I have 15 years experience in dentistry as a dental assistant. I worked at the S. 31 ImmediaDent and filled in at the 21st street location several times. I now work for a private dental practice. Dentistry has really changed within the last 15 years. You are now starting to see corporate, walk-in dental offices with names such as ImmediaDent, formally known as Urgent Dental Care. Do you have a toothache or have you ever experienced one? Chances are, you have/had that toothache because: A)There is large decay (cavity)present that is effecting the nerve of that tooth, which will lead to an infection if untreated. B)There is trauma to the nerve of the tooth due to an accident. Many times, teeth causing this much pain can be saved with a root canal. ImmediaDent, formally known as Urgent Dental Care's target patient productivity comes from two different types of patients:A)The patient who does not have a general dentist and has not seen the dentist in a long time. B)The patient who has a general dentist, but can't be seen due to conflicts with scheduling. Both patients have one thing in common. They came to ImmediaDent because they are usually in pain. For the patient who has not been to the dentist in a long time-chances are, you have other teeth in your mouth that are going to end up in the same condition as the 1 tooth that you are complaining about, if you do not start seeing a dentist regularly. ImmediaDent has extended hours, unlike your private practices. They are open 9-9 Monday-Sunday. They offer a full service of dentistry, including cleanings. Yes, this does cater to the patients who work later hours. Many people don't know what to expect when they walk in to an ImmediaDent office. I reccomend ImmediaDent for someone who is experiencing tooth pain. The doctors at these facilities are very kind. Many of them own their own practice and work for ImmediaDent part-time. If you are looking for stability in a dental office, I would find a private practice.
Pros: Extended hours, Caters to urgent dental needs
Cons: Continuous change in staff and company philosophy
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