An Interview with Canadian Dentist Dr. Louis Bourget: Business Leader And Entrepreneur

Dr. Louis Bourget is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon ahead of his time. After earning two master’s degrees and a PhD, Dr. Bourget continued to learn and develop his skills with fellowships in cleft lip and palate reconstruction and facial cosmetic surgery. With over thirty years of experience in running practices in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland,
Dr. Bourget has plenty of knowledge and wisdom to share.
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Q: What is your favorite part of training/leading the next generation of oral and
maxillofacial surgeons?

Dr. Louis Bourget: These new surgeons come with new lingo and new spunk
compared to my class. They have so much energy and compassion. They are ready to
learn. It’s really exciting to see. When I have the opportunity to teach a new oral and
maxillofacial surgeon or new dentist, I make sure to slow down and allow them to teach
me. I want to learn from them as much as they want to learn from me. They teach me
the new technology that is potentially coming into our line of work and I can teach them
all I know. It’s always a win-win. If you are ever in a teaching position, take the time to
learn. I would say that is my favorite part. Learning something new from everyone I
come across.

Q: What would you tell people just opening their first dental practice?

Dr. Louis Bourget: First of all, I would say a big “Congratulations!” Opening your first
practice is a huge step. Making sure you have a great team is essential. This doesn’t
just mean in the office. Make sure you have your family and mentors with you as well.
They have a saying about being a parent; they say ‘it takes a village.” This practice is
your baby and it will also take a village. This village will be your support through the ups
and downs, the ebbs and flows. Be ready for those ups and downs. When you start out
a business, it doesn’t always grow exponentially. Start humble and grow as you can.
Work hard and you will reap all the benefits of your hard work. A famous person said
“Take care of your staff and they will take care of your business” – this is so true.

Q: How would you tell other doctors to think outside the box when treating
patients or with cutting-edge ideas? I think of how you recently introduced
medical scent service dogs to help reduce anxiety in your patients before
their surgeries.

Dr. Louis Bourget: Yes! Finley. He is still in training right now, but he’s a crowd
favorite. We, my village and I knew that people would get anxious about procedures
around the office. We looked into many options and understood that preoperative
medication is not always the right option and after much thought, we invested in a
service dog as our best option. This goes along with trying to give our patients the best
care and keeping them comfortable. Using the latest technology can usually help
communicate with the patients better. The technology to visualize before and after really
helps patients with knowing what to expect. I would tell other doctors to really lean into
their teams and listen to all the ideas that might be beneficial. Always keep an open
mind to every idea. You never know if the next idea is the exact idea you need for your
practice.

Q: It is well known that you help and give as much as you can. You have The
Bourget Foundation to help the world have access to medical care. How would
one start on such an impactful initiative?

Dr. Louis Bourget: I would tell others to start small. Your time is free, your time is what
everyone wants…See what you can do around your community. Then see what you can
do for your province. Then branch wider. Sending care packages will always be needed
throughout the world. North America leads the world in medical technology. We have
the education, technology, and supplies to lend a hand. If you can, you should. Once
you start on your humanitarian journey, you will have connections upon connections to
be able to provide your time and services to others. You will have the opportunity once
you start. Understand that once you start, it’s like a drug, you just want to keep helping.

Q: If you were able to give your 1990 self some advice about your career, what
would it be and why?

Dr. Louis Bourget: Wow. In 1990, I think I’d just ended my undergraduate in the Dental
program at McGill University. I would tell myself that if you don’t help others, then you
aren’t doing what you need to do for a career. I’ve always had that mindset. But I think
that I needed a reminder at that time in my life. Give your best every day.

Q: With all of your education, what would you advise the young aspiring dentist
just starting their first year at university?

Dr. Louis Bourget: I would tell them that their education is important. I would tell them
to learn as much as they can. I would stress that learning everywhere and anywhere is
important and it is constant. You never stop learning… You can learn in New York or
Mexico City. You will always learn something. Be willing to learn as many skills as you
can. Your knowledge is also something that you can always share with others. Take
pride in that.