Business & Tech

Northville Business Spotlight on Preservation Dental

This week, we highlight a Main Street business owned by Dr. William Demray.

There are many interesting businesses that call Northville home, from clothing retailers to restaurants to salons and even businesses you might not have known existed in your own backyard.

Each Thursday, we'll feature a Northville business to learn more about its roots and more. This week, we feature Preservation Dental, a business located at 371 E. Main St. in Northville owned by Dr. William Demray. He tells us more about his business below.

Q: When were you founded?

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I opened my dental practice in one of the historic homes in downtown Northville
in 1977 (35 years ago). In the beginning I practiced simply as William S. Demray, DDS. In recent years we have adopted the name Preservation Dental to speak directly to our practice philosophy.

Q: How did your business come to be? 

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I graduated from Wayne State University and taught physics and biology at Farmington High School before deciding on a career in dentistry. I went on to the University of Detroit Dental School (known today as University of Detroit Mercy) and after graduation went to work in Dearborn, Detroit and Belleville.

Q: Why did you choose Northville?

I searched for a location to open my practice. Northville captured my heart. I carefully considered the impact of living and working in the same community. After all, when the day is done you come face-to-face with your patients in the supermarket, drug store, at the community events…and as they walk past the building as you are pulling weeds. The decision to come to Northville is one of the proudest decisions in my life. As it ends up, being in the town you work in builds a business that is strong and convivial. It has allowed me to see generation after generation of patient families and to grow my business in a town with a meaningful history. I continue to give back to the town that continues to provide for me an opportunity to succeed.

The community of Northville personifies the goals and mission of our practice. The historic ambiance, families that strive for overall good health, an overwhelming sense of community amongst business owners are just a few of the reasons I enjoy doing business in Northville. Simply, it’s a great town with great people.

Q: What kinds of services do you offer?

Preservation Dental is a family dental practice. We care for children – adults – and the senior patient. Our mission statement reads: Preservation Dental recognizes our historic location and a philosophy that promotes lifelong health by conserving tooth and supporting structures for patients of all ages.

Q: What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know?

I don’t think patients realize there are five hygienists on staff; I am the only doctor. The schedule is crafted to allow patients to be seen at their convenience. We are here to serve their needs.

I love dentistry, but I am also an avid photographer. The Art House has hosted
two showings of my photographs. Preservation Dental introduced the Short on
Words competition as part of the Arts & Acts Festival in town. We will continue to sponsor this event in the near future. Some people know it, but I think many would be surprised to know that I am indeed dedicated to the arts and there is a significant artistic component to dentistry. In many ways, I view dentistry as an art.

Q: What do you want your business to be best known for? What's your most popular product or service?

Patients know they can trust my team. Education is key to a healthy smile. The hygienists invite the patient to partner with them in order to keep gums healthy and I support their efforts. We have always practiced with the outcome being the most important element of dentistry – when you have healthy teeth and gums you are working toward overall good health. Bright and white is not natural. Clean and healthy is our goal.

We have had several interns from local high schools who have gone on to dental
school and one of our own has an endodontic practice of her own in a neighboring community. I am very proud to have mentored her and others. The practice does not advertise in a traditional sense, we do spend all our “marketing” efforts being involved in the community of Northville – actively participating in the Fourth of July, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"photos-fourth-of-july-parade-marches-through-northville"} --> and the Holiday Lighted Parade (Award winning floats in each!); we’ve dedicated the Binky Tree in Northville’s Ford Field where youngster celebrate giving up their pacifiers, and can visit every now and then when they come play on the playscape; every other year during Victorian Festival we host a waffle breakfast for patients, neighbors, family and friends (“Save the Date” for September 2013). I have hosted several fundraisers at my home in Northville Township. These events have raised over $100,000 for local, state and national non-profits, including the , , the local chapter of American Association of University Women, Northville’s Historical , University of Detroit Mercy and Celebrities Against Autism. Coming up – we will sponsor the Halloween Treat Street Parade in conjunction with the


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