When our Family moved to Fayetteville in early 2009 I had to move many doctors & other professionals. I didn't know too many people in southern NWA and there weren't as many reviews on social media back then (and what there were, well, barely a full sentence.)
I asked my dentist in Springfield MO and he recommended "The Smile Center" because he'd gone through Dental School with one of the dentists practicing with the group. As I respected my dentist's opinion I switched all four of us--finally--to the same dentist; down from three.
I was impressed from my very first visit for my twice yearly cleaning. The building was a little difficult to find at first, only because they were doing construction on the High School next door which involved closing Emma St. just west of The Smile Center.
Now it makes it easier to find; just turn west off Thompson onto Emma and as you're facing SHS turn right at the first street (you'll be rounding the Center as you turn). There's ample parking and a covered portico to drop off patients.
The waiting room is super comfy with good, up-to-date magazines covering all interests. There's a separate play place for small children. Check-in is smooth with the receptionist asking you to take your blood pressure and heart rate at a machine they provide.
Once you get back to the hygienist you are always warmly welcomed and they update any medical changes. They keep you with the same hygienist as much as possible so you build a relationship with someone who you can trust.
I had been having trouble with my gums in MO and had seen a periodontist. But by working with my hygienist on my brushing technique (BIG HINT: Don't just brush your teeth; take the time to brush your gums as well. Use a power toothbrush with soft bristles and after your teeth go around and massage your gums from the tooth line as far down as you can get. This cleans and stimulates blood flow to your gums helping them heal as you brush, floss, etc.)
This simple tip has saved me from having gum surgery and losing teeth.
The dentists are friendly, fast and efficient. I've never suffered any pain from any procedure and they guarantee their work. A crown they put on for me was giving me ongoing problems for weeks. After many visits it turns out that the lab had used the wrong bonding agent and they redid the crown--the lab did it for free--and all was well.
But I so seldom see the dentist except for a quick peek at the end of a cleaning, or the short time it takes to fill a cavity. They're all nice and don't ask questions when they know you can't answer!
As far as price, we have dental insurance that covers prevention at 100% but not as much on cavities, etc. They bill insurance for you but figure your co-pay portion which you pay at time of service. Sometimes you owe more, which they will bill you, sometimes you owe less so they'll refund your money. The billing department is very easy to work with.
They also have early and late hours for working people which is great. I don't work so I try to leave the before and after work/school and lunchtime appointments for those who need them and take the 10:15 and 1:45 slots. In an emergency they'll always try to work you in and if there's a cancellation ahead of you they'll call to see if you'd like the earlier time.
I didn't mention that they were voted NWA's Best Dental Practice in the local paper's annual reader survey because that's not a reason to pick a dentist.
Here's a good reason to pick a Dental Practice: Good hygienists, quick, efficient dentists, efficient office staff, nice aesthetics, good location (we live in NE Fayetteville and it's not too out-of-the-way for us), fair pricing & billing, good waiting room w/current magazines, good parking, good location, easy to find.
Even though Dr. Center has retired, it's still the Center that will keep you Smiling. read more
