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How Sweet It Is: Dr. Jay Rodgers Counts New Years Blessings
Dr. Jay Rodgers, a Northbrook dentist and Deerfield resident, allows himself to enjoy homemade pies he bakes with loved ones over the holidays. Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: January 28, 2013 6:26AM
Yes, Dr. Jay Rodgers, a Northbrook dentist and Deerfield resident, has a sweet tooth. Who doesn’t? Rodgers and his wife Jodie (married since 2000) have three children, Drew, 6, a Deerfield South Park Elementary kindergartner and twins Ava and Jack, 4, both preschoolers. Meet Dr. Rodgers.
Q. Why is Northbrook a great place to practice?
A. My wife is from the area, and I have practiced in the northern suburbs for 10 years. I have enjoyed becoming part of the Northbrook community, I had a float in the Fourth of July parade that was a lot of fun.
Q. Are you a summer or winter person?
A. I am a summer person, and I love to waterski and wakeboard. I also enjoy cycling, and frequently ride my bike to work.
Q. A toothbrush, what does that symbolize?
A. I am not into symbolism but I suppose that a lot of people associate toothbrushes with waking up, going to bed. One thing that sticks in my mind with toothbrushes is the first time I can think of that my six year old was obviously embarrassed by his father. This Halloween, I decided that I just could not give out all that sugar-filled, cavity-producing candy, so I wrapped up little toothbrush/toothpaste packets to give out to the Trick-or-Treaters. My son Drew was mortified, “Dad, what if my friends come? Nobody wants toothbrushes on Halloween!” He stood outside my house with the big bowl of candy, running interference to make sure no one would come to the door to get their toothbrush. I remember thinking that this the first (of probably many) times that one of my children will be embarrassed by their father.
Q. Any volunteerism?
A. I work one Saturday a month in an all-children’s clinic in Elgin. The Well Child clinic sees mostly public aid children age 1-18 who would have difficulty getting treatment elsewhere. The kids are great, they receive excellent dental care and I enjoy working there. I studied for a semester in Spain, and because most of the patients in Elgin are Spanish speaking, I get a chance to practice my Spanish.
Q. What is the future of dentistry?
A. Dentistry has changed dramatically in the 30 years. The percentage of children who have never had a cavity is increasing, likewise, the number of adults with decay or restorations in their permanent teeth is lower than ever before.
Q. What’s your sweet tooth, doctor?
A. I am not a big candy person, and I prefer pie to cake (J. Alexander’s carrot cake being the exception). I am sort of famous for my apple pies, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we bake 20-30 at my house. We usually have 10 or so friends come over, they bring their pie plates and apples, and we get an assembly line going for these amazing pies that have been in my family for 50 years.
Q. What’s on the dentist’s iPod?
A. I vowed that whenever I had my office, I would not have easy listening, typical “dental office” music. I play a lot of Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, The Beatles and lately John Mayer while I am working.
Q. Dr. Rodgers, what is your New Years resolution?
A. I would like to resolve to ride my bike to work at least three days a week, weather permitting.
