– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is the last in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
A child of the fifties, I have witnessed a metamorphosis in dental care through the decades. Sixty years ago, measures to relieve discomfort and pain were limited and unreliable; seeing a dentist was a harrowing throw of the dice. Fast forward to 2015 where dentistry is a finely tuned art form, with every measure taken to maximize patient comfort. State-of-the art technology minimizes pain and ensures effective treatments that preserve teeth. The staff at Sidney Centre Family Dentistry exemplify the new age dental practice, offering compassionate, accessible dental care that is sensitive to individual needs.
Dr. Loren Braun and Dr. Jacalyn Sollid are husband-and-wife owners of Sidney Centre Family Dentistry. Considerate personalized service defines their busy practice: “There is a person attached to the teeth!” comments Jacalyn. Always sensitive to people’s financial situations, the two dentists utilize an “assignment of benefits” system where the office bills the insurance company directly for the percentage they cover, instead of asking the patient to pay and pursue reimbursement themselves. They know that many people cannot afford to pay the upfront costs. And “We take into account individual circumstances as well and try to help where we can.” A sense of ethics permeates their business. Aside from any insurance percentage payable, “There are no fees patients have to pay above and beyond the provincial fee guide. “We want dentistry to be accessible.”
At Sidney Centre Family Dentistry, every effort is made to accommodate people who are fearful and anxious in the dental chair. A relaxing CD or DVD is offered for dental phobias. But they also offer levels of sedation for clients over twelve who need it. Oral tranquilizers may be prescribed; if that is not effective, they offer intravenous sedation by a certified anesthesiologist. Jacalyn and Loren believe in all-inclusive accessible dentistry: “We aim to give individualized care and there is a segment of the population that cannot tolerate being in a dental chair because they are super-nervous or have physical or mental difficulties. Without the IV sedation, they would not get any dental work done at all.” Since MSP pays for the majority of the cost if a physician confirms a medical reason for the IV sedation, the procedure is financially accessible to everyone. And patients can get a lot of work done at once, reducing the stress of multiple visits to the dentist. This demonstrates the sensitive and compassionate approach of the dentist-duo where clients’ needs are respected without question or judgement.
To Jacalyn, today’s amazing technology, materials and treatments relegate painful dentistry to a thing of the past. Their office has the latest innovative equipment and technology. Seven dental chairs point to the big sunny windows overlooking the town of Sidney. The extra seating capacity enables them to treat emergencies the same day. They treat the immediate pain first – and as soon as possible. Their personalized care shows in individualized treatment plans for each person. What is your chief concern? they ask – which may be different than the dentist’s perspective. They will present multiple options to the patient for each problem and involve them in the decision-making process. “We don’t want to be salesmen.”
Jacalyn is passionate about providing excellent service: “At the end of the day, we want happy patients with healthy smiles who are pleased with our work.” She adds that “We are always taking new patients.” She and Loren deeply appreciate all of the community support since opening in 2000. And if patients refer others to Sidney Centre Family Dentistry, they are entered into a draw for a gift card to a local restaurant.
Loren Braun and Jacalyn Sollid know that kindness goes a long way with people who walk through their doors. The ripple effects of that compassion live on in a wide, bright smile for life.
Contact: www.sidneycentredental.com
