Dr. John Davila

This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

What would you do if you moved to a foreign country to open a new business, without knowing the language? Most of us would have a tremendous problem and find it extremely difficult — except for Dr. John Davila that is.

You see, John was a successful dentist in his native land, Peru. He had a fine reputation and an excellent practice. But alas, he met a young woman from the United States, fell in love, married and moved to Ogden. The city was much different from his home in Arequipa, Peru, but he felt comfortable, accepted and anxious to practice dentistry in his new home. He first had to better his English skills, so he enrolled at Weber State University. And because the American Dental Association of Utah requires all dentists practicing in Utah attend an approved U.S. dental school, John enrolled in a special program for foreign students at USC in Los Angeles.

I asked John if the course of study at USC was difficult, and he said yes. He also explained it was basically the same training he received in Peru as a dental student.

The Ogden Dental Clinic, where John works, has a staff that speaks both English and Spanish. Many of the clinic's patients are from Spanish speaking nations and often express appreciation to be able to communicate in their native tongue. They also enjoy the care and attention they receive from John and his associates.

John practices general dentistry and mainly completes crown and denture work. An orthodontist, Dr. Dennis Knoles, comes to the clinic once a week and provides additional services for clients. Dental hygiene is a priority for the clinic, and hygienists always seem busy.

John loves his native Peru. He admitted it was difficult at first to adjust and start over in a new culture. But he is happy with his surroundings, his new home, his new country, and the opportunity to use his great skills and provide a needed service.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.