Ever since he was a young boy, Dr. Donald Miller knew he wanted to build something for himself that would also give back to others.
For over 25 years, he has worn many hats primarily as the owner and operator Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry in the Brickwalk but also as community builder and philanthropist.
Though he’s approached “five times a week” by private equity firms seeking to offload his administrative burden, Dr. Miller tells Fairfield Lifestyle: “I'm not into being taken over by business specialists who tell me how to run a practice.” Instead, he feels like being a businessman in addition to practicing dentistry enables him to better connect with his patients.
“We forget about patients being people, and we really, as doctors, should be more aware of what our patients are like,” Dr. Miller says. “They get anxious just like we do, and they need to make sure that this is a safe place for them, their questions can be answered with confidence, and the work that follows can be done at a topnotch level.”
In building his practice, Dr. Miller has prioritized bringing in new technologies as well as services and staff that put the patient first. Uniquely, his office offers a full slate of dental services, including cosmetic procedures as well as nonsurgical treatment for TMJ pain, and also features in-house lab services so that patients can receive comprehensive care in one location. All digital imaging equipment is state-of-the-art, enabling his team to be “precise and efficient,” he says. For anxious patients, Dr. Miller offers IV sedation as well as weighted blankets.
Additionally, he’s proud to offer “concierge-style” appointments for all patients, including longer and same-day appointments, weekend care, and proactive follow-up. “We do everything here, so our patients don't get farmed out, they're not sent to this specialist or that person. They get everything done here within their comfort zone.”
Because of all this, Dr. Miller says he comes to work happy. “I'm not stressed out about having to meet certain goals because those goals just happen,” he says. “Our patients enjoy coming into our office. They often tell other people: ‘I can't wait to go to the dentist.’”
Originally from Stamford, CT, Dr. Miller was attracted by the sciences at an early age. After being exposed to dentistry through some family friends, he saw the opportunity to not only work with his hands but also be in business for himself, and chose it as his career path. He attended Boston College and earned his dental degree from the University of Connecticut before completing a residency in Advanced Cosmetic & Surgical Dentistry at the University of North Carolina.
A lifelong sailor, he chose to settle with his family in Fairfield partially for its proximity to the water but also because of its supportive community. While the town is less “sleepy” than it was when he moved here, Dr. Miller has embedded himself within its fabric, especially as a fundraiser for the Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center, Al’s Angels, Lauralton Hall, Fairfield Police and Fire Departments, and youth sports leagues, to name a few. He also recently launched a college scholarship program for graduating Fairfield high school students intending to study nursing, science, or medicine. Giving back and supporting other small businesses is something not optional for Dr. Miller.
His pride and joy are his three children—Sophia, Devon, and Michael—and spending time with them be it on the water, hitting the slopes, having Sunday dinners, or traveling to different NFL stadiums. Dr. Miller has also embraced the opportunity to model humanitarianism for them in his volunteer work. “I like to give back, and I like to show my kids what kind of smile they can put on someone’s face by just doing small things,” he says. “If you can do something nice, you should.”
In his free time, he enjoys sailing out of the Black Rock Yacht Club, doing hot yoga, skiing, and golfing. He can often be found hanging out at Saugatuck Sweets with Al DiGuido, because even dentists love a sweet treat now and then.
Ultimately, his objective is to “no pun intended, put smiles on people’s faces, but also make them feel good. We have real conversations in the chair. I think it's good for me, too, to be honest. It is nice to help people in a way that they appreciate and know they can't get other places.”
To learn more, visit fairfieldcosmeticdentistry.com, follow @fairfieldcosmeticdentistry on Instagram, or call 203-255-6878. Dr. Donald Miller and Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry can be found at 1275 Post Road, Suite 201, Fairfield, CT 06824.