From Fear to Purpose: Finding His Calling at Eastman

Brian Dewind’s story begins with cleaning supplies, quiet hallways, and completing his work when most people aren’t watching.

For years, Brian built a cleaning business that later carried him into Eastman Institute for Oral Health, a seven-story building that has more than twice the traffic it was originally designed for.

He arrives late afternoon, moving through clinics and offices as the day winds down, making things ready for the next. Throughout those first few months, Brian couldn’t help but notice something unique about how everyone interacted with each other.

“There’s a strong family vibe and a lot of teamwork—whether or not they work in general dentistry, pediatrics or in the clinics or offices upstairs,” he said. “This whole organization is a team. I just love that.”

He thought it was ironic, though, when he first started working at Eastman Dental.  

“I have a massive fear of dentists,” he admitted. He was also at a point when he knew he couldn’t keep putting dental treatment off any longer.  

“After seeing how everyone works so well together, I decided to become a patient,” he said.

When he sat in the dental chair for the first time in a long time, he was terrified.

“When I started getting my dental work done, and never once feeling judged, my fears just went out the door,” he recalled. “From the day I started working here, to being a patient, I have always felt good.”

Entering his 40’s and healing from a broken relationship, Brian started imagining a new chapter for his life.

Brian enjoys the variety of his job, including preparing nitrous equipment and the room for both dentist and patient.

“I wondered what it would be like to have a future with Eastman Dental,” he said. “I didn’t know exactly what, or how, but I knew in my heart and in my mind that it was meant to be.”

That’s when a few people suggested he apply for the dental assistant training program, where participants earn while they learn, including hands-on training.

At first, the idea scared him. But then it started to excite him.

“I just knew it was time to take the talents that I'd learned working with people, cleaning their homes and businesses in a different direction,” he said. “Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to do something in the medical field.”

When Brian was accepted to the dental assistant training program, he quickly learned all the terminology, instruments, and several different treatments.

He’s been able to assist in multiple surgical procedures. And when he stands beside patients who are afraid, he empathizes with them and helps reduce their anxiety.

“Brian hit the ground running,” said Kim Hampton, lead dental assistant in General Dentistry. “His work is excellent and he’s eager to learn more. He’s really engaged when he’s with a patient and when he’s not, he always asks how he can help others.”

“The amount that I've changed in just the last two years, the way that I've learned and grown and gotten over fears, I mean, Eastman Dental definitely helped me with all of that and helped me become a better person,” he added. “Our group is strong. Everybody builds each other up. That's what's so great.”

Just a few months away from graduating, Brian has many options ahead of him. Continuing his training to become a licensed dental assistant is first on the list.

“I’d like to stay at Eastman Dental,” he said. “I love what I do.”