'60s and enrolled in Sir George Williams University, now known as Concordia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to earn his DDS at McGill University, followed by a year of post-graduate studies in Rochester, New York. Riko has also been trained as a public speaker, worked in radio and been personally involved in educational videos, regarding health issues.

    The first person in his family to attend university, Riko admits that he has always had a sense of adventure and a pioneering spirit. "I look for opportunities where none seem to exist." Curious about life in general and an avid reader, Dr. Ricketts' interest in healing and nutrition was to take him outside of traditional dental venues.

    The move to Canada, with no support system or infrastructure, was a significant challenge for Riko, having to make it on his own while dealing with both climatic and cultural shock. He worked his way through university, living in Montreal's downtown student 'ghetto'. "I don't regret any of that, it's about being able to utilize ones intelligence, will, and desire to overcome obstacles." By his third year of school, Riko knew that he would end up in Vancouver, the 'banana belt', in his terms.

    Riko had never been to Vancouver, but the West Coast had a certain allure. In 1975 he arrived and was able to join an existing dental practice as an associate. It wasn't long before his ambition drove him to open his own practice in Kitsilano - to the dismay of some colleagues who considered it a poor location. It proved to be successful, and five years ago he relocated to the present facility on West 7th.

     Soft spoken, and with a charming trace of the islands in his accent, Riko's youthful appearance belies his 60 years. On entering his offices the environment is more reminiscent of a quiet home atmosphere, with soft background music and separate lounge area complete with comfortable furnishings and a spectacular view of the north shore mountains. Noticeably absent are the clinical smell and sterile surroundings so common to medical facilities. This is only part of Dr. Ricketts' holistic approach to dental care. He believes that as a medical professional he is responsible for the welfare of the whole being, not just the mouth. "I look at the whole person when they first walk in. Their stance, complexion, shape of their face, will tell me about their nutritional state." Holistic, or biological dentistry originated in Europe, and recognizes that the mouth is not separate - but the oral environment is one of the most important areas of the body. It is known that what happens there impacts on the rest of the body. The mouth provides a wealth of information about the person's general state of health. Dr. Ricketts points out that there are "a host of factors one becomes aware of as a holistic dentist." He feels that this sensitivity allows him to be an ally to his patients. He can spot health problems that they are yet unaware of and may suggest a visit to a physician, chiropractor, or other health professional accordingly.
Always prepared to take what may be a controversial stance, Riko also defies some of the conventions of his profession, two examples being the use of mercury and fluoride. "These are controversial topics, but the toxicity of these substances is incontrovertible,"

    He asserts. "There are more and more dentists providing mercury-free treatment, but there is still resistance within the profession. Dentists as a group tend to be conservative and set in their ways; it's an emotional topic." He adds, "There's almost a herd mentality and people are afraid to step outside of the box and look at things from a different perspective." Riko believes that with alternative materials such as porcelain and gold the use of such toxic products is totally avoidable.

    In Riko's opinion one of the main things that prevents people from seeking dental care is fear. In addressing the fear factor he feels that most of it results from bad childhood experiences with insensitive practitioners. "Chairside manner is very important and the patient's feelings must be taken into account. There are stories of young children being slapped - literally violated - which would result in prosecution today." He utilizes a variety of techniques to allay those fears, including hypnosis and what he refers to as 'sleep dentistry'. They're not actually asleep but in a calm and relaxed state through medication. In this and other ways Riko is trying to assist his profession in providing a more user-friendly version of dentistry. Riko's approach is more High Tech and High Touch.

    Although not particularly religious, Dr. Ricketts is a spiritual person, stating that there is part of the spirit in all of us. "When we're in touch with that side it can contribute to our ability to heal. When some patients come in it's like they're going to a psychologist. We sit and talk and various issues manifest themselves. Finances come up, along with issues of communication and personal boundaries." He adds, "personal space, trust, fear, pain, honesty - they're all individual issues. I find it exciting and it allows me to be more skillful as a human being." He's careful not to get drawn into problems, but it helps when he understands what is going on in the patient's life. "Many people find that, due to this approach, they can run their lives from a different perspective."
Asked about the future of dentistry, Riko says that an important factor is the shift in terms of education. While in past eras there was a more mechanical approach, that focus has changed dramatically. At UBC medical and dental students follow the same curriculum for the first two years, studying anatomy, physiology, and other subjects that show them an overall picture of the body and how that reflects upon what is happening in the mouth. "The focus now is more on being a dental physician, not just the mechanistic side." We're also seeing newer, less intrusive techniques, such as lasers, which are much cleaner and result in faster healing. Nutrition is also of great importance and more dentists are addressing that issue." Dr. Ricketts would like to see more collaboration within the health professions to establish health and wellness centres, as opposed to strictly a dental office, working as a team for the patient's overall wellbeing. What he calls, "almost a boutique type situation."

     Still in touch with his roots, Riko refers to Jamaica as his 'emotional home' and is grateful for the benefit of being born there. He is equally grateful for the education he received here in Canada, and the amazing diversity he has been exposed to in this country. A resident of Yaletown, his long hours in the office leave limited time for relaxing or pursuing his other interests. He reads, he travels; he writes poetry - though not published. The intellect and sensitivity displayed by this man suggests that if it were published one day it would probably be worth cherishing. You can contact Dr. Riko Ricketts at his office, Suite 303 - 1770 W.7th. Ave., Vancouver, phone 604-736-4535 or visit him online at www.drricketts.com.