Community Corner
10 Questions With Dr. Kandis Smith Of SmileVana Dentistry
SmileVana is no ordinary dental office; it's a resource for dental education, nestled in a cozy office in Easton. [SPONSORED]
SmileVana upholds a singular value --- that Easton-area families deserve the finest quality of dental care for beautiful smiles. Dr. Kandis Smith, the captain of her own proverbial ship and the pioneer of her own path, motivates her patients to treat their smiles as if those smiles belong to someone her patients love.
Patch talks with Dr. Smith on SmileVana's promise of a new level dental excellence --- and how that promise is kept --- while highlighting the SmileVana team, tips for maintaing oral health between dentist visits and the office's proudest moments since opening in February.
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Patch: SmileVana recently turned 4 months old. How do you distinguish yourselves from other practices practices in the area?
Find out what's happening in Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
SmileVana: SmileVana, first and foremost, is not a chain. It is my first and only location, where residents in Easton and surrounding towns will find personalized and comfortable dental care. I wanted to create a serene environment where patients don’t feel like they are in a dental office. My aim is to educate my patients and provide conservative treatment in a friendly setting.
Patch: What makes SmileVana a “comprehensive dentistry?”
SmileVana: At SmileVana, we treat patients of all ages. We provide services from six-month cleanings to routine dental fillings to crowns and cosmetic veneers. We are also here for emergency treatment as well as specialized procedures, such as root canals, dentures, implant restoration and tooth extractions.
Patch: Can SmileVana help with orthodontic needs?
SmileVana: Absolutely! Dr. Smith is also certified in Invisalign, an esthetic alternative to traditional braces.
Patch: What about patients without insurance?
SmileVana: SmileVana currently offers a new patient special that includes a cleaning, exam and full set of x-rays. However, most patients without insurance opt for the Dental Savers Plan. Potential patients can find out more about the Dental Savers Plan by calling our office or visiting our website.
Patch: Tell us about the SmileVana team.
SmileVanab: Christine is our receptionist who brings with her 13 years of experience in the dental field and is responsible for the daily administrative duties associated with the scheduling and treatment planning of patient care. Her warm, caring personality puts our patients at ease. She and her husband, Eddie, have a daughter who is the love of their life. On her free time, Christine enjoys going for walks, baking and reading a great book. Christine is a Taunton native who currently resides in Berkley with her family.
Miki, our dental assistant, is a Middleboro native who brings over 15 years of experience in the dental field. Miki always strives to meet and exceed her patients’ needs each and every time. She feels it is very important to help the patient enjoy their visits and teach them that you do not have to fear coming to the dentist. She resides in Middleboro with her husband with whom she shares five children, three dogs and four cats. Miki enjoys cooking out, the beach and Jeep life.
SmileVana is a place where patients can let go of their fears and be motivated to reach new heights in their oral health, whether cosmetic or restorative. My priority is to motivate patients to treat their smiles as if they belong to someone they love. In my spare time, I enjoy taking yoga classes, cooking and traveling.
Patch: SmileVana promises a new level of dental excellence. How does it accomplish this?
SmileVana: SmileVana has the latest technology to provide comfortable, efficient and state-of-the-art treatment. We have a digital x-ray system, which lowers the amount of radiation that a patient would typically be exposed to while also allowing us to take x-rays quickly. We use an ultrasonic system for more thorough cleanings. We also have a complimentary beverage station in the waiting area, as well as televisions in the treatment rooms, to help ease any anxiety over seeing the dentist.
Patch: What are some things that sabotage oral health in the long run, building wear and tear over time?
SmileVana: A diet high in sugar, coupled with lack of home care, is the perfect storm for building wear and tear over time. Sugar feeds the bacteria that destroys teeth and causes cavities. Chewing ice and pens can also cause damage to teeth as well.
Sleep apnea is also a cause of tooth grinding that can damage teeth as well. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea grind their teeth forward to open their airways to breathe while sleeping and backward as the jaw relaxes. This back-and-forth motion of the teeth grinding against each other can cause permanent damage. We can provide information and treatment options for patients who experience any of these scenarios.
Patch: How can Patch readers better maintain their oral health between dentist visits?
SmileVana: Home care is crucial to maintaining oral health between dental visits. We recommend brushing for at least two minutes morning and night with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We also recommend flossing at least once per day to not only prevent cavities than can form between the teeth but to also help reduce the chance of acquiring an infection in the gums as well as bone loss.
It’s also important to replace your toothbrush every three months as the bristles wear out and aren’t as effective at cleaning the teeth. Investing in an electric toothbrush is a great alternative to a traditional toothbrush as it removes more plaque.
Patch: SmileVana is a blossoming business in the Easton community. Tell us about some of your proudest moments thus far.
SmileVana: We have already begun to create some smile makeovers for some of our patients. Our patients have raved over our bonding, veneers, crowns, partials and in-office tooth-whitening procedures. Check out our Facebook page for reviews from patients who recently had our in office tooth whitening and veneers.
Patch: Our readers care about their communities and the people who work to make life better within them. How can Easton-area readers learn more about SmileVana?
SmileVana: Easton-area readers can feel free to stop by during our office hours. We are located in the Shaws Plaza at 690 Depot St. between Rite Aid and Citizens Bank. They can also check out our website at www.smilevana.com. We look forward to meeting potential new patients!
Photo credit: SmileVana
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