Powerball fever is sweeping through again, and as of this writing, the jackpot has climbed to $426 million. And yes, I bought a ticket. I’m not saying I’ve cleared space in my garage for a Gulfstream jet or anything—but let’s just say my sons have received suspiciously cheerful texts from me this week.
But as a dentist who lives, works, and races in Mill Valley, I can’t help but imagine: what would I actually do with all that money? Besides the obligatory trip to Lake Como and maybe a race day with Lewis Hamilton (hey, I can dream), here’s what my post-jackpot dental life might look like:
1. Free Invisalign for Every Kid in Marin (Yes, Even Your Nephew Who Lost His Retainers… Twice)
Let’s be honest—Invisalign is amazing. It’s discreet, effective, and far easier than traditional braces. But for a lot of families, it’s still out of reach financially. If I won the Powerball, the first thing I’d do (after confirming with my accountant that I’m not hallucinating) is launch a county-wide Invisalign scholarship program for children and teens.
No more choosing between straight teeth and summer camp. Every kid deserves the confidence of a healthy, aligned smile. Especially in the selfie era. We’d call it “Project Smile Forward,” and yes, there would be t-shirts.
2. A Mobile Dental Van for Underserved Communities (With a Better Sound System Than Most Cars)
Winning the Powerball wouldn’t change the fact that many people in Marin—and just beyond—still struggle to access dental care. I’d invest in a state-of-the-art mobile dental unit, fully staffed and fully equipped to handle cleanings, fillings, extractions, and even early orthodontics.
It would travel to schools, shelters, and rural pockets of the county where care is hard to come by. And let’s be real—if it’s my van, it’s going to have cozy chairs, eucalyptus-scented towels, and a playlist that swings from Miles Davis to Lizzo.
3. A Spa-Dental Experience in the Heart of Mill Valley
Okay, I already do everything I can to make my office feel warm, welcoming, and stress-free. But with $426 million? We’re talking eucalyptus walls, gentle aromatherapy, massage dental chairs, and fresh-pressed green juice on tap.
Your cleaning would feel like a spa day. You’d leave not just polished—but re-centered. I’d even commission a Mill Valley artist to design ceiling murals of the redwoods, so you can stare at something beautiful while we floss.
4. Dental Charities Would Get a Big Slice
Organizations like Smile Train, America’s ToothFairy, and Give Kids a Smile do phenomenal work providing dental care and education to children in need. I’d fund clinics, sponsor outreach trips, and underwrite research focused on preventing dental disease in vulnerable communities.
There’s no good reason for a child anywhere to suffer through tooth pain when it’s one of the most preventable health issues we face.
I’d definitely make a donation to the good people at CocoFloss—a product I genuinely believe in.
5. Also… I’d Probably Build a Race Track. But Hear Me Out.
Yes, I’m a dentist. Yes, I love teeth. But I also love speed. So maybe—just maybe—I’d carve out a little corner of my winnings to build a sustainable, EV-friendly race track tucked somewhere out in Sonoma. It’d double as a fundraiser venue for dental charities.
Imagine this: “Laps for Smiles”—every lap you drive helps fund a child’s Invisalign treatment. Now that’s what I call horsepower with a purpose.
6. A Marin Dental Fellowship Program for the Next Generation
Let’s not forget the future of dentistry. If I had the funds, I’d create a local dental fellowship program right here in Marin County for students interested in family, pediatric, and community dentistry. Tuition would be covered, mentorship would be built-in, and each fellow would commit to serving underserved communities for at least two years.
Imagine bright Mill Valley and Marin students coming home from dental school not crushed by debt, but empowered to care for their neighbors. It would be a long-term investment in healthier communities—and a beautiful way to keep talent and compassion rooted in our own backyard.
7. Tooth Fairy 2.0 (with Some Seriously Cool Merch)
We’d bring the Tooth Fairy into the 21st century. Think: educational kits for kids that make brushing fun, community pop-ups with real dental hygienists dressed in sparkly wings, and yes—limited edition merch. Imagine a little plush molar wearing sunglasses and a cape.
Beyond the fun, it’s about early education. Helping kids understand their teeth, their bodies, and their choices from an early age has a lifelong impact. And honestly, if we can make brushing and flossing exciting instead of a chore, we’re halfway to a cavity-free future.
Back to Reality (and Retainers)
Of course, I know the odds of winning the Powerball are… well, laughably slim. But imagining what I’d do with that kind of unexpected abundance reminds me why I do what I do every day.
Because even without $426 million, I already get to help people feel confident, healthy, and cared for. And that’s a pretty incredible jackpot in itself.
So no, I haven’t ordered my yacht just yet. But I have ordered more digital scanning trays. And we are planning new ways to expand access and elevate care right here in Mill Valley.
Wishing you a winning smile this week (Powerball ticket or not),
Call my office for an appointment at (415) 383-0824
