You may not want to judge a book by its cover, but maybe you should judge dentists by their smiles. If you’ve ever visited a dental practice, other medical care office, or even a grocery store where all the other patients are frowning and the employees are surly and unapproachable, you probably didn’t go back. A dentist’s first priority should always be making you smile, and at Cowlitz River Dental, we believe that begins before you ever enter the patient care room. From the moment you arrive, our staff will make you feel welcome and comfortable. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is dedicated to making sure every patient is at ease and looks forward to their next visit. Call to schedule your appointment today, and let Cowlitz River Dental of Castle Rock, WA put a smile on your face.

How to Choose a Dentist

Finding a dentist isn’t always fun, but it should be a priority. Whether you’ve recently moved or you just need a new dentist, take your time and make sure you choose the dentist that is right for you. Here are some tips for choosing a practice to meet your oral health care needs:

1. Know what you need – If you’re a single, relatively healthy person, you likely just need a general dentist, but if you have children or need special dental care, you’ll want to pay more attention to what services are available before you choose a dentist. Most offices list their services on-line, or would be happy to tell you more over the phone.
2. Know what’s covered – Insurance is rarely straightforward. Review your dental insurance coverage, and try to select an in-network dental care provider. However, almost all dental practices will process and file insurance claims for you regardless of what insurance coverage you have.
3. Check the credentials – This matters. If your dentist doesn’t keep up their licenses or continuing education, they may not be reliable.
4. Read the reviews – Look for on-line reviews from real patients. We recommend reading the highest and lowest ratings to see what the most and least satisfied customers thought.
5. Ask other trusted medical professionals – Your previous dentist or other trusted medical professionals may be able to offer some recommendations for dentists in your area. Additionally, the American Dental Association provides lists of their members on-line, and this may be a good starting point for your search.
6. Schedule a consultation – You don’t have to commit to a dentist before you see the office and meet the staff. Schedule a consultation to check the facilities for cleanliness, meet the staff and see the other patients, and ask the doctor plenty of questions.

Preventive, Restorative, Cosmetic, Implant and Sedation Dentistry

At Cowlitz River Dental, we’re here to help our patients with a full spectrum of dental services. Dr. Kennington has completed advanced training in numerous areas including dental implants, CEREC same-day ceramic restorations, and laser dentistry. Our state-of-the-art office allows patients to receive the most up-to-date care in a peaceful environment. We’re here for our patients in case of an emergency offering same day treatment whenever possible. Best of all, we welcome the whole family to experience our superior dental health care.

General and Emergency Dentist Near Longview, WA

Whatever your dental health care needs, Dr. Kennington and the Cowlitz River Dental team are here to help. From your 6 month checkups and cleanings to dental emergencies, oral surgery and more. Call to schedule an appointment today, or find out more about our superior dental care services. Our Castle Rock, WA office accepts patients from nearby Longview, Ryderwood, Vader, Toledo, Toutle, and beyond.