By Andrea Photopoulos

Everyone has a great story to tell when it comes to family, but mine is quite unique and if there was any time, Christmas time is the best for sharing heartwarming stories. Allow me to introduce you to the head of the Photopoulos clan, Dr. Sam T. Photopoulos, aka my Dad.

For over 30 years, Dr. Sam has been practicing general dentistry in San Jose, California. Originally from Michigan, he moved to California as a teenager but was reunited with his east coast roots during dental school while attending University of Detroit. After graduating, Dr. Sam worked with a paedodontist for five years where he specialized in caring for children's dental needs. In 1983, he took over a family practice and eventually relocated in 1991 to his office's current location at Camden Park Center.

The first one in his family to become a Doctor and join the dental field, Dr. Sam had no idea what kind of trend he had started. In 2007 his practice was introduced to Dr. Photopoulos number two, Anastasios, an honors graduate from University of the Pacific in San Francisco, aka my one and only “favorite” big brother. Father and son working op by op, changing the lives of individuals for the better. Then in August of 2008 another family addition to the practice, Miss Andrea Photopoulos, a Dental Hygienist, yes that's me. A father's dream come true, our motto “Let our family take care of your family”. Not only his children, but Dr. Sam also has had his sister, Joann, working the front desk as office manager for over 25 years and his wife, Cathy, a formal dental assistant and the office's interior decorator, in and out, always putting in a helping hand. “Our Big Fat Greek Dental Office Family.”

Always wanting to give back to the community, Dr. Sam and Cathy recently started teaching ballroom dance classes to raise money for San Jose's St. Nicholas Church Building Fund. The dance floor and the golf course are two of my father's favorite places.

As a child I was always very proud of my dad being a dentist, because I knew he was helping people, but now that we work together that pride has reached a whole other level. On a daily basis I am able to see him work his magic first hand. I see how much the patients adore him and how many have overcome dental fears thanks to his soothing persona. I see patients leaving the office ecstatic about their new smile. What an amazing gift to be able to have such a positive impact on someone's life and health. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing family and to be able to make a difference in our community as a team. Our office doors are always open to new patients and new friends. Please feel free to stop in and introduce yourself to “Our Big Fat Greek Dental Office Family.” Happy Holidays!

Friend us “Camden Dental Center” on Facebook or visit us at www.samphotopoulosdds.com to learn more about our office.