Can a trip to the dentist actually be fun? Yes? No? Maybe? I think it actually can be fun. So let me present my case to you, and hopefully, I can sway you over to my side.
In this article, I’ll cover some of the ways that we focus on help, environment, comfort, and education to make “going to the dentist” different than you might remember.
My name is Bruce Howell, and for over 35 years, I’ve been a pediatric dentist. At our practice, we dedicate a lot of time to ensuring that your young ones are welcomed and feel safe here.
Let’s begin with a little bit more information about myself.
My Journey As A Pediatric Dentist in Orem, UT
After graduating with honors from Brigham Young University, I pursued my dental degree at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. I then completed advanced pediatric training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Today, I hold a DDS, MS, and am a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (FAAPD) and have been practicing dentistry for over 35 years.
The Mission: Innovative Care For Every Child
At Orem Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a full spectrum of services to keep your child’s smile healthy and vibrant, with a special emphasis on prevention and advanced technology. You see, the key to maintaining a healthy smile throughout one’s life is prevention.
A great way to illustrate this is with a very popular treatment that we offer called FASTBRACES® which is an orthodontic system that corrects misaligned teeth in less time than traditional braces. Unlike traditional braces, they are also transparent, making them far less unsightly. But how do FASTBRACES illustrate the importance of prevention? Well, by treating the teeth early, we expect to see fewer issues later in life. Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause a host of issues: headaches, tooth pain, neck pain, and so much more. By treating conditions early, we can often avoid more severe issues and expenses later.
It should be mentioned here that an often overlooked benefit of having a great healthy smile is confidence. After all, the smile is one of the first things people notice about others.
That is the foundation of OPD. It’s why we do what we do. That brings me to innovation.
As technology advances, dentistry does as well. For example, we now have WaterLase No-Shot Dentistry. You read that right. No shots! This treatment uses a laser to perform the work. It’s incredibly efficient and virtually pain-free. No drills. No needles. It’s remarkable. And it perfectly illustrates the fact that as dentistry advances, we all win.
Now, let me tell you a bit about my office.
A Fun, Welcoming Office Built for Kids
When you bring your child to my Orem Pediatric Dentistry, you’ll notice it’s designed to feel like a playground, not a dental clinic. We’ve created a space filled with colorful visuals to keep kids comfortable. There are also toys, a beautiful fish tank, and books to help with relaxation.
Dental visits don’t have to be dreadful. It can something kids look forward to. My team plays a huge role in this. We’re trained to work with children of all ages, including those with special needs like autism, ensuring everyone feels understood and cared for.
Another measure is schedule. I know parents’ schedules are hectic, so we’ve adjusted the office hours from 7:30am to 5pm on Mondays, 8:30am to 6pm on Thursdays, 5:45am to 4pm on Fridays, and until 7pm on Wednesdays. Plus, I’m the one of the only pediatric dentists in Orem open the 3rd Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm.
That brings me to what our parent’s say about OPD.
Parent’s Stories
Nothing means more to me than hearing from families who feel at home in my practice. I’m humbled by the trust parents place in me. One mom shared, “I take both my kids here, and have for a few years. Dr. Howell is very caring… I was happy to have my daughter undergo general anesthesia when she needed work done beyond cleanings, because she was very anxious, and it was much better for her that way.”
Another parent recalled an urgent visit: “I came into this office with my son in severe pain. They were willing to help him right away. The dentist – Dr. Howell – was amazing… The way this place treats children is the way all children should be treated.” Families with multiple kids love the convenience: “I love that I can bring all 4 of my kids at the same time… They are also good with my child on the Autism Spectrum and calming her anxiety.”
I’m proud that my patients can be treated pain-free and without anesthetic in many cases. These stories fuel my passion for helping kids feel confident in their smiles, whether through FASTBRACES® or a simple cleaning.
My entire staff and I are committed to giving your child the best care in a place that feels like home. From my extensive experience to innovative treatments, we’re here to help.
