Q&A with Coplin’s New Dentist, Samuel D. Bever, DDS

Coplin Health Systems is pleased to welcome dentist Samuel D. Bever, DDS to Parkersburg Family Care Dental. Dr. Bever is excited to join the dental team and provide quality oral healthcare to patients of all ages.

We spoke with Dr. Bever about his healthcare experience and what he looks forward to in his new role at Coplin Health Systems.

Q: What drove you to choose this career path?

SB: I wanted to be in the medical field and help people. I’ve been interested in dentistry since high school. It’s a rewarding career because you can help people and hopefully alleviate some of their fear of receiving dental treatment. It’s also satisfying to help people improve their oral health and, ultimately, their overall health.

Q: What activities do you do beyond what most people see?

SB: I enjoy doing mission work in southern West Virginia on the weekends!

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

SB: People can avoid many dental problems by brushing their teeth at least twice daily and by flossing regularly.

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

SB: Some people think that dental work is painful due to past experiences. With the newer materials and procedures, dental treatment doesn’t have to be painful.

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

SB: The most enjoyable part of my job is helping people improve their oral health in a way that when we’re finished with treatment they say, “Wow. That didn’t hurt,” or “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be!”

Q: When not at Coplin, what do you enjoy doing?

SB: I like to fish and garden.

Q: What might surprise people to know about you?

SB: I have an interest in and actively cultivating ginseng and vermicomposting.

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

SB: I started Mountain Home Ministries, Inc. (a non-profit) in McDowell County, West Virginia in 2015. Much of my weekend time is spent working there.

Q: What are your professional goals and interests? (i.e., immunizations, diabetes, healthy eating, etc.)

SB: Oral health and healthy eating are my main dentistry goals and interests. I enjoy educating my patients on the importance of oral health and its relationship to overall health.

Q: What is one fun fact about yourself?

SB: I have been a non-professional (lay) minister for several years and have examined paths to be ordained.

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

SB: I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. They are not just mouths with teeth to me. I like getting to know them. I also enjoy getting to know the staff at each clinic and the people I work with every day.

Q: Tell us about you personally.

SB: I have been married to my wife, Darla, for 34 years and we have three adult children.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Samuel Bever, DDS, please call 304-485-7717. Parkersburg Family Care Dental is located in Wood County, West Virginia.