Local Dentist, Dr. David Templeton, Is on a Mission to Improve the Health and Well-being of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee Residents
Gate City, VA (PRWEB) February 18, 2014 -- After a seven-year sabbatical, Dr. Templeton, a Scott County native, has re-opened his dental practice with a renewed intensity to change the perception of dentistry.
“This is not a typical dental office,” says Dr. Templeton. “And that was our goal,” adds Annette.
The Templetons’ care and concern for their patients is evident throughout the newly renovated office, located at 633 East Jackson Street in Gate City. The front entrance features a beautiful, century-old, hand-carved wooden door that Annette obtained at a salvage dealer in Virginia. Antiques are mixed with modern furnishings to create a warm, inviting environment.
“A dental office can be a potentially uncomfortable place and we understand that,” says Annette. “We want our patients to feel at home and to be at ease. The picture in our front office sums it up best, ‘people may forget what you said and what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ That’s our mission.”
Although Dr. Templeton has a long history of providing quality dentistry in the region, he notes the profession has changed since his semi-retirement in 2007. Aside from new technologies in the field and changes in marketing based on social media and web, he is witnessing a worrisome trend in patients’ dental health.
“A lot of people are hurting,” said Dr. Templeton. “Whereas before, people couldn’t afford to do a cosmetic procedure, we are now seeing patients that can’t afford basic dental care that keeps them out of pain. This is an education issue. People are going to the emergency room because their tooth is hurting or they wait an entire year for the RAM clinic to have a tooth pulled. We can help them here.”
Dr. Templeton is one of only a handful of dentists in the region, and the only dentist in Scott County, that accepts Medicaid for dental care. Patients that qualify, both children and adults, can receive basic dental care or extractions at no cost.
In addition, Templeton says prevention is the key to eliminating many dental issues. Avoiding sugary drinks and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups and cleaning can prevent minor issues from becoming major. He advises patients on proper care and treatment with a strong concern for their overall health.
In addition to routine dentistry, Templeton also provides cosmetic services, crowns, bridges, and orthodontics. He is excited about advances in dentistry, allowing patients additional options for improving their dental health, especially with implants replacing dentures.
The couple is also thrilled that their daughter, Hayley, will join them at the practice when she graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 2016.
“We really missed the friendships we had built over the years and we missed the fulfillment of helping people change their life,” said Annette. “This is our home,” added Dr. Templeton. “We want our former patients to know that we are back and that we’d love to see them. We also want to invite new friends to give us a try. We want to get to know you and your family. We are thrilled to be here again.”
About Dr. David Templeton
Dr. Templeton graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and later opened his dental practice in 1979. He is an associate professor of General Dentistry, teaching 3rd and 4th year dental students. He has previously volunteered at the Wise and Grundy Missions of Mercy, giving no-cost dental work to needy patients.
For more information on how you can receive the dental care you need in a friendly, welcoming environment, visit the Virginia Center for Dental Excellence website at gatecitydentalpractice.com.
Dr. David Templeton, Virginia Center for Dental Excellence, http://www.gatecitydentalpractice.com, +1 (276) 597-3310, [email protected]
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