We are elated to announce that all of our doctors are now co-owners of Davidson Family Dentistry! This includes Dr. Michael Davidson, Dr. Justine Stemper, Dr. Christina Mulcahy, Dr. Alyson Baier, Dr. Cameron Clause and Dr. David Davidson. We hope with this change, we can solidify our practice for many more years to come, and avoid the trend towards corporate dentistry. It has been a long-standing dream of our founder, Dr. David Davidson, to remain independent while continuing to yield exceptional patient care. We will proceed as we always have, striving to provide “Quality dentistry, affordable service and compassionate care”.
A beautiful smile is more than just an aesthetic pleasure; it’s a sign of optimal oral health and general well-being. The journey towards achieving that picture-perfect smile is now more accessible and convenient, thanks to Clear Comfort Aligners.
For those unfamiliar, these are transparent, customized orthodontic devices that gradually straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.
All of the doctors at Davidson Family Dentistry are trained in Clear Comfort Aligners system.
“After researching different dental aligner systems, we all agreed that the Clear Comfort system is the best option to offer our patients,” Dr. Christina Mulcahy said. “It works quickly and effectively, and the cost is less than other systems.”
After initial visits to establish care, patients visit the office to receive a set of six Clear Comfort Aligners every six to eight weeks. Each aligner is worn for about a week. Treatment usually takes six months to a year, but each case is different.
“Almost anyone looking for teeth straightening solutions can consider Clear Comfort Aligners,” Dr. Alyson Baier said. “They are particularly popular among adults who prefer a more discreet option than traditional braces. However, a consultation is essential to ensure they are the right fit for an individual’s specific needs.”
Clear Comfort Aligners stand out as a premier choice for teeth straightening, combining both aesthetics and functionality.
If you’re contemplating a brighter, straighter, and healthier smile, we highly encourage you to call our office at 515-279-3848 for a consultation.
Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
Posted February 1st, 2024Davidson Family Dentistry staff and retirees gathered May 11, 2023, for a retirement celebration. Cami, hygienist of 25 years, retired from Davidson Family Dentistry in April, and Vicki, hygienist of 21 years, retired during the 2020 pandemic. Both worked with Dr. Dave at his original office in Beaverdale! In addition, the office recognized all retirees since 2019. Congratulations and thank you to a great group of former employees!
Davidson Family Dentistry retirees Mary Ann, Joyce, Vicki, Star, Cami, Nancy H. and Nancy C. Not pictured: Namsun and Traci N
Vicki and Cami with their retirement clocks
We are aware of the elephant in the room. We need more dental hygienists in our practice.
There is currently a shortage of dental hygienists throughout the nation and we are feeling it in our office, too.
“We recently had a long-time hygienist take a position close to her home and small children,” Dr. Michael Davidson said. “Another hygienist is currently away on maternity leave. We have searched to fill the position for more than six months but it has been difficult.”
A poll last month by the American Dental Association shows nearly 40% of dentists are trying to recruit hygienists. Of those, 95% say it has been extremely or very difficult to hire someone. In the 20 largest U.S. cities, the ADA’s polling says only half of hygienist positions are reported as filled.
At Davidson Family Dentistry, we know this can be frustrating for patients, as it is a great challenge for our office and staff. Our front desk staff is working tirelessly to fill any hygiene appointments that become available while our doctors and assistants are also picking up some hygienist duties as they can. Our hygienists are also working more hours than usual to accommodate more patients.
With the exception of last-minute adjustments to the schedule, we are currently scheduling semiannual dental cleanings into March. Patients are offered the option of being on a call list, to be texted or phoned when an opening becomes available earlier than their scheduled appointment.
We are busy looking to add another dental hygienist (or two), but in the meantime here are some tips for patients:
“Regular dental cleanings are pertinent to dental health and we are working hard to get everyone scheduled quickly,” Dr. Michael said. “As always, if you have pain or a dental emergency, one of our doctors will see you right away.”
Posted October 7th, 2022Davidson Family Dentistry has acquired new technology to improve the lives of both staff and patients. Welcome CEREC!
CEREC scanner
CEREC creates your custom, ceramic dental crown in our office, while you wait. Instead of taking dental impressions, matching your tooth shade and sending everything to an outside lab, a small sensor digitally scans and measures the exact dimensions, curves and color for your new crown. This information is sent to of the two mills in our office where your crown is carved from
a solid block of ceramic material. Once milled, your crown is fired in the CEREC kiln for maximum strength. The doctor then perfects the new crown and permanently cements the crown over the prepared tooth surface. This all takes place in one two-hour appointment.
“Our patients have been pleased with the excellent quality of the CEREC crowns and they really appreciate the single appointment that CEREC crowns allow,” Dr. Michael Davidson said. “As a staff, we are thrilled with the quality, turnaround and entire streamlined process.”
One of Davidson Family Dentistry’s two in-office CEREC crown mills
CEREC Q and A with Dr. Michael
Q: Do CEREC crowns cost more than traditional crowns?
A: We do not charge more for CEREC crowns. The office invested in the CEREC technology but we do not pass those costs on to patients.
Q: Does Davidson Family Dentistry still offer traditional crowns?
A: Absolutely! If the patient needs a special crown (porcelain fused to metal) or a front tooth crown, we will still make the impressions and send them to the lab for a traditional
crown.
A freshly-milled CEREC crown at Davidson Family Dentristry
Q: Is CEREC new?
A: CEREC is relatively new, but it has been around for a few years. We are not the first office to integrate this system. Rather, we waited for the system to be more perfect before signing on.
Q: How long will a CEREC crown last?
A: While porcelain crowns tend to last between 7-10 years, CEREC crowns have the potential to last two or three decades or more, provided that you look after them. Exactly how long they will last will depend on various factors including your oral hygiene routine, your general health and how often you visit our office to see a dentist.
If you have more questions, please call our office at 515-279-3848.
Posted May 31st, 2022
Davidson Family Dentistry’s Membership offers convenient and affordable savings. For an annual fee, members receive two dental cleanings and exams, any necessary x-rays, and fluoride if needed. Additionally, a problem-focused exam and x-rays are included if needed in-between visits. Members receive a minimum of a 15 percent discount off the cost of in-office dental procedures, including fillings, crowns, extractions, implants, dentures, etc., with no annual maximum.
“Our Membership is designed to be a blessing to those without insurance and is a great alternative to traditional dental insurance,” Dr. Michael Davidson said. “It is so convenient for patients and staff. There are no gray areas of coverage like we sometimes see with insurance plans. We offer a minimum 15% savings on in-office procedures across the board, with no pre-authorizations or waiting periods.”
The Membership cannot be used in conjunction with dental insurance plans that our office files on your behalf. It is one or the other in this case.
Membership Costs for 2025 are:
Single $362
Dual $678
Family $1046 The family plan includes up to 13 children in the family to age 18.
If you want to become a member, you can simply purchase a Davidson Family Dentistry Membership at your next appointment. We’ll keep track of it for you and let you know when it’s time to renew.
Please call our office at 515-279-3848 with any questions.
Posted March 29th, 2022
It’s Autumn – time to schedule your dental work!
In order to get dental treatment completed within the year, and maximize your dental insurance and flexible spending benefits, call to schedule right away.
Our schedule is filing up fast!
Call us at 515-279-3848.
Posted September 2nd, 2021
Everywhere we go lately, the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be nearly behind us. While it’s wonderful to take off the masks and see people’s beautiful smiles, the protocol at the dentist office has not yet changed.
The Iowa Dental Board has not amended its Covid-19 practices. Everyone who enters a dental office in Iowa is required to wear a mask, even if they are fully vaccinated. All staff engaged in treatment must be double-masked and wear eye protection during procedures and exams. Additionally, we will continue to take the temperature of every person who enters the office. These precautions are in addition to our usual strict infection-control practices.
“As always, safety is our number one concern,” Dr. Michael Davidson said. “I really appreciate the cooperation of patients and staff.”
Looking optimistically toward the future, we will extend our Whitening to Go special for one more month (just $75 for the kit! Regularly $99). There has been a great deal of interest in this product in May!
From all of us at Davidson Family Dentistry, thank you for your patience and cooperation during these unique and sometimes frustrating times. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes to protocol as they develop.
Posted May 27th, 2021Holders of Delta Dental Insurance should have received a letter from Davidson Family Dentistry explaining our decision to withdraw from Delta Dental’s PPO plan as of the end of the day April 30, 2021.
WE ARE NOT WITHDRAWING FROM THE PREMIER PLAN WITH DELTA DENTAL, NOR THE DELTA DENTAL PPO PLAN PLUS PREMIER. Holders of the Delta Dental PPO plan plus Premier will be converted to the Premier plan automatically by Delta Dental. This is the Delta Dental insurance that most of you hold, so no action is required on your part!
There may be some changes in your coverage once you convert to Delta Dental Premier but Delta Dental will not give us this information until the PPO plan coverage has ended on April 30, 2021. This position by Delta Dental is frustrating to us and we know it is also frustrating to many of you who have called. We are encouraging patients who are being switched to the Delta Dental Premier coverage to call Delta Dental Company or check in with your human resources department for an explanation since we, unfortunately, cannot get this information for you.
If you are a patient who holds only a PPO plan of insurance through Delta Dental, we can still continue to see you as a patient and your options, as we outlined in the letter, are as follows:
Davidson Family Dentistry did not make this decision lightly and we remain committed to providing our patients with Quality Dentistry, Affordable Service and Compassionate Care. Please call us at 515-279-3848 with any questions. We want to be as helpful as we can during this period of transition.
Posted March 16th, 2021
After months of phone calls and car check-ins, we are pleased to welcome patients back to our waiting area.
When you visit our office, please wear a mask.
Patients are asked Covid 19 screening questions by way of a poster in our entry. Patients are welcome to enter if they do not have Covid 19, symptoms of Covid 19, or a recent exposure to Covid 19. Upon arrival, we will take each patient’s temperature and check you in at the front desk.
Rest assured, the front office staff is constantly sanitizing common areas. We ask that patients keep a six-foot distance from one another unless you are in the same family.
If you feel more comfortable waiting in your vehicle, you are welcome to do so. Call when you arrive and we will be happy to check you in over the phone and call you when it is time for your appointment.
Thank you to our loyal patients who have worked with us through these challenges. We appreciate you and look forward to your next visit!
-Davidson Family Dentistry staff
Posted February 24th, 2021
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