Meet Dr. Ryan: A Conversation About Care, Comfort, and Confidence

At SLO Smiles, we believe great dentistry starts with listening. And when you sit down with Dr. Ericka Ryan, that’s exactly where things begin.

We asked Dr. Ryan a few questions about her approach to patient care, comfort, and whole-body health. Here’s what she had to say.

When a new patient sits in your chair, what’s most important to you in that first conversation?

“When a new patient sits in my chair, I mostly listen, not just to what they say, but how they say it. I want to know their goals, whether they’re nervous or haven’t seen a dentist in years (and why), and what they’d like to change about their smile. I pay attention to tone, pauses, and body language so I can tell if there’s fear, embarrassment, or money worries they might not say outright. That helps me explain things in a way that feels comfortable and actually useful for them.”

At SLO Smiles, we often say “we’re listeners, not lecturers.” What does that look like in your day-to-day care?

“I figured out early on that scolding patients for skipping the dentist never helps. Being a ‘listener, not a lecturer’ means I meet patients where they are—no judgment, just support. If someone is embarrassed about not coming in for years, I’ll say, ‘You’re here now and that’s what matters,’ and we move forward from there.

Day-to-day, that looks like warm, welcoming conversation, paying attention to how someone’s feeling, and breaking big treatment plans into bite-sized steps. Instead of overwhelming them with a long list, I might start with a cleaning and one filling. Small wins build trust and make it easier for patients to stick with their care.”

A lot of people feel anxious about going to the dentist. How do you help patients feel comfortable—especially if they’ve had a tough experience in the past?

“I start by listening and paying attention to what they say and how they say it. I ask open questions about what went wrong before, so I know what bothered them the most. I’ll sit facing them, take my mask off when appropriate, and make eye contact so they know I’m present and can feel a little more at ease seeing me without anything blocking my smile.

I validate any unsettled feelings, ask what helps them feel in control—like hand signals, breaks, or music—and repeat back main concerns so we’re on the same page. Then we work together to create a plan at a pace that feels okay for them.”

You place a strong emphasis on patient education. How do you explain things clearly without overwhelming people?

“I think it’s important to explain where a patient’s oral health stands, what their options are, and how to prevent problems from coming back. To avoid overwhelming people, I stick to one or two main concerns. Too much information can be harder to remember and act on.

I use plain language, ask patients to confirm what they heard, and give small, doable next steps. One thing I wish more people understood is that a cavity usually won’t hurt until it’s pretty advanced. And by then, it often can’t be fixed with just a simple filling.”

We talk a lot about dentistry as part of whole-body health. How do you help patients connect those dots?

“The mouth is the body’s first entry point, and there’s a lot of research linking oral health to overall health. The bacteria behind gum disease can get into the bloodstream and have been associated with things like heart disease.

At SLO Smiles, we take a plaque sample from new patients and look at it under a microscope so they can actually see what’s living in their mouth. Seeing those microbes makes the connection real and helps patients understand why it matters.”

Every patient comes in with different goals. How do you build a treatment plan that feels right for each person?

“I start by asking what matters most to the patient—health, appearance, or both. We tackle those priorities first, then I lay out the realistic options.

Usually, we narrow things down by process of elimination. For example, if someone wants to replace a missing tooth, I’ll present four options. They tell me which ones they don’t want, and we end up with two that feel doable. From there, we compare time, cost, and long-term prognosis and choose what fits their life.”

What do you hope patients feel when they leave your office?

“I want patients to feel heard, calm, and confident about the plan we made. If someone schedules a follow-up after their first visit, that’s a win. If an anxious patient leaves saying, ‘Okay, that wasn’t that bad,’ that’s a big success too.

And my favorite compliment is when someone falls asleep during treatment. That tells me they trust me completely—and that’s when I smile.”

Looking Ahead

Whether you’re coming in for a routine visit or exploring a bigger change, Dr. Ryan’s approach stays the same: listen first, move at your pace, and build a plan that feels right for you.

If it’s been a while—or you’re just looking for a dental experience that feels a little more human—we’d love to meet you.