Sometimes adversity is necessary to bring out the best in a person. Adversity can be a gift that will forge a person into a unique being. Such is the case with Dr. Denine Rice, of Rice Periodontics and Implant Surgery.
Located
in Riverside just off Arlington, Brockton and Tibbetts, Dr. Rice’s
office exudes a warmth. When I enter I’m immediately greeted by name and
told Dr. Rice will be right with me by the friendly and attentive
staff. Muted colors make up the décor while next to me a fountain
burbles.
“Welcome.”
Dr. Rice, a petite woman with a calming voice and cheery smile takes my
hand and I sense her inner strength. “Can I get you something to eat or
drink?” she asks as she leads me to her private office. I decline and
we sit.
“I
guess we can start at the beginning. I was born in Saigon, South Viet
Nam in June of 1971.” During that year, the United States launched heavy
air strikes to close the Ho Chi Minh trail. In Saigon it was a time of
uncertainty. “My father, a medical doctor, served in the armed forces
alongside U.S. troops.”
“We were a happy family until the sudden coup of April 30th,
1975.” On that morning, South Vietnam was invaded and overrun by the
communists from the North. Dr. Rice’s family had no choice but to leave
their country. “I remember the excitement as we only had hours to
prepare. I also remember the despair. My mother, older brother and I
would be the only ones leaving that day. My father needed to remain
behind with the troops. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make for
our future. We didn’t know if we’d ever see him again.”
Dr.
Rice understands fear and despair. “I recognize it on my patients’
faces. Many times fear causes people to not seek help for their
condition. Or they feel there is no hope. My job is to help these same
people realize wellness. Eighty-nine percent of the adult population has
periodontal disease and most do not know it. Not only that, but
currently it is the number one most contagious disease.”
When
Dr. Rice’s family came to America and arrived in Northern California
they were immediately overwhelmed. “We had only one bag of clothing for
all of us. It was all we were able to bring.” Once here they had to
learn English and begin a new life. Thankfully they had families and
friends who sponsored them during that frightening time. Always they
hoped their father and husband would join them. Years passed.
“I
understand time flies. Many patients do not realize how long it has
been since they were last seen by their dentist, or that seeing your
dentist twice a year was based on a toothpaste advertisement. In
reality, many adults should be seen much more frequently. When patients
are seen three to four times a year, periodontal disease can be
maintained.” As a specialist in Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr.
Denine Rice sees patients of all ages. “People think you have to have a
referral to see me, but usually you don’t. My patients come from all
over the Inland Empire region and I have a few that even visit from out
of state and even, sometimes, the country.”
Three
years went by before Dr. Sang Van Chung was able to leave South Viet
Nam. After Dr. Rice’s father joined them in America, he studied day and
night. “It took him two years to learn English and pass the medical
tests required to recertify and obtain his medical license to practice
in the United States. He is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
still practicing medicine in Highland, California,” she says with pride.
“He was an inspiration to my brother and me. Both of us went into
medicine. My brother, Dr. Andy Chung is a board certified
Otolaryngologist who specializes in the surgical treatment of head and
neck cancer in Texas. For me, dentistry became my passion and focus.”
“I
can treat patients either by non-surgical or surgical means. Most
prefer the non-surgical and so we frequently start there,” Dr. Rice
explains. “When I first graduated from dental school, I worked as a
general dentist for a couple of years. I understand how important it is
to work closely with your dentist so that patients receive the best care
possible.”
Dr.
Rice’s family settled in the Inland Empire. “I attended high school at
San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino and was a great student. I
was a member of the student council, played tennis and participated in a
number of clubs including the Rotary Club. Being active is something
that is very important to me and my family. Even now we spend our
weekends and vacations snow skiing, hiking or camping.”
When
Dr. Rice excuses herself, it is to see a patient who recently had
implants placed. “Soon her general dentist will create her final crowns
and an upper denture. Implants are amazing. Improved chewing allows
patients to eat the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins. People
who can’t chew efficiently tend to eat more carbohydrates which can
lead to problems with diabetes and make gum disease worse. It’s like a
dog chasing its tail.” Dr. Rice truly cares about her patients overall
well being and is a firm believer that oral health is a window to
overall health.
After
high school, Dr. Rice attended the University of California, Riverside.
Then she went on to Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry. “Upon
graduating I received the Academy of General Dentistry Student Award.
This meant so much to me. Given to one female and one male in each
class, it honors the dental students who portrayed the best overall
patient care.”
The
idea of providing excellent patient care is one of the things you
notice upon visiting Dr. Rice’s Riverside Periodontal Practice. “We
offer pillows, blankets and even lavender-scented bags filled with, yes,
rice. Whatever we can do to make the patient’s visit better.”
Dr.
Rice practiced general dentistry for two years in Rancho Cucamonga,
before she decided to go back to school and specialize in Periodontics.
So in 1999, she returned to Loma Linda University and finished a three
year residency program.
“People
sometimes forget how important the foundation is. That’s what I focus
on, the foundation of the mouth. And current research shows links
between dental health and respiratory problems, heart disease, diabetes,
pancreatic cancer and many other systemic diseases. While this
information has been getting a lot of media attention lately, what isn’t
spoken of enough is that periodontal disease really can be managed.”
“Finishing
my residency program wasn’t the only major occurrence of 2002. It was
also when I married the love of my life and bought my Riverside
periodontal practice. Yes,” she says laughing. “I was busy that year.”
Clifford
and Denine Rice were married at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite National Park.
The wedding photos, lovely black and white images, very reminiscent of
Ansel Adams’ works, grace each of the treatment suites of her office.
“Occasionally a patient will remark on the photos. Is that you? They
ask. I always laugh and let them know, yes. Of course, I have a few
photos of my children around too.” Dr. Denine Rice and her husband,
Clifford both attended Loma Linda University. It was there that Clifford
received his doctorate in Physical Therapy. He currently works as a
commercial real estate broker with Century 21 specializing in medical
office development, leasing, and sales. Together God has blessed them
with two darling boys, Adam and Joshua. “I always knew I wanted to be a
wife and mother,” she tells me.
Dr.
Rice is a member of the ADA, California Dental Association, Tri-County
Dental Society, California Society of Periodontists, and the American
Academy of Periodontology. As a faculty member of Loma Linda University
School of Dentistry, Dr. Rice is proud to help educate the next
generation of dental professionals
“Many of us are so good at taking care of those around us, but forget to take care of ourselves. I believe that by investing
in your health it will pay a dividend that will last a lifetime. Taking
care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself and your
family.”
