Her Twitter handle is “theglamstar” and it’s obvious why. Dr. Zelda Pittman, known in Atlanta circles as the smile stylist, emphasizes that quality is a result of planning. “It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution,” explains Dr. Pittman.
Quality is a standard that she also applies generously, and affords to all of the patients in her dental practice because she knows that maintaining good oral health plays a major role in living a longer and healthier life.
“If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, don’t get mad about the diagnosis. It’s only to help you and prevent you from losing teeth, and a lot of times, periodontal disease. Periodontal disease doesn’t hurt [similar to] high blood pressure, but you start to notice that your teeth get loose and wiggly. You may not even notice it and may just notice there’s something in your teeth that you can’t get out,” shares Dr. Pittman.
Dr. Pittman stresses the importance of knowing the state of your periodontal health because now people are more likely to keep their teeth than in the past, and some will keep them throughout their lifetimes. The New Orleans native spends many Fridays outside of her Grant Park practice educating and volunteering.
“You want to help everybody. We volunteer our time at different community centers, like Ben Massell Dental Clinic,” Dr. Pittman says referencing the state-of-the-art dental clinic that provides free dental care to Atlanta’s neediest patients. “It’s very difficult to get into the program, but it certainly is an option and something to explore. [Volunteering] is very rewarding, and a lot of times the patients don’t know what you do as a practitioner.”
Dr. Pittman is a compassionate professional who regularly helps patients in need, particularly women. “I’d like to start a nonprofit to aid women. Women have come into my office crying because there’s no way to replace their teeth. It has become my mission [to help them]. I am hoping to raise funds to provide services for patients who have reached this point because it’s very costly, but it’s also very worth it. I’ve already freed up some of my time to get it started. Be on the lookout and be patient because it’s coming,” she promises. Essentially she hopes to improve the self-esteem of individuals, through what she calls, “A PRETTY GLAM THING!”
A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and various dental associations, for leisure, Dr. Pittman enjoys playing golf, skiing, camping, hiking, traveling and social events. –yvette caslin
