It has been my experience over the past 30 years that two things generally deter people from going to the dentist: pain and cost. Here at TheMill Creek Dentist, my team and I have taken great strides to mitigate both of these concerns.
Many dental offices do not adequately control the pain a patient may experience when having work done. This often is caused by the dentist not giving the patient enough anesthetic. Traditionally, dental anesthetic comes in doses of exactly 1.8 ml of solution given for an injection. Formulations can differ slightly, but the volume does not. When a conventional syringe is used (the vast majority of dentists do this) only 1.8 ml of solution is used per needle stick. Most people do not want multiple needle sticks, so a dentist must decide whether to give you another needle stick or try to proceed with only 1.8 ml of anesthetic solution. For many procedures, this is simply not enough.
My answer to these dilemmas is to use a product called the Wand. It is a computer-driven injection delivery system that allows multiple doses of anesthetic of slightly varying formulations to ensure maximum anesthesia more comfortably with a single needle stick. While the technology is expensive, in my opinion, every dentist should use it.
Some dentists think the Wand is too slow (the computer forces the dentist to inject at the proper flow rate, which tends to be slower than the rate most dentists inject). An injection with a flow rate that is too fast can be painful and unsafe.
Many people believe that going to a dentist can be too expensive. Let me explain what I do to control expense for you, the patient. Much of the equipment and many of the supplies we use are very expensive and we want the best staff and training available, so many costs are unavoidable. What I can do, however, is to minimize having to send you to a specialist. I have been trained to do most root canals, extractions, and implants, as well as Invisalign for straightening teeth.
Perhaps the biggest controller of cost, is my philosophy of practice. It is treat every patient exactly how I would want to be treated. The short version is if it aint broke, dont fix it. I would rather have a large number of patients in my practice who each need relatively fewer procedures than fewer patients with more procedures per patient. I am very lucky in that I do see a large number of patients. It keeps me very busy (I like that) but means that I am never looking for extra work to do.
Another complaint I hear from patients is The dentist never listens to me. There are some dentists I know whose attitude is its my way or the highway. At the Mill Creek Dentist, this is never the case. I am here to help you. There are a lot of ways to achieve your goals. I will listen. You are ultimately in charge.
I hope this information helps to put you at ease when it comes to considering the Mill Creek Dentist for all your dental needs. My team and I look forward to welcoming you to our dental family and working with you toward optimal oral health for years of healthy, beautiful smiles!
I have been very fortunate to practice in this wonderful profession since I graduated from dental school in 1979. Over the years I have been blessed to be surrounded by caring, professional coworkers who I believe share a common philosophy. We are here to earn and keep your trust. We put your dental care first on our list of priorities and want you to feel you are an equal partner in determining what is best for your dental health. We are lucky to have attracted a lot of loyal patients over the years and because of that we can be very conservative and cautious when it comes to treatment recommendations. We recognize we are health care providers who are in the customer service business and you have a lot of choices when deciding which dental office to make your own.
I am very lucky to love what I do and to be a part of this terrific profession. I love helping people eliminate their dental pain and problems, improve their smiles and overcome their fears about dentistry. I really enjoy the long-term relationships that are built in our dental practice and the positive impact we can make on peoples oral health.
Prior to becoming a dentist, I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois in 1974 before going on to attain my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University Dental School in 1978. Since that time, I have greatly exceeded the annual continuing education requirements required by all dentists. I go above and beyond expectations because I love what I do and I want to be the best that I can be. My ongoing education allows me to offer my patients the best services and treatments that modern dentistry has to offer.
I am excited that dentistry has many terrific solutions for the dental problems that people may face. It is very satisfying to watch patients react positively to improvements to their smiles or torelief from a painful condition.
Everyone has a unique story about themselves, and I enjoy learning what makes each patient special. They come to improve their oral health, and leave with new friends. Afterover 30 years, many long-term relationships have developed between our wonderful patients and myself.
Our team has a lot of fun! There is always friendliness in our office, and everyone is incredibly supportive of each other. This translates into an easy-going and comfortable atmosphere for our patients. We laugh easily, and our patients do, too!
I am originally from Chicago, and have lived in Seattle for the past39 years. Every work day, rain or shine, I enjoy an outdoor walk along the North Creek trail during our lunch break. At home, my family includes my wonderful wife of 40 years, Carol, and ourcat, Swimmer.In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, reading, and spending time with mygrand nephews, Rubin and Marco.I also enjoy basketball, and have just retired from basketball officiating after 20 years.
I have been in dentistry since 2007. I really enjoyhelping and getting to know all of our patients. My husband and I have two wonderfulboys, as well as 2 dogs! We enjoy camping and spending time with family and friends.
Welcome to our practice! I am a dental assistant here, and I have worked in dentistry continuously for 29 years! I enjoy getting to know the patients. After 16 years in our office, Ive gotten to know many of them personally. I also enjoy the hands on part of my job, such as making same-day crowns and implant surgery. My favorite part of dentistry is cosmetic work which makes people happy with their appearance. My family includes my wonderful husband and our two dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, traveling, and training for bike races and triathlons!
Its a pleasure to meet you! I have been in dentistry for over 20 years and loved every minute of it. When not at work, youcan always find me outside in the garden or out exploring with my wonderful husband.
I have proudly worked for Dr. Walter since 2004. I graduated from the Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene program in 1999. Prior to that I was a certified dental assistant. I found dentistry and stuck with it! I love to get to know my patients, find out what is important in their lives and make their experience in the dental office as easy and comfortable as possible. My husband Brian and I have two boys, Quinn and Sean. A few cats and a very fluffy golden retriever round out the household. Outside the office I love the outdoors. Hiking and biking, mostly biking!
Hi, I am one of the hygienists at the Mill Creek Dentist. I have been lucky enough to work here since my hygiene graduation in 2008. I strive diligently to provide the highest quality of comprehensive care in the most trusting and comfortable manner possible. I truly enjoy getting to know our patients and educating them on how they can achieve optimal oral health. My husband and I have 2 children and a chocolate lab. I enjoy spending time with friends and family at our property in Eastern WA, camping, working out, and traveling to Hawaii.
Im so grateful to be on Dr. Walters dental team! Ive been practicing dental hygiene for twenty years and I really enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them feel comfortable and at ease. Dr. Walter has created a positive, low-stress work environment and it overflows to the care we offer our patients. My husband and I have a daughter in college, a son in high school and a very sweet golden retriever. I enjoy hiking, reading and spending time with my friends and family, especially on the Oregon Coast.
Hello, nice to meet you! I am honored to work for Dr. Walter. I graduated from the Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene program in 1999, priorto that I was a certified dental assistant and dental office coordinator. I pridemyself on providing comfortable, compassionate, detail oriented quality care. I love getting to know my patients and creating long term part of the family like relationships. In my free time, my husband and I enjoy tackling DIY projects around our home and yard. I love to travel, spend time outdoors, and quality time with family and friends.