Dr. Terry Watson, a seasoned general dentist, now calls Nashville, Tennessee, his home. After spending over twenty years in a small town in Arkansas, he moved to Nashville in 2016 with his wife, seeking new adventures and more opportunities. His wife Dana, a dynamic dental speaker, coach, and team trainer, is also the powerhouse behind managing his dental practice.
A Lifelong Passion for Dentistry
Terry’s love affair with dentistry began at the age of thirteen. A routine dental visit turned extraordinary when he watched the dentist’s work through the reflection in his glasses. Captivated, he told his dad that he wanted to be a dentist, and the rest is history! He pursued his dream, graduating from Arkansas State University and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1996.
Tackling Professional Challenges with a Smile
The post-COVID era has brought its challenges. For Terry, building and keeping a great team together has been tough. PPO fee schedules have also been a headache, with his skills at an all-time high but his earnings not reflecting it. He’s considering dropping some insurance companies or negotiating higher fees to get paid what he’s worth.
Living Life to the Fullest
When he’s not perfecting smiles, Terry loves to live life to the fullest. Working hard four days a week gives him plenty of time to indulge in his passions. Living in Nashville, he’s a huge fan of live music, often supporting his patients who are musicians. His family loves attending concerts, sports events, and exploring new interests like soccer.
He also enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling with his wife, and reconnecting with friends and family back in Missouri and Arkansas. Whether it’s boating, jet skiing, or beach outings, Terry loves being on the water. These activities help him unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Unique Hobbies and Personal Triumphs
Little known fact about Terry – he makes custom wood duck calls? He’s been crafting these for over 20 years, selling them across the country and they’ve been featured in duck call making books.
One of the more serious challenges in Terry’s life began in the fall of 2017 when he was diagnosed with melanoma in his eye. The possibility of losing his eyesight, a critical asset for any dentist, was a daunting and frightening prospect. However, Dr. Watson faced this challenge with incredible strength and resilience. His faith played a crucial role in his journey, and he has been blessed with significant healing, although he remains vigilant with ongoing treatments.
A fun highlight of his career was winning a marketing mastermind contest that tripled his practice’s performance, earning him a year-long lease on a Porsche Cayenne. He even let his team take turns driving it! His mission trips to Suriname and Haiti, providing dental care in remote areas, are also among his proudest achievements.
Reflections and Regrets
Looking back, Terry wishes he had gotten into real estate sooner, taking advice from a dental school professor to heart. His favorite book, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, has been a game-changer, helping him stay focused on his goals.
Finding Joy and Well-Being
Terry’s story is a reminder that finding joy and maintaining well-being is essential for dentist- owners. Balancing work with fun activities, spending time with family, and nurturing hobbies are crucial for mental health. Whether he’s at a concert, on the water, or crafting duck calls, Terry knows how to keep life fun and fulfilling.
