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    • 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
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      • Botox in Springfield
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      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
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      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
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What Are Qualities That Make a Dentist Great?

  • January 23, 2019
  • 2:46 pm
  • Dental Education, FAQ, Pediatric
  • Dentist
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

What makes a dentist great? Sure, they need to know how to take care of your teeth, but what are some other qualities that you might look for in a dentist? In this blog, Parkcrest Dental Group offers you insight into the traits that make the difference between a “good” dentist and a “great” dentist!

What Makes A Dentist “Great?”

Below is a list of traits that every dentist should have if they want to provide great service and great dental care to their patients.

  • Patience- A dentist works with many people throughout the day, and they need to be able to have healthy and productive discussions and interactions with each of them. Dentists should always remember to listen carefully to questions and concerns from patients as well as the dental team.
  • Kindness- Being able to interact kindly with patients and the dental team is one of the attributes that make a dentist great. Sympathizing with a patient’s situation and working to create lasting treatment solutions is key to showing kindness!  
  • Knowledge- Dentistry is constantly evolving, so a dentist needs to remain educated and updated on advances in technology and techniques. Continued education can help a dentist broaden their knowledge base so they can provide the best service possible. A great dentist goes the extra mile to provide amazing cosmetic and restorative services
  • Communication Skills- If a patient is nervous about an exam, a great dentist makes sure that they understand the procedure and they are provided with a calm and comfortable environment. Being able to communicate difficult dental news is an important part of the job, and so a kind “bedside manner” is a great attribute.
  • Leadership Skills-  Dentist work as a part of an intricate dental team where each member has a specific role. Dentists are looked to not only for their knowledge but also for their strong leadership skills.

Are You Looking for a Great Dentist?

Every dentist that is a part of the Parkcrest Dental Group team is a “great” dentist. They possess qualities that make them not only great dentists but also great members of the community. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group today to schedule an appointment.

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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