Dr. Dikran Deragopian is both a dentist and a doctor of medicine, a rigorous career path most medical professionals do not pursue. But for the Brentwood oral surgeon whose passion is giving patients back their smiles, two areas of expertise made perfect sense.

"The training that I have gone through is broad," said Deragopian, "and I feel that having both degrees gives me a broader umbrella and a better opportunity and knowledge with which to help my patients. It makes me comfortable that I can give patients what they need."

Deragopian, who opened his oral and maxillofacial surgery practice on Balfour Road in October, specializes in tooth extractions, minor gum operations, dental implants and facial surgeries. Because he is also an M.D., Deragopian is able to administer both general and deep sedation anesthesia to his patients as well as monitor their blood pressure during the procedure.

"I would have to say that one of the biggest changes overall in oral surgery has been the use of anesthesia," said Deragopian. "I give a lot of credit to the way the drugs have changed and how quickly people recover from it. It used to be that the anesthetic was almost tougher on the patient than the actual procedure. But now, they feel better during the surgery and they are better much quicker afterward."

The double degrees are also a bonus for Derogopian and his patients from a practical standpoint. The M.D. behind his name gains him quicker access to hospitals for emergency or extensive oral procedures that can't be done in the office.

"It's just one more tool that allows me to do a better job for my patients and again, ensure they are taken care of," he said.

While he negotiates the less exciting aspects of the business, such as insurance forms and referrals ("I'm still learning how to work Kaiser," he laughed), Derogopian said he is gratified and pleased with the reception he has received in Brentwood.

"It's a very warm community here," said Derogopian, who graduated from the University of Kentucky and chose Brentwood for its small-town feel. "I'm trained to be anywhere, but when you work in a small city you become a part of the community and it comes back to you in so many ways. I wanted to work and live locally. I'm very happy to be here."

Dr. Deragopian's office is located at 4411 Balfour Road, Suite B, in Brentwood. For more information, call 513-0100.