One Woman’s Story of How Her Smile Increased Her
Confidence
By Kathleen Gage
For one who takes pride in being involved with
different community organizations, possessing a high
level of confidence is essential. Especially when
that involvement includes speaking to large and
small groups requesting donations for numerous
non-profit organizations.
Such is the case with Teresa Bock, Assistant Vice
President of Wells Fargo Bank’s Olympus Hills Office
in Salt Lake City. Not only is confidence a key to
her success with all the community work she does, it
is vital in her professional position.
When one first meets Teresa, they encounter a woman
who is constantly smiling. This wasn’t always the
case. Before marrying media personality Tom Bock,
Teresa overcame numerous obstacles in her life.
At age seven, Teresa became completely deaf in her
right ear due to Scarlet Fever. During that same
period she lost most of the hearing in her left ear.
Teresa has so beautifully conquered the command of
her ability to communicate, most people would have
no idea she is a master lip reader unless she tells
them.
Another obstacle Teresa overcame was her struggle to
make ends meet with two small children from a
previous marriage. With food and shelter as a
priority there were many things that were put on the
back burner until they became absolutely necessary.
Things like visits to a dentist. During those trying
times dental visits were strictly for emergency and
maintenance purposes. Although Teresa secretly
desired a smile that would turn heads, with the
incredible financial pressures that come with being
a single mom, she wondered if obtaining a beautiful
smile would ever be within reach.
With a strong drive to succeed, Teresa began her
career in banking in 1987 as a teller. Taking on her
career challenges with the same zest that she took
on her physical challenges, Teresa found
opportunities to move up in the banking industry as
well as continue her involvement with non-profit
organizations. During her employment, she learned
that Wells Fargo has an ongoing commitment to giving
back to the community. Seeing an opportunity to
develop a career and contribute to her community,
Teresa knew she had found a great match for her
life’s passions.
It was during this time she met Tom Bock. What
started out as two single parents enjoying each
other’s company blossomed into love and marriage. In
2000, they married, bringing together a combined
family of five children eight grandchildren. A
strong tie for their marriage is love and respect
for their individual interests and the fact both Tom
and Teresa are actively involved in giving back to
the community.
Not being one to settle for giving her energy to one
organization, Teresa has been involved with Ballet
West, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Living Planet
Aquarium, Audiologist Association, NAWBO (National
Association of Women Business Owners) and various
Chamber of Commerce organizations. She is absolutely
convinced that being able to communicate both in
one-on-one and public situations is critical to
achieving the greatest outcome when it relates to
raising money for an organization.
Not one to let go of her dreams, Teresa was also
convinced that an improved smile would directly
impact her confidence level. Although she had the
desire to have her smile cosmetically improved, the
cost was still a huge consideration.
What first sparked Teresa’s interest in a smile
makeover were pictures of people who didn’t have
obvious black lines near their gum lines. She also
had a distinct taste of aluminum in her mouth.
Having been to countless dentists over the years not
one of them ever took time to explain what this was
about. That is until she was introduced to Dr. Scott
Kiser.
Teresa was referred to Dr. Kiser by a friend. She
was so confident in his recommendations she didn’t
bother with a second opinion even though he
recommended she do so. She knew he was fair and
would do the right thing.
When Teresa decided to invest in her smile makeover,
Dr. Kiser showed her how to make it possible. He
helped her to figure out the best way to move
forward and help her fulfill her dream. Not only did
Dr. Kiser address all of Teresa’s questions and
concerns about her dental care, he showed her that
with a good plan, her dream of a beautiful smile was
well within reach.
As with many accomplishments in Teresa’s life, she
had to develop a plan of action to determine how to
afford what she wanted. One of the first things she
did was to prioritize. First, she determined where
she could cut spending. Secondly, she participated
in the Wells Fargo Healthcare Spending Account. The
program allows for having a portion of one’s
paycheck put aside for various healthcare costs.
Depending on the program, the monies can be used for
vision, medical and/or dental fees. These programs
allow you to set aside a specific pretax dollar
amount to be used for un-reimbursed healthcare
expenses. Many employers now offer healthcare
spending programs in their employee benefit
packages.
“If someone thinks they can’t afford it they need to
ask themselves if they really can afford not to do
it. It can change someone’s life in ways they never
dreamed possible,” beams Teresa. “There are always
ways to figure out how to afford something if it
becomes a great enough priority.”
Teresa will be the first to tell you that once she
made the decision to move forward, things seemed to
magically fall into place. She will also tell anyone
who wants to know that her Smile Makeover is one of
the best investments she ever made.
As she suspected, once she had an improved smile,
her confidence rose incredibly. She found she was
more willing to smile when talking to people and any
insecurity she had about what people thought of her
smile completely disappeared. She also found her
confidence when speaking to groups greatly
increased.
Teresa has been so pleased with her results she
always refers people to Dr. Kiser. Many of Teresa
and Tom Bock’s friends are patients of Dr. Kiser.
Although she didn’t always realize the importance of
a great dental care provider, today she will be the
first to admit you have to find someone you can
trust. Someone who really cares about their patients
and won’t rush through an appointment.
“When I visit Dr. Kiser I feel like I am the only
person that matters. And when it comes to my dental
care, that’s the way it should be. I didn’t always
believe that but today I know I deserve that kind of
treatment.”
Teresa also appreciates the commitment and care of
the Smiles Dentistry staff. Teresa knows their staff
is the best around. With state of the art equipment
and décor that is extremely pleasing, she knows the
investment Dr. Kiser has made to create an
atmosphere that will be appreciated by even the most
discriminating tastes.
“They really care about each patient. The first
encounter one has is with Vicki. Whether they meet
Vicki over the phone or in the front office, it is
an incredibly positive experience. Complimented by
Vicki’s “can do” attitude is an overall atmosphere
that is beyond compare.”
“There are people in my life who never knew me
before I had my smile makeover. Shock is often the
response I get when they look at before and after
pictures. Just to see their reaction makes me
realize how great an investment Dr. Kiser’s work has
been. Without a doubt, it is one of the best
investments I have ever made. I will reap the
benefits for years to come. It is such a great
feeling when someone will comment on what a
beautiful smile I have. I cannot begin to tell you
what it has done to improve the quality of my life.”
“To Dr. Kiser and his entire team, I thank you from
the bottom of my heart.”
About Dr. Scott Kiser
Dr. Scott Kiser has been practicing general
dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 20 years.
Dr. Kiser has used only mercury-free substances in
his treatments since the mid 90’s and concentrates
his practice in the areas of sedation dentistry and
complete smile makeovers. Consumer Research Council
of American selected him as Utah’s Top Cosmetic
Dentist of 2003 – 2004. Visit
www.greatsmilesutah.com for your FREE online Great
Smiles Newsletter.
About the Author
Kathleen Gage is a business advisor, keynote speaker
and trainer who helps others gain marketing
dominance and visibility within their market. She is
the recipient of the 2004 Giant Step Award for
Business of the Year in the State of Utah. Call
801.619.1514 or email Kathleen@turningpointpresents.com
. Get Gage’s online newsletter called Street Smarts
Marketing and Promotions by visiting
www.kathleengage.com
How Her Smile Increased Her
Confidence