gifting scholarships to local teens. “I want to be the best version of myself and working on these projects brings that out.
Looking to the future, Dr. Thomas says that she sees herself playing an important role in the growth and development of Inglewood. “It’s an exciting time for the city. There are a lot of resources being poured in and a new football stadium being built. It feels as though it’s being renewed. I’m so happy to be a small part of that.”
