Q&A with Coplin Health System’s Newest Dentist, Keith Hickman, DDS

Coplin Health Systems is pleased to welcome dentist Keith A. Hickman, DDS, to Parkersburg Family Care Dental. Dr. Hickman is excited to join the clinic’s dental team and looks forward to helping patients improve their smiles and overall health.

We sat down with Dr. Hickman to find out what drove him to become a dentist, his favorite thing about being a dentist, and what he’s looking forward to at Parkersburg Family Care Dental.

Q: What drove you to choose this career path?

KH: I chose this career path because I thoroughly enjoy helping others. Smiling, talking, and chewing are essential aspects of life that I know I can help improve.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

KH: After brushing your teeth, do not rinse with water. This allows the fluoride from the toothpaste to stay on your teeth and provide better results and healthier teeth.

Q: What are some misconceptions people often have about your job?

KH: I understand that, for the most part, when people say they “hate going to the dentist,” they are saying they have anxiety with their dental visits. It’s not that they hate me personally.

Q: What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

KH: The most enjoyable part of being a family dentist is when patients appreciate my work, whether relieving their pain or improving their smile.

Q: When not at Coplin, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

KH: I enjoy spending time with my family. We are fans of West Virginia University’s football, basketball, and baseball teams. We are also hockey fans and enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Penguins play.

Q: What are your professional goals and interests?

KH: One of my goals as a dentist is to educate patients and their families, letting them know there are newer materials and procedures, and that dental treatments don’t have to be painful.

Some of those procedures include using silver diamine fluoride in children to treat tooth decay and the Hall Technique, where children don’t need local anesthesia, caries removal, or tooth preparation to get a stainless-steel crown.

Q: What might surprise people to know about you?

KH: One thing people might find surprising about me is that I am the first dentist in my family.

Q: What community or volunteer activities do you participate in?

KH: I am an active member and participate in leading worship services at Harmar Hill Church of Christ In Marietta, Ohio.

Q: What’s one fun fact about yourself?

KH: One fun fact about myself is that I do everything “right-handed,” but I kick with my left foot when playing kickball or soccer.

Q: What do you love (or look forward to) the most about your job?

KH: What I love most about being a dentist is when a patient is grateful that I have helped them with a problem.

Q: Tell us a little about you personally.

KH: I married my wife of four years shortly after I graduated from dental school, and we have two sons.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Hickman, DDS, call 304-485-7717. Parkersburg Family Dental Care is in Wood County, West Virginia.