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Sure, it's a living but for Dr. Michael McGowan of Montrose, dentistry is also a passion.

"It's work that kind of goes with my particular personality,"says McGowan, a 25-year veteran to the business. "It's a detail job. To do it well, you have to be obsessive by nature."

From solving one man's problems with Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) pain, to espousing preventive care, McGowan takes his patients' dental concerns to heart.

According to McGowan, practicing preventive dental care is much more cost effective than fixing major problems caused by neglect. He adds that certain practical measures can help keep a smile looking its best.

"Keep the soda pop drinking to an absolute minimum," warns McGowan. "I've seen young people absolutely ruin their mouths over a short period of time. One can of pop has 47 grams of sugar. Some of these young people drink so many soda pops, they literally consume a pound of sugar per day."

McGowan lives in Montrose with his wife, Bonnie, who also works in the dentistry office. A resident of the Western Slope community since 1989, McGowan was drawn to Montrose for its smalltown atmosphere.

"I don't think people come to Montrose to make a lot of money," he says. "They come because they like the lifestyle. You know people are going to see you again and again, and you're going to see them again and again. The laws of courtesy take over-people act in a more courteous manner because it is in their best interest to act courteously."

Another draw for McGowan was the proximity to great skiing opportunities.

"Before I came here, I worked in the army for 10 years," he says. "I was stationed in West Germany and I learned to ski there. After that, I wanted to ski on a regular basis, so Montrose appealed to me."

McGowan prides himself on giving each and every one of his patients the thorough care he or she deserves and he feels the favor is returned time and again. He feels entirely grateful to the community for its consistent support.