It's almost a cliché. The dentist says try to relax as the patient lies back in the chair. The immediate reaction is to get even tenser but one of Gainesville's newest medical professionals, Dr. William C. Storoe IV, D.D.S., really means it. “We're trying to develop a friendly setting,” said Dr. Storoe, who recently took over an already existing practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. “I try to make a difficult situation as enjoyable as possible.”

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are dental specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. They care for patients who experience such conditions as problematic wisdom teeth, facial pain, misaligned jaws, traumatic facial injuries, and oral and facial pathology. They also offer facial reconstructive and dental implant surgery along with the treatment of TMJ disorders.

Dr. Storoe is taking over the practice of Dr. Keith J. Francois that was originally started by Dr. Robert Fox, who was well known in the community and passed away in 1997. “I'm very excited about joining this practice,” said Dr. Storoe. “I look forward to continuing the wonderful reputation that has become an integral part of this practice.”

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are involved in a variety of activities. “Ninety percent of what I do is dental and implant surgery of the mouth,” said Dr. Storoe. “But I am fully trained in all aspects of head and neck surgery.”

Patients are often referred by their dentist or primary physician. Often it is to extract wisdom, other teeth or place dental implants. However, many patients may require more extensive treatment to other aspects of the facial region, such as deformities, TMJ, or the treatment of tumors or cancers. In some cases, patients are seeking cosmetic surgery to repair facial damage or improve their appearance. All of these procedures and more fall under the professional expertise of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Dr. Storoe moved to oral and maxillofacial surgery after seven years as a general dentist. “Because of my background, we can provide a good working environment between the referring dentist, the patient and myself,” he said. “I believe that strong communication between everyone involved is of the utmost importance if the patient is going to have an enjoyable experience.”

An Illinois farm boy at heart, Dr. Storoe graduated dental school in 1990, and completed his first residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He spent seven years as a Naval Dental Officer, completing a General Practice Residency and achieving Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry. His interest in oral and maxillofacial surgery led him to his second residency at the MetroHealth Medical Center, which is a level-one trauma center in Cleveland, Ohio, with the second largest life flight system in the country.

Dr. Storoe, recently married, already has his new bride, DeAnna, working with him. She is meeting with local dentists and physicians to introduce Dr. Storoe and the practice into the community.

“It's just natural that DeAnna would be working with me,” he said. “I'm trying to generate a feeling of family and a friendly environment. Gainesville is that kind of community. I want people to walk out of here feeling good. I want them to tell their family and friends of the wonderful experience they had in our office.”