Destiny found Paul Matlock when he was a child of ten years old and met an inspiring dentist in his hometown of St. Louis. He had been seeing him throughout his young life and found him to be a positive role model in his formative years.
“He always welcomed all my questions about dentistry as I got older and allowed me to shadow and work in his office from time to time in junior high and early high school,” he noted. “I have known I wanted to be in health care as I have always longed to serve others, to heal, and to provide comfort to those in pain.”
A consummate DIY-er, he recalls when he was around nine, he took apart his parents’ cuckoo clock, every cog and gear, then successfully put it all back together! This attention to detail is a great attribute in dentistry.
“I also enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect of my profession. The temerity and work ethic involved in running a business fuels me,” he continued. “When I was in high school and I found out that there was a six-year dental program at UMKC, which in 1988 was a pilot program, I knew that’s where I needed to be, as the traditional path is four years of undergrad university and four years of dental school.”
Ever a promoter of community, he pointed out that two other dentists in Lees Summit are classmates of his, Dr Aime Broyles and Dr Beth Nill.
His guidance counselor warned him that it was a very competitive program and that with so many applicants, it would be unlikely he would get in, and maybe he should settle for a secondary choice.
“That only motivated me more! At that time, I think there were over 500 applicants for a total of 23 spots. In February of 1989, I interviewed at UMKC, my very first visit to Kansas City. After that interview, I knew this was where I belonged and three weeks later, I was selected,” he smiled. “I have never looked back!”
He enjoys seeing patients he has known for over 20 years and values those relationships he has fostered with those that have trusted him with their dental care over the decades. Now, they are bringing in their kids.
He expressed, “I have grand-patients! There is no ‘cookie cutter’ treatment and everything we do is fully focused on the wants, needs, and expectations of each individual patient.”
His community involvement is precious to him. He is very active in the community.
Some of his good deeds include being an active member and officer in Lee’s Summit Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of the Presentation. In that role, he delivers meals to the sick and homebound, and raises money for Special Olympics, specifically the Track and Field Event in Lee’s Summit every spring.
“I coordinate the KOC Citizenship Essay Contest every year for 8th graders at OLP, and volunteer monthly at St Michael the Archangel High School in Lees Summit as part of the Grounds Crew. I also am an active member of OLP’s music ministry,” he shared. “I strive to live a life of servant-leadership and am proud that my staff are active in volunteering for their communities in various roles. In summary, I think helping others motivates me to take care not only of my patients, but the community I call home.”
I also enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect of my profession. The temerity and work ethic involved in running a business fuels me.