FAQS
St. Joseph, Michigan
What are your office hours?
Monday - Thursday
8am - 5pm
Where are you located?
What is your contact information?
Phone: 269-428-4430
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We're happy to accept new patients. We're always excited to provide new and existing patients with cutting-edge dental care. We look forward to meeting you!
How do I schedule an appointment?
You're welcome to call our office at 269-428-4430 to schedule your appointment or request one online, and we'll contact you to confirm your selection.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We request that you contact our office 24 hours prior to your appointment. All late cancellations and no-shows will incur a $35 cancellation fee.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
You'll need to bring in the following:
- Your completed new patient forms (click here)
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card
- Any dental x-rays taken in the past six months
- A list of current medications and medical conditions
- The phone number of your primary care physician.
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will your staff judge me?
We're excited that you've chosen us to care for your smile. We will never judge you. Instead, we'll address any oral health problems, explain your treatment options, and create a plan of action to address your unique needs.
What can you expect on your first visit?
We're happy to welcome you to our practice. We'll start by taking a complete medical and dental history and will ask you about any current concerns. Our team will take full-mouth x-rays to identify any dental problems and to create a baseline for future dental visits. We will evaluate the health of your teeth and existing dental work to ensure they are free of damage and assess the health of your gums. We'll also perform a head and neck exam, including an evaluation of your salivary glands and lymph nodes, and will conduct an oral cancer screening to rule out potential abnormalities.
The first visit for new adult patients typically involves obtaining current x-rays and a thorough diagnosis of the patient's dental needs with Dr. Vonk. This is a critical first step as it serves as the foundation and roadmap for your relationship with our office and whatever care you may need or want. If a quick appointment with the hygienist is desired, we can schedule you for a quick return to see the hygienist as your schedule permits after this first diagnostic appointment. New child patients may be scheduled immediately for a combined appointment for an exam with the doctor and dental cleaning with the hygienist.
At the conclusion of your appointment, we will discuss any current needs and preventive measures required to keep your smile in tip-top shape. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for long-term oral health.
How often should you schedule your dental visits?
According to the American Dental Association, you should schedule dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. In general, patients require twice-yearly exams and cleanings. However, some patients with gum disease or those at a higher risk of developing dental problems will require more frequent appointments. Our team will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal frequency of visits to maintain your healthy smile.
I'm pregnant - Can I come in for a routine exam and cleaning?
Yes. It is extremely important to care for your oral health, especially during your pregnancy. Before scheduling your first appointment, we ask that you obtain a release from your doctor, clearing you to receive dental care.
Is your office accessible to patients with disabilities?
Absolutely. Please let us know ahead of time if there are any special arrangements you or a loved one require. We're happy to accommodate you in any way we can.
Do I need to maintain routine dental visits if I don't have any symptoms?
Even if you don't have any symptoms of dental problems, your routine dental exams and cleanings are critical for maintaining optimal oral health. They help detect problems in their earliest stages before they produce symptoms and lower the risk of new tooth decay or gum disease. Maintaining proper oral hygiene care at home and keeping up with your routine dental visits are the best ways to promote healthy smiles for life.
What are signs you should schedule a dental appointment?
Most individuals require twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. However, it's important to schedule an appointment between routine visits if you have signs or symptoms of dental problems. These include tooth pain or sensitivity, red or bleeding gums, damaged dental work, persistent bad breath, a dry mouth, facial pain or swelling, a sore that won't heal, or any other concerns. Our team will evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
What if I have a dental emergency?
If you have a dental emergency, we'll do everything we can to provide a same-day appointment. Please call our emergency number for guidance if you need urgent dental care outside our office hours.
What counts as a dental emergency, and what should you do?
A dental emergency is a situation requiring urgent care to relieve severe pain, treat an infection, save a tooth, or control bleeding. Our highly trained and experienced team is fully equipped and prepared to deal with different dental emergencies.
We invite you to call us right away if you feel you require urgent dental care. However, if you or a loved one experience a life-threatening emergency such as uncontrolled bleeding or a fractured jaw, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
What if I'm afraid of dental treatment?
We understand that many of our patients are fearful of the dentist. Our gentle techniques, sedation dentistry options, and personalized care will help ensure you are comfortable and anxiety-free during treatment.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
We recommend brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. You should also floss thoroughly at least once a day. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices will lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Request an Appointment Today!
We make it easy and convenient to plan your visit. Simply follow the link to request an appointment time that fits your busy schedule.