Behind the Scenes with Dr. Seitlin

When most people hear the word dentist they think of cavities and drills, not necessarily sports. But one of the members working behind the scenes to help keep the Charlotte Sting healthy and performing at their highest level is exactly that, a dentist.
Dr. Larry Seitlin has been serving as the team dentist for the Charlotte Sting since they began play in 1997. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Dr. Seitlin has been practicing dentistry in Charlotte for 30 years. During his career, Dr. Seitlin has not only served as team dentist for the Sting but for the Charlotte Hornets and the Charlotte Checkers as well.
In his role as team dentist, Dr. Seitlin treats the dental needs of the team, staff and their families. He also provides the players with custom mouth guards and is present at all home games in the event of a dental emergency.
For Dr. Seitlin, serving as team dentist is the perfect way to combine his profession and his love of sports. �I love basketball,� commented Dr. Seitlin. �I�ve been involved with organized basketball from the recreational league level and AAU up to the NBA and WNBA.�
With his heavy involvement in sports, Dr. Seitlin has seen a little bit of almost everything. �As a dentist you are always ready for sports related injuries,� explained Dr. Seitlin. �This could range from teeth being knocked out or broken to facial injuries.�
To prevent dental injuries like the ones described above, Dr. Seitlin offers the following advice, �The main thing is to wear a custom fitted mouth guard. Aside from preventing injuries to the teeth, it will cut down the chance of sustaining a concussion by almost 90%. To get a custom fitted mouth guard you just need to visit a dentist, where a quick and simple impression of the top teeth will be taken. The mouth guard can then be created overnight.�
This aspect of helping people stay healthy and injury free is just one of the reasons that Dr. Seitlin enjoys his work. �I also enjoy getting to meet and be involved with wonderful people like the Sting,� remarked Dr. Seitlin.
In addition to his work as the team dentist, Dr. Seitlin is also involved with the Sting in other areas as well. A proud corporate sponsor, Dr. Seitlin donates several hundred Sting tickets to charities each year, sponsors the Dawn Staley Foundation ticket section and provides promotional giveaway items.
His advice to everyone, �Brush and floss twice a day and have fun at Sting games!�