When Danielle Rubenetti joined Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry nearly a decade ago, she never expected to have her outlook on dentistry completely reshaped.
With 20 years of experience running a busy general practice under her belt, she assumed she knew what excellent patient care looked like. But working alongside Dr. Raju Upadia quickly showed her just how much more was possible.
“I thought I’d seen it all,” Danielle reflected. “But Dr. Upadia had this philosophy of looking beyond the immediate problem and really uncovering why a patient was having issues in the first place. It wasn’t just about fixing cavities or replacing broken crowns — it was about getting to the root cause and solving it.”
That shift in perspective didn’t just change the way she viewed dentistry. It transformed the entire practice.
A New Way to See Dentistry
From the very start, Danielle realized this office was unlike any other she had worked in. Dr. Upadia, an educator with the Dawson Academy, built his practice around comprehensive, whole-mouth care — and Smile Wizard became a cornerstone of that approach.
“He introduced me to the concept of diagnosing and treating the full picture, not just what was in front of you,” Danielle said. “At first, it was overwhelming. I didn’t understand all the terminology — TMJ issues, occlusion, functional bite. Honestly, I thought it sounded unnecessary.”
But her perspective began to change when she went through the diagnostic process herself as a new employee.
“Dr. Upadia requires every team member to experience a full records appointment and see the Smile Wizard in action,” she explained. “That was when it really clicked. You can’t help but see how much more thorough it is, how much more confidence it gives both the team and the patient.”
It was also when she realized how much patients valued it.
“Our reviews say it all,” she said. “So many patients mention how thorough we are, how we explain things no one’s ever explained to them before. It’s become part of who we are.”
Standing Out in a Crowded Field
Before coming to Metropolitan, Danielle managed a high-volume general practice. While it was busy and profitable, she admitted that it wasn’t especially memorable.
“We were just like every other office,” she said. “You’d see new patients, handle emergencies, and move on. We thought we were doing well, but there was nothing that really set us apart.”
That’s no longer the case.
“Now, our reputation speaks for itself,” she explained. “We don’t take insurance — we’re entirely fee-for-service — but we’re still seeing patients leave their other dentists to come here because of the level of care we offer. Other doctors even refer their challenging cases to us because they know we can handle them.”
Danielle credits much of that to the consistency and structure that Smile Wizard provides.
“It’s like having a roadmap,” she said. “It guides you step by step so nothing falls through the cracks. You can’t skip steps, and you’re confident you’re giving the patient the most complete evaluation possible. It just makes you better at what you do.”
Confidence for the Entire Team
One of the biggest benefits of Smile Wizard, Danielle noted, is how it unifies the team.
“Everyone’s looking at the same information,” she said. “The assistants, the hygienists, the doctor — we’re all on the same page, literally. It keeps us organized and lets us work together seamlessly.”
The transition wasn’t entirely smooth at first.
“Any time you change your process, there’s resistance,” she admitted. “People were used to doing things a certain way, and Smile Wizard required more time up front. But once everyone saw the results — happier patients, better outcomes, fewer mistakes — it became part of the culture here.”
Now, the entire team expects to use Smile Wizard with every new patient.
“It’s just automatic,” she said. “We don’t even think about it anymore. It’s part of who we are.”
Worth the Investment
Danielle is quick to point out that Smile Wizard has paid for itself many times over.
“You might not see the return on day one,” she said. “But over time, you start noticing more referrals, fewer remakes, and more complex cases coming your way. Patients trust you because they can tell you’re thorough and invested in their health. That kind of trust leads to long-term success.”
It’s not just about revenue, though.
“This isn’t just about making more money,” she emphasized. “It’s about being the kind of provider who does things the right way — who actually finds the real problems and fixes them. Smile Wizard gives you the tools to do that.”
She also noted that it helps avoid the kind of oversights that can lead to rework and patient dissatisfaction.
“You’re seeing everything,” she said. “You’re not rushing through and missing something important. That protects the patient and the practice.”
A Lasting Impact
Today, Danielle sees how the office’s commitment to comprehensive care has elevated its reputation in the community.
“We’re known for solving problems other dentists don’t even catch,” she said. “We take our time, we figure out what’s really going on, and we give patients something beautiful and functional that lasts.”
If she were ever to move to another practice, she said Smile Wizard would be the first thing she recommended.
“I’d tell them, if you want to be more than just another dentist in town, this is the way to do it,” she said. “It helps you stand out, deliver better care, and build a reputation you can be proud of. It’s not just a piece of software — it’s a better way to practice.”
Danielle also stressed that Smile Wizard isn’t only for Dawson-trained doctors.
“It doesn’t matter what philosophy you’ve learned,” she explained. “Spear, Pankey, Dawson — it works with all of them. It helps keep you focused, organized, and consistent no matter your background.”
Why It Matters
Looking back on her nine years at Metropolitan, Danielle is proud of what they’ve achieved as a team.
“We’ve built something really special here,” she said. “Patients feel the difference the moment they walk in the door. They know we care. And Smile Wizard is a big part of why we’re able to deliver on that promise every day.”
For any dentist looking to elevate their practice, her advice is simple:
“Invest in yourself. Invest in your patients. Smile Wizard helps you do both.”