FILLING TIME: Dentists share their hobbies outside of the clinic

In the latest in our new series of interviews exploring what dentists and dental workers get up to in their spare time, we go across the pound to speak to US-based Dr MATTHEW HASHIMOTO of SF Periodontics & Implants about his love of music

Dr Matthew Hashimoto was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and credits his homeland for instilling a community spirit and service to others.

Originally achieving an undergrad degree in biology, he decided on a career in dentistry, receiving his doctorate from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and his Certificate in Periodontics from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2011.

But, outside of the office, his passion is music.

He was the lead singer of indie-pop band, Rexford, and The Shades, a Stevie Wonder tribute band, playing in New York and has also made appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show and American Idol, where he progressed to the judges’ houses. He was also the #SuperTopDog champion of Amatuer Night at the Apollo.

Here, he speaks to Dentist Times editor, Jo Makosinski, about balancing his life inside and outside of the clinic.

I do miss performing, but right now my focus is on my family and my practice 

Q: Can you tell me how your love of singing started?

As long as I can remember, I've always loved singing.

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up surrounded by music.

My parents have told me that I started to sing along to the music that would be playing in our home or on the car radio at around three or four years of age.

That love of singing continued to develop over time, so much so that our neighbours always used to comment on how they could hear me singing in the shower every day.

I am thankful that the love for singing continued on from childhood and allowed me to have many amazing opportunities as an adult.

I’m hopeful that I can pass on this love for music and singing to my kids!

I am thankful that ,y love for singing continued on from childhood and allowed me to have many amazing opportunities as an adult 

Q: How did you decide on a career in dentistry?

I decided to pursue a career in dentistry because of the friends that I made during my undergraduate studies.

Funny as that may sound, I started university as an English major and then transitioned into a biology major (with a minor in English).

I was also able to do an internship with a dentist as a part of my curriculum and that ultimately helped me in making a decision to apply to dental school.

The friends that I made in college really helped push me in the direction of dentistry and I was even luckier to be able to attend the same dental school (University of the Pacific) with them as well.

To this day these people are my closest friends and have also been some of my biggest supporters in my musical ventures.

I decided to pursue a career in dentistry because of the friends that I made during my undergraduate studies 

Q: How has your dentistry career developed?

After completing my residency in periodontics at Columbia University in 2011, I worked in private practice (Manhattan and Brooklyn) and spent a couple years as a part-time clinical instructor.

At the end of 2019 I moved back to San Francisco to be closer to family and have been in the bay area ever since.

My work experience spans both a group practice and a periodontal practice setting.

I am currently in my dream role and am working with Dr Kirk Pasquinelli and Dr Nicole Oliveras at SF Periodontics & Implants.

They’ve taught me a lot and have provided me with an environment that promotes clinical excellence and compassion.

I think that many dentists hope to find a practice like this and I am so grateful to be a part of this team.

Throughout my years in school, I was always a part of band or would find ways to sing with friends 

Q: Have you continued with your music throughout your career?

I have continued with music throughout my career in many different forms.

Throughout my years in school, I was always a part of band or would find ways to sing with friends.

During my time in NYC (2008-2019) is when my singing opportunities really took off.

I was a part of a few bands (Rexford, The Shades) and competed in multiple talent competitions (American Idol, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater). I was even able to perform at the Hackney Empire Theater in London as a part of an exchange programme with the Apollo Theater.

I am not singing in a professional capacity at the moment, but hope to get back into it again someday.

I do miss performing, but right now my focus is on my family and my practice.

My first TV appearance was on the Oprah Winfrey Show for a karaoke singing competition and, although I did not win, the experience pushed me to pursue future opportunities 

Q: You have appeared on several TV shows, please tell us about that

I did appear on several TV shows and they were all wonderful experiences.

My first TV appearance was on the Oprah Winfrey Show for a karaoke singing competition and, although I did not win, the experience pushed me to pursue future opportunities.

The following competition was with American Idol, where I made it to ‘Hollywood’ week, and although I did not advance very far it taught me a lot about music and reality TV.

I was blown away by the volume of talent that I saw at American Idol and it opened my eyes to how many of these amazing artists never ‘make it’ in the industry.

The most-recent appearance was with Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater when they were brought back to TV for a few seasons. T

The Apollo Theater is an iconic institution and I still cannot believe that I was able to perform in the amateur night competition.

My time at the Apollo Theater is one that I will always cherish.

During my time in NYC, I did not have any major obligations that required a significant portion of my time outside of work. This meant that I had a lot of freedom to prioritise musical opportunities, rehearsals, and continuing education courses

Q: How do you manage both your music and dental careers?

I think I was able to do both dentistry and music because of two main factors: time and location.

During my time in NYC, I did not have any major obligations that required a significant portion of my time outside of work. This meant that I had a lot of freedom to prioritise musical opportunities, rehearsals, and continuing education courses.

I was very busy because of the time that was needed to perform at the level that I wanted to in both music and dentistry, but it was also a lot of fun.

NYC is an amazing place for anyone to find their music community, and it was relatively easy for me to find mine.

Thinking back to how my schedule was organised when I was balancing both dentistry and music makes me envious now that I had that much energy then.

I am currently not involved in any musical projects, but am still singing on my own and with my kids.

I know that I will get back into music again in a more professional setting at some point, but until then it’s mostly singing in the shower and with my kids during ‘dance party’ time.