Jolee Roberts Bridgewater
Q: Dr. Roberts, can you tell us how your journey into dentistry began?
Dr. Jolee Roberts: Sure. I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but dentistry stood out to me early on. I liked the idea of working with my hands and building relationships with patients over time. In college, I studied biology with a focus on pre-dental sciences. That really gave me a strong foundation. Then I went on to earn my DDS and completed a General Practice Residency right after. That residency gave me a lot of hands-on experience with restorative work, emergencies, and even some oral surgery.
Q: What was it like stepping into the dental field after your training?
Roberts: It was exciting but also a little overwhelming. Dentistry is one of those fields where you learn the technical skills in school, but the real learning begins when you start working with people every day. I remember one of my first patients was extremely nervous—even just sitting in the chair made her anxious. That experience taught me how important communication and empathy are. It’s not just about fixing teeth; it’s about helping someone feel safe and understood.
Q: You’re known for your work with anxious patients. How did that become such a focus for you?
Roberts: It started with that early experience, but I realised pretty quickly that dental anxiety is incredibly common. I made it a point to learn calming techniques and adopt technology that reduces discomfort. Simple things like explaining the process step by step or offering noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference. Over time, patients who were once too scared to come in regularly started showing up every six months. That’s a win in my book.
Q: What kinds of services do you focus on in your practice today?
Roberts: I offer general and cosmetic dentistry. That includes preventive care like cleanings and checkups, as well as fillings, crowns, and bridges. On the cosmetic side, I do veneers, whitening, and full smile makeovers. I also see a lot of families and provide gentle paediatric care. I’ve invested in newer technologies like same-day crowns using CAD/CAM, digital X-rays, and even some laser treatments. These tools make the experience smoother for both the patient and the provider.
Q: Technology seems to be a big part of your approach. Has that changed the way you work?
Roberts: Absolutely. Technology has improved patient comfort and efficiency in a big way. For example, with CAD/CAM I can create and place a crown in one visit. That’s a huge time-saver for busy patients. Digital X-rays use less radiation and give immediate results. But more importantly, these tools help me explain things better to my patients. They can see what I see, and that helps them understand their treatment.
Q: What’s your approach to patient care beyond the technical side?
Roberts: I think the key is listening. Every patient has a different story, different fears, and different goals. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. I like to sit down, talk through their concerns, and work together to come up with a plan that makes sense for their life—not just their teeth. I also try to focus on prevention. The more a patient understands their oral health, the more likely they are to take care of it between visits.
Q: You’re also involved in your community. What does that look like?
Roberts: I volunteer at local clinics and take part in school programs to teach kids about brushing and healthy habits. I believe that access to care is a right, not a luxury. Even just handing out toothbrushes and showing proper technique can have a lasting impact. I also support organisations that provide dental care to underserved populations. Giving back is a responsibility I take seriously.
Q: Dentistry can be a demanding career. How do you stay balanced?
Roberts: It’s not easy, but I make time for things that keep me grounded. I love hiking on New Jersey trails, going to local art festivals, and spending time with my family and my rescue dog. I’m also a big reader—fiction, nonfiction, whatever helps me unwind. Balance doesn’t mean everything is perfect all the time, but it helps me recharge so I can be fully present when I’m with my patients.
Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of in your career so far?
Roberts: Honestly, it’s the relationships. When someone tells me they’ve been avoiding the dentist for years and now they feel comfortable coming in—that means everything. When I see a patient smile after finishing treatment they’ve been putting off for a decade, that’s a reminder of why I do what I do. The trust people place in me is not something I take lightly.
Q: What’s next for you?
Roberts: I want to keep learning and growing. Dentistry is always evolving, and I want to keep improving my skills, especially in areas like cosmetic work and new tech. I’m also exploring ways to reach more people through education, maybe more school-based programs or public health efforts. The goal is to keep making a difference, one patient at a time.
