When you first meet people, what do you notice? Their smiles? We tend to make positive assumptions about people with a white, attractive smile they seem healthy, intelligent, successful, and friendly. Dr. Drew Vanderbrook knows that image doesnt define a persons true worth, but if you want to make a great first impression, dental care should be important in your life. In addition to appearance, a healthy mouth will support good overall health. Consider that your mouth is the passageway to your body, and you begin to understand the significant impact that good or poor oral health can have on your life. Were here to give you a winning smile.
In our modern dental office, patients of all ages feel welcome, safe, and comfortable. Our team wants to help you enjoy a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime! Well work with you to design a plan for your familys optimal oral health, beginning with comprehensive dental visits and restorative care before moving on to continual maintenance at home and in our office.
Every persons oral healthcare needs are different, and you deserve to visit a dental practice that focuses on meeting those needs above all else instead of looking for unnecessary ways to lengthen your final bill. Dr. Vanderbrook works closely with patients to devise the ideal treatment plan that will help them achieve their desired smile goals nothing more, nothing less.
From the front desk to the operatory, patients and families will be interacting closely with our dedicated staff members. Everyone at Vanderbrook Family Dentistry works hard to make this experience as enjoyable as possible, and their time-tested experience and knowledge will be sure to put your mind at ease. They cant wait to get to know you!
Dr. Vanderbrook was born and raised in Mandeville, Louisiana, right outside of New Orleans. After working as a pharmacy technician throughout college, he chose to keep that job while starting to attend Texas A&M University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Business minor, graduating with honors.
Once his undergraduate studies were finished, it was time to pursue his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry. During this time, Dr. Vanderbrook participated in the Department of Biomedical Science as a student researcher. Additionally, he was elected by his peers to serve as his dental school class president, student council president, and a representative for the Honor Council. Following dental school, he chooses to keep his skills sharp with regular continuing education courses at prestigious organizations like the Spear Center for Dental Excellence in Scottsdale, AZ. He is also working on completing his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.
Today, Dr. Vanderbrook is proud to have been awarded the New Dentist of the Year award by Dallas County Dental Society an honor given to an outstanding dentist in Dallas who has graduated within the last ten years. He was also nominated for the Texas New Dentist of the Year award in 2015. Dr. Vanderbrook was elected and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Dallas County Dental Society. He continues to hold membership in the following organizations:
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Vanderbrook loves spending time with his family and friends and cheering on Texas A&M and Dallas area sports teams. He actually met his wife Heidi in high school, who graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, completed a Masters program, and is now a Family Nurse Practitioner. Together, they have a beautiful daughter and son. They also spend time outside of work as parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Kristin is our Hygiene Coordinator. She has worked in the dental field as a front office assistant since 2002. She enjoys greeting and checking patients in and out, as well as assisting the doctor and staff in providing exceptional care. Her knowledge of dental office programs and procedures provides a helpful edge in this.
Lisa is one of our dental hygienists. She graduated from East Texas State University in 1980 with her first Bachelor of Science degree before earning her Bachelor Science degree in dental hygiene from Texas Womens University in 1986. A dedicated practitioner in her field, Lisa is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and the Dallas Dental Hygiene Associations.
Lisa has been at our office since 1992. During that time, she has spent countless hours pursuing continuing education, including courses in oral pathology, new and ongoing research linking oral health to systemic health, and the development of new oral care technologies. Lisas goal is to provide the best preventive and therapeutic treatment dentistry has to offer. She is passionate about empowering patients to continue good oral health habits at home.
Ashley is one of our dental hygienists. She received her dental hygiene degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2008. She joined the practice in 2004, first assisting the hygienists, the doctor, and the office manager with their various duties. After earning her degree, she returned to the practice as a hygienist.
Ashley is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and has completed numerous continuing education seminars, staying current in the latest dental treatments and patient care. Some of the services shes studied include Invisalign Clear Braces, and advancements in periodontal treatment. Ashley works hard to ensure that patients have the best tools possible to make educated decisions concerning their oral and overall health. She loves spending time with them!
Karen is one of our two registered dental assistants. She is a graduate of Eastfield Community College, where she earned her associate degree. Not only does Karen assist Dr. Vanderbrook with our patients, but she is a great support for the dental hygienists as well. She was new to the dental field when she joined the team but has quickly become a valuable asset to the office.
Angela is one of our dental assistants. She has been working in this field for over 30 years. When she is away from the office, she enjoys cooking and college basketball. She actually has her Culinary Degree from The Art Institute of Dallas!
Dr. Vanderbrook has invested in digital X-rays and intraoral cameras for detailed images that aid in accurate diagnostics. Our team will perform an oral cancer screening and assess your jaw joints and occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together), as well the health of each tooth in your mouth. If you suffer with chronic head or neck pain, teeth grinding, snoring, or sleep apnea, please tell us during your visit. Dr. Vanderbrook will explain his findings and discuss treatment options to maximize your potential for long-term oral health.
During your checkup, youll meet with our hygienist for a comprehensive periodontal (gum) exam, charting, and teeth cleaning. The hygienist can answer questions about your oral homecare routine. If you show a proclivity for or currently have gum disease, shell address the condition by providing options for conservative, yet effective therapy. Contact us today to schedule a visit!
Even patients who brush and floss diligently can end up with dental problems that need professional attention. Thats why scheduling regular checkups and cleanings at least twice a year is so important. Our teams goal during these visits is to form a comprehensive understanding of your oral health and address any concerns that need further attention. We will also get rid of harmful plaque and tartar build-up during your professional cleaning for a polished, refreshed smile.
Do your gums seem swollen or redder than usual? Is there blood in your saliva after brushing and flossing? These symptoms shouldnt just be brushed aside. They may be the cause of gum disease, a gradual infection that can grow to threaten your healthy teeth and jawbone. Our practice will keep a close eye on your periodontal health during checkups and provide therapy when needed to prevent damage.
Your premolars and molars (the back teeth) have deep pits and grooves along their chewing surfaces. Unfortunately, this means that food particles and cavity-causing bacteria can easily find their way in. This is especially dangerous for children, who may still be learning how to brush and floss and arent able to effectively reach these areas of the mouth. Dental sealants are a simple and effective preventive measure that can keep these teeth safe from harm.
Its important to protect your smile just like you would your head, knees, and elbows when playing sports. Athletic injuries make up a significant portion of dental emergencies, after all. Here in Dallas, our team is happy to provide custom-made mouthguards that are big step up from the one-size-fits-all appliances youd find at the store. They feel comfortable when worn, stay sturdily in place throughout use, and are flexible enough to allow the wearer to speak.
Bruxism (more commonly known as teeth grinding) is a widespread condition that negatively affects patients of all ages. Most people will only experience it while sleeping, which means theyll wake up again and again with painful headaches, jaw discomfort, and worn-down teeth that have no clear cause. Dr. Vanderbrook may recommend facial stretches or the use of a custom-made oral appliance to correct the problem.
Heres a sobering statistic nearly 50% of patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer this year wont be alive in five more years. This happens because so many cases arent properly diagnosed until theyve already reached destructive stages. Our team takes this threat to your wellbeing seriously, which is why oral cancer screenings are an essential part of checkups. Dr. Vanderbrook will take a close look at the oral tissue and raise the alarm if any concerning abnormalities are spotted.
Fluoride is a mineral thats often found in municipal water supplies, oral hygiene products, and even certain foods. This is a good thing, though research has demonstrated a link between regular fluoride exposure and stronger, healthier smiles that are less prone to cavities. If you and your family arent receiving enough of this important exposure (maybe you prefer bottled water), professional fluoride gels and varnishes are available at our dental practice as a backup.
