Dr. Philip Golden grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. He attended undergraduate school at Wake Forest University, returning to his home state to get his dental degree from West Virginia University, and has been practicing dentistry in Winston-Salem ever since graduation. He recently merged his practice with Drs. Wilkinson and Symmes and is very excited to be a part of the Peace Haven Family Dentistry team. Together with his wife of 28 years, Julianne, he has three sons and seven grandchildren. Dr. Golden enjoys teaching and guiding youth at his church, Lutheran Church of the Epiphany. Dr. Golden also enjoys working with the Boy Scouts of Troop 934. He is an Eagle Scout and serves in the position of Unit Chairman for the troop.
When he is not at work, church, or scouts, you can find him at Wake Forest sporting events, trout fishing or deep-sea fishing. His professional membership includes the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Forsyth County Dental Association and the Woehler Research dental study group of Southeastern U.S. and Texas, where he served as president.
Q & A with Philip Golden, D.D.S.
Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in your professional dental career?
A: Many years ago, my assistants decided to clean my chairs with something similar to an ArmorAll cleaner for cars. It made them extremely slippery. As I slid in, and out of, my chair I fell right into the lap of one of my patients. I had to put my arms around her to prevent myself from falling on the floor, so I tried to recover by saying, “Good Morning, Mary!” Luckily, no one was hurt and she had a good sense of humor. I was as surprised as she was and we laughed for about ten minutes!
Q: What’s one thing a new patient would be surprised to know about you?
A: I used to have a paper route and delivered newspapers when I was in elementary school.
Q: Were you ever afraid of the dentist? Why/Why not?
A: No. The only thing I didn’t like was when I had to get a filling without any numbing as a child. That made me brush a lot more!
Q: Why is Dentistry important?
A: Studies show that having a healthy mouth is also related to having a healthy body. This can contribute to improved emotional and mental health, as well.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
A: I had a friend in middle school whose father was a dentist. He was an enthusiastic and friendly man who took the time to show me the ropes, and I was hooked.
Q: What do you like most about the dental profession?
A: My patients and the staff really make my job worthwhile. In dentistry you often get to treat patients for many, many years. Hearing about their lives while helping them with their dental issues and dental care makes me really appreciate the profession I have chosen.
Q: Why should I go to you for my dental care?
A: I try to stay current with the latest scientific dental knowledge and techniques, and I believe it is important to provide all of my patients with high quality dentistry in a caring environment.
Q: What’s your dental philosophy?
A: I view each patient as an individual with unique dental needs. There is no “one size fits all” when recommending treatment plans because no two cases are alike.
Q: What are some of your interests outside the office? Volunteer/hobbies?
A: I really enjoy fishing of any kind, but my favorites are trout fishing in our NC mountains, and deep-sea fishing. Also, my whole family loves downhill skiing, which is a great sport to share. My volunteer work with the Boy Scouts and the youth at our church is both fun and rewarding, and keeps me connected with the younger generation.