About our Practice
DR. EBEN A DEARMOND JR.
Dentistry is a profession that requires both skill and passion, and Dr. Dearmond embodies both of these qualities. As a practicing dentist for over 40 years, Dr. Dearmond has dedicated his life to improving the dental health of his patients. In this interview, we’ll get to know Dr. Dearmond better and learn about his passion for dentistry.
First Job: I was a day camp counselor at 15 years old.
What drew you to dentistry? I went to a small private school here. I wanted to be in the medical field, I had reservations about how I would deal with some of the issues in Medicine.
I watched two dentists in our community and realized they were very happy with their work. Wayne McCully was the strongest influence. He was really happy with his work and the people he cared for. Dr. McCully became a great promoter. He was a really strong influence in my career path.
Where did you study? I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for my undergraduate degree. My dental training was at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Dental School in Memphis.
What did you do your undergraduate degree in? I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.
Full Interview with Dr. DeArmond
Why did you set up practice in Cleveland? I loved growing up in Cleveland, and I wanted to come home.
What was your first day like, as a dentist? I am associated with Dr. Randall, Stonecipher. He was running for county sheriff, so I filled in and kept his office open while he was campaigning. He was unsuccessful in his race. Shortly after the election, Dr. Ronald Himes had a debilitating stroke, I was asked to come work for him while he was dealing with the stroke. I worked as his associate for about 18 months and then had the opportunity to buy the practice.
So what’s a typical day like for you? I generally arrive at the office around 7:00 AM and we see our first patients at 8:00 AM. This gives me a chance to prepare for the day’s patients. I am not a high volume practice. I like to have time to talk with friends before we begin the procedures. We have a very strong dental Hygiene Team who help patients establish and maintain good oral health. Prevention is a large part of a modern dental practice.
I am a strong believer in interdisciplinary treatment. I have surrounded myself with a fine complement of specialists to help assure that my patients are receiving the best care possible. We have a full complement of clinical dental specialists in our community.
I focused on certain skills and procedures and relied on collaboration with my specialists to provide the care that I could not provide.
What would you say is your favorite part of your practice? I have wonderful patients to care for.and a fantastic team to work with.
What would you say to somebody who is afraid of the dentist? It takes time to earn trust. The first thing I’ll promise a patient is “I won’t hurt you”.
What would you call the highlight of your career? There have been several. One was being invited to attend the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry in Chicago. This was my first major meeting. I went as a guest of a well known dentist from Chattanooga. It was a fantastic meeting and a turning point in my career.
Several years later, I was invited to present a program to The Academy. Shortly after the presentation, I was invited to join as a full member.
What has been your favorite opportunity that’s come? Dr. McCulley and numerous other senior dentists encouraged me to become involved in organized dentistry. Some of my best friends and mentors have come from being involved with various dental organizations. I have had good people guide me in my continuing studies. They have helped me identify the right people to learn from.
Where are you teaching it? I am part of the Visiting Faculty at The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. It’s fifty six years old now. The oldest and the only nonprofit advanced dental education institute in the country. Dr. Pankey’s philosophy of practice and patient care is remarkable. We have established a foundation to support the objectives and goals of Dr. Pankey and his philosophy.
So, what would you say you are most proud of in your career? I’ve gotten to enjoy a very nice life in my community, and I have had the privilege of caring for some wonderful people over the years. I made a good choice in my career many years ago, and I continue to enjoy the work, the learning, and the people who trust me with their care.
It sounds like your reputation is very important to you. I’m a fourth-generation DeArmond in this community. My father, Eben Sr., was a decorated war hero. He was wounded in the Normandy invasion, awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Cross. He retired as an infantry major. He was in and out of hospitals for several years before coming home. He went through UC and got an accounting degree because he thought his injury would limit his career choices. He later became a CPA. I wanted to do something that would be important to the community.
What other professional organizations are you involved with? The Academy of Operative Dentistry., I was President of the Academy a few years ago. I was on the Council twice for three year terms. And then invited to move through the chairs to be president. One of my responsibilities going through the chairs was to serve as the Program chairman. I am an active member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, The Academy of Gold Foil Operators, The Academy of RV Tucker Study Clubs, The Hollenback Medina Operative Dental Seminar, and a faculty study club at the Pankey Institute.
So it sounds like you had some excellent advice along the way. Great mentors. What is one piece of advice that sticks out to you? Be true to yourself. The American College of Dentists emphasizes ethics and professionalism while The International College of Dentists emphasizes the study and advancement of the art and science of dentistry. Both of these Colleges are Honorary invitations to become a Fellow in the organizations.
How have you seen the industry change since you started and where we are now? In the beginning, it was all about disease management. We have evolved now to include prevention, stability, and appearance.
What would you like to see as your personal influence on the industry? First, I’d like to be remembered as a conscientious and talented clinician and then as a good teacher.
What advice would you give to someone trying to start in this industry? You really build stable practices on personal relationships with patients. So the first time you meet someone is going to set the stage for relationship building.
What do you think is the key to professional success? It is still all about honesty. Be honest with people about their problems, and be sure that you try to tailor their treatment to what’s appropriate for them.
What’s your favorite aspect of your job? Problem solving is an important aspect of practice. You have to put the pieces of a puzzle together to understand how to help your patients.
What’s been a moment in your career that was difficult? I had a wonderful and talented partner, Dr. Mike Jones, We practiced together for 23 years. He became ill and passed away very rapidly. I lost a wonderful friend and partner in a matter of a few days.
What would you do if you could pick a day and just do whatever you wanted? It would be golfing, fly fishing, or working at my farm.
How long have you and your wife been married? 25 years, We celebrated our anniversary in May.
What do you do for your 25th? We went to Destin with Denise’s family. We had a great week of nice weather, great food, and good times with our family.
What is the best gift you have ever given someone? My time.
Besides your teaching, how have you given back to your community?
Early on, I was assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scout Troop I was in growing up, troop 10. I have worked withth the YMCA for a number of years. I was on their foundation when it was just the Cleveland YMCA. I served on the Cleveland YMCA Board of Directors. We worked through a merger with the Chattanooga Metro YMCA and the construction of our wonderful facility on Stuart Rd. After the merger I was able to chair our local YMCA and sit on the Board of the METRO YMCA. I think the YMCA is one of our greatest assets in this community.
Where do you attend church? Broad Street United Methodist.
Brittany
Brittany is our Office Manager and a registered dental assistant. She joined our team in 2004. Brittany oversees the day-to-day operations of the practice. She is Dr. DeArmond’s primary scheduler and works with our clinical team to coordinate and assist patients with their care. She brings to us a background in medical billing and insurance as well as experience in the finance field. She is skilled in helping patients deal with insurance and financial matters that can be so confusing. Her warm smile and “what can I do to help you” approach to her job make her a valuable member of our team.
Brittany is a graduate of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, GA. She and her husband have 2 children. Brittany has always been athletic and continues to enjoy outdoor activities as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Cathy
Cathy has been a Dental Hygienist in our practice since 2000. She is a Cleveland native and a Graduate of Bradley Central High School. She attended East Tennessee State University earning an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene in 1982 and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health in 1983.
Cathy returned to the Cleveland area in 1983 and divided her time between a general practice in Athens, TN and Dr. Paul Bacon’s Pediatric practice in Cleveland. In 2018 she retired from her part time pediatric work after 30 years. She continues to work in our practice and care for her grandchildren.
She is married to Charlie Smith, a Bradley county retired educator. They have twin Daughters and six grandchildren. Cathy and Charlie are active members of Westwood Baptist Church. Cathy’s main interest include reading and spending time with family and friends, and especially the grands!
Robin
Robin , our Senior Dental Hygienist, has been with our practice for 32 years and has over 39 years of experience. She is a 1981 graduate of Bradley Central High School and attended Cleveland State before graduating Cum Laude with an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene from Chattanooga State in 1984. She received the Dental Hygiene Award for Excellence for her graduating Dental Hygiene Class. She has attended countless continuing education courses and “hands on” participation courses presented by the nation’s top clinicians. She supports her Profession as a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association, Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association and the Third District Dental Hygienists Association.
Robin and her husband Jeff have been married since 1986 and have two adult sons, Logan and Luke. She also claims her beloved Schnauzers, Truman and Zoe , and her rescue kitty, Toonces, are her kiddos as well. Robin and her family are members of Westwood Baptist Church. Her leisure activities included spending time with her family on the river, renovation projects around her home, flower gardening or any activity that allows her to be outdoors.
When asked the best part about becoming a Dental Hygienist, she answered, “ the relationships I have had the privilege to nurture and grow through my years in clinical practice.”
Alisha
Alisha has been a clinical chair side dental assistant since September 1999. She is a graduate of Bradley Central High School and received her Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant certificate through the Oak Ridge Dental Assisting program. She later studied and successfully challenged both sections of the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) and received her National Certification. Her duties are primarily directed toward assisting Dr. DeArmond with direct patient care. Her talents as an artist give her an excellent eye for color and form that are critical in a modern dental practice. She has attended numerous continuing education programs presented by top clinicians from across the country. Her desire for personal growth in her career and a natural compassion for her patients are keys to her success as a clinical dental assistant. She and her husband have three children. As a family they enjoy many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, water sports and four wheeling. Alisha also enjoys several types of arts and crafts including painting and fashioning jewelry.
Keisha
Keisha has been a clinical chair side dental assistant since September 2006 and dental hygiene coordinator since 2019. She is a 2005 graduate of Cleveland High School. She received her Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant certificate through the Oak Ridge Dental Assisting program in 2007. She received her Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant, RDA, credentials following completion of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Examination. She has attended numerous continuing education programs focused on advance dental procedures presented by top clinicians from across the country. She is always eager to learn new concepts wanting to understand why a particular approach to patient care is desirable. She brings a warm smile and comforting manner to our clinic. Keisha and her husband Adam have four children. They enjoy spending time with their children, gardening, and taking trips to the mountains.
Connie
Connie has been a Dental Hygienist in Cleveland for over 35 years. After graduating from Bradley Central High School, she attended Chattanooga State where she graduated with Honors in Dental Hygiene and was named the top Hygienist in her class. She has a passion for dentistry and a heart for every patient she treats. She strives to form individual relationships with her patients to ensure a high quality of dental care.
Connie and her husband have raised two adult sons on a family farm in Northern Bradley County. She loves traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Two of her most memorable trips was going to Israel, and recently Banff in Alberta Canada.
About
We are a general dental practice with emphasis on preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Our goal is to help you and your families establish and maintain excellent oral health for a lifetime. We base our treatment recommendations on current and scientifically supported principles.
Mission Statement
We, as a dental team, will continually strive to assist our patients in achieving a higher quality of life as a result of our contact with them. We will approach each of our patients with compassion and genuine concern for their well-being. We will make every effort to understand our patient’s personal needs and help them to accomplish their desires. With personal commitments to excellence and professionalism, we will educate our patients so that they will understand and appreciate the importance of good health.