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    • Pediatric
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  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

A Few Reasons Why Being an Informed Patient Matters

  • January 2, 2019
  • 11:19 am
  • Dental Care, Dental Education
  • Dental, Dental Care, Dentistry
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

When you visit Parkcrest Dental Group, you know you can trust our professional team with whatever treatment and procedures you need. Whether you’re being fitted for braces, having a tooth removed, or just coming in for a check-up, our team is always ready to help. Even when you have a trusted dental team like Parkcrest on your side, it’s still important to be an informed patient. Having a dental team you can rely on is great, but understanding your own dental and oral health is even better. In this blog, we’ll explain how you can be an informed patient and why it matters.

Knowing About a Problem Before It Gets Serious

One of the biggest benefits of being informed about your own dental and oral health is being able to avoid potential issues. The more you know about oral hygiene and general good practices, the more you can protect yourself against major issues and complications. Not only that, but you’re also more likely to catch a problem early. Seeking treatment when you have early warning signs of something like a cavity or an abscess goes a long way to avoiding permanent damage or infection.

Pediatric Dentistry and Doing Your Homework

If you’re a parent, staying informed about pediatric dentistry and general oral health is a major plus. Teaching your kids how to take care of their teeth from an early age sets them up for good habits later in life. As an informed parent, you will be able to identify issues in your child’s oral health early, so that you can work with your dental team to ensure the best dental care for your child.

A Good Relationship Between Dentist and Patient

Speaking of discussing things with your dentist, this is another benefit of being informed. While your dentist or orthodontist will always be happy to explain procedures, treatments, or other dental topics with you, the more you know going in the better your understanding will be. Being prepared for procedures or treatments and knowing how to take care of your teeth helps everyone involved. This level of understanding and communication is important in developing trust between you and your dentist or orthodontist.

Be Careful About the Research You Do

Being informed is important, but it does come with a warning. Be very careful about how and where you get your information. Most of us will research things online these days, but it’s very easy to come across some convincing information that’s completely wrong.

Whether outdated or deliberately misleading, it can be extremely easy to be swayed into believing what you read on the internet. Make sure to check the sources you use and stick to recognized medical organizations. Avoid overdoing it, too. Being informed is one thing, but turning yourself into a hypochondriac will just make life stressful — for you and your dentist.

Get to Know More with Parkcrest Dental Group

However much you may or may not know about the health of your teeth and gums, Parkcrest Dental Group is always here to help. We’ve improved the smiles of countless people in and around Springfield, Missouri, and we’re ready to bring that same professional, friendly service to you. Contact us today or take a look at our range of dental services.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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