FEATURED IN HOMETOWN VALUES
We had the great opportunity to be the Highlights Page in the September issue of Hometown Values Magazine. If you didn't get a chance to read it, here it is again:
Pediatric Dentist, what exactly is Pediatric Dentistry? This is a question I am often asked. So the short answer is... "Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dental treatment, revolving around the dental needs of children. A pediatric dentist has taken two to three additional years of specialized schooling beyond that of a regular or general dentists, in order to learn about the best treatment for children's unique dental issues."
The next question to follow is, "WHY in the world would you want to become a Pediatric Dentist?" I usually chuckle at this question and respond with the fact that I absolutely love what I do. I didn't always know I wanted to become a pediatric dentist. In fact, it wasn't until my 3rd year of dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University that I had an experience with my own child that helped me make the decision to specialize in the field of Pediatric Dentistry. My son, Josh, was 18 months old and decided to ride his big wheel down a huge flight of stair. He came out of the ordeal for the most part unscathed. However, he did suffer some mouth and tooth trauma. He was my first pediatric patient. I was surprised at the unique care and treatments available specifically for kids. That experience gave me the desire to look into Pediatric Dentistry as my career choice. So, after I graduated from dental school, I completed two additional years in the pediatric dental residency program at the University of Florida and the rest is history.
We opened Cache Valley Pediatric Dentistry in 2003. Cache Valley has been a wonderful place to live. My wife, Emily, and I graduated from Utah State (as true Aggies) and absolutely loved all that this beautiful valley and mountains have to offer. We knew this would be a fantastic place to live and raise our family. We have been blessed with 5 great kids, Hailey, Josh, Chad, Case and Tessa who keep us moving and bring us a lot of happiness.
In my practice, I encourage great communication regarding treatment options and diagnosis. I have an open door policy where I encourage parents to come to the treatment rooms with their child if they so choose. I feel communication is more effective and questions are best addressed in that setting. Children also usually feel more comfortable with a parent close by. This is an option for each family individually.
We spend time with each child and parent, teaching them how to properly care for their teeth and gums. This dental education - at and early age - can stay with a child for a lifetime. We know that it is essential to establish regular, healthy dental habits such as flossing and proper tooth brushing as early as possible.
We all know that some adults have an exaggerated fear of seeing the dentist. Some children experience the same dread. A dental office can be a scary place for a child, with all of the specialized dental equipment and the sounds made by some of the dental tools. However, my staff and I know how to work with a frightened child, comforting them and relaxing them before proceeding with an exam or any needed treatment. we will do our best to set your child at ease, explaining everything that is going on, and never creating an atmosphere of fear.
A positive dental experience - especially for a young child - is likely to result in the child growing into an adult who is comfortable with routine dental care and who regularly gets dental checkups. Establishing good dental habits early, means your child is going to have less dental problems as they age.
Since we opened our doors back in 2003, we have been so blessed to get to know some of the best patients and families in Cache Valley. We love all of our patients. we have many patients that have been with us for the entire 11 years since we opened. In fact, we have many former patients who now bring their children to see us (that really makes me feel old).
As our practice has grown, we have felt a bit restricted by a lack of space and services that we are not able to provide in our current location. As a result, we are excited to announce the opening of our new location this fall!!!
We have put a lot of thought and consideration into this new building. We want every patient and every family to feel as comfortable as possible. We have designed this new office to have some great new features, such as, a "Teen Only" area where there are dental chairs their size and where orthodontic procedures can be done more efficiently. We will also have great play areas in the reception area as well as the treatment bay where siblings are free to play while their brothers and sisters are being treated. Our operatories will be larger to accommodate families better, and of course we will still have TVs in the ceiling as well as a few exciting new features yet to be revealed. And last buy not least, many have asked if our huge fish take will be making the move with us. We are happy to say, YES!! Nemo and Dori are coming along!!
If you are considering a new dentist for your child, please think of us. We treat infants, kids, teens and patients of all ages with special needs. Our friendly and competent staff is dedicated to the comfort and quality car of your child. We look forward to welcoming you to our dental family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Daren Gehring, DDS
P.S. Check out the rest of our website for great information, fun activities for kids and to follow the progress of our new building on our blog.
