Dr. Nolan Patel is excited to get to know you!
Today, we're inviting you to get to know a little bit more about him.
After taking over the well-established dental practice of Dr. Michael Englemann, he looks forward to building relationships with all of his patients, whether they are new or patients of long-standing record. Building long-term relationships with patients is one of the most gratifying aspects of being a dentist.
What Inspired Dr. Nolan to Become a Dentist?
Growing up, Dr. Nolan observed his father running his own business as an entrepreneur and his mother and sister finding fulfillment in medical professions. He decided he wanted both. After discussing it with his parents, they all agreed that dentistry could combine both aspects of Dr. Nolan's interests, and that's when he began his journey to becoming a dentist.
Besides completing the necessary courses in college, Dr. Nolan also wanted to understand the day-to-day aspects of dentistry and running a dental practice, so he set out to find a mentor. After contacting several local dentists to see if he could shadow them, he finally found one that said yes!
This mentorship set the foundation for Dr. Nolan's passion for dentistry. He shadowed his mentor throughout his college years, learning about dental procedures, all the aspects of running a dental practice, and building a cohesive team. His mentor even gave him his first job out of dental school, where he worked for one year before setting out on his own.
Paying It Forward
Dr. Nolan is continually grateful for the training and mentorship he received while pursuing his dream of becoming a dentist. After becoming the owner and primary provider at his own dental practice in Wilmette, IL, he is passionate about doing the same for future generations of prospective dentists.
He regularly speaks to local high school students about dentistry and entrepreneurship. He even invites students to shadow him at Wilmette Dental Institute if they want to learn more about being a dentist.
If you're ready to take the next steps in becoming a dentist, talk to Dr. Nolan about helping you apply to colleges or writing a recommendation letter for you!
What Aspects of Dentistry Make It Most Rewarding?
Besides mentoring future dentists, Dr. Nolan is passionate about providing exceptional dentistry to his patients. He considers dentistry a form of art, and he's honored to be a part of making a difference and changing someone's life, which he can sometimes do in one appointment!
He recalls a particular case in which he helped a patient regain her smile after losing her front teeth, confidence, and chewing function with dental implants. Combining skills, expertise, and artistry, he used dental implants to restore function, aesthetics, and, most importantly, her confidence.
Dr. Nolan finds it extremely fulfilling to work with his hands, provide a high level of dental care, and connect with his patients.
What Does Dr. Nolan Do in His Free Time?
When he's not caring for patients or mentoring students, Dr. Nolan enjoys reading, meditation, and playing the electric guitar (he's self-taught). He also likes to capture his thoughts by practicing journaling each day.
Dr. Nolan is also a passionate world traveler. He spent the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 in Tokyo, enjoying food, culture, and snowboarding. He's already looking forward to his next adventure, an upcoming sailing trip to Croatia!
If you're looking for an exceptional dentist in Wilmette who is genuinely interested in your well-being and looks forward to meeting you, we encourage you to contact Wilmette Dental Institute at (847) 251-3110 and book an appointment to come and meet Dr. Nolan and his team!