The Benefits of Choosing a Local Dentist Office Over a Big Chain
When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, you’ve got options. You can choose a big-name dental chain with multiple locations and rotating staff, or you can go local with a team that knows you by name, remembers your favorite flavor of fluoride, and asks how your kids’ soccer season is going. At Veranda Dentistry, we’ve seen first-hand how the personal touch of a local dentist office in the Des Moines area makes all the difference.
“Dentistry is personal, or at least it should be,” says Dr. Chad Johnson, DDS, FAGD. “People think of it as patching and fixing teeth, but it’s not only about comprehensive care, it’s about building trust, sharing laughs, and being there for people over the years, not just during business hours.”
Personalized Care You Can Trust
One of the biggest advantages of a local dental practice is the time and attention you get at each visit. You’re not a number in a long list of patients for the day, you’re part of the family. At Veranda Dentistry, we get to know your dental history, health goals, and even your quirks so we can provide care that’s all about you, your story, and your future.
That personalization pays off in real clinical benefits. Knowing your past X-rays, your tolerance for anesthesia, or your history of gum health allows us to anticipate your needs and recommend preventive care before problems escalate. For kids and teens, familiarity with the dentist helps them feel safe, which can reduce anxiety and improve cooperation during visits. For adults and seniors, it means treatment plans that align with their long-term health priorities.
It also means we understand the context of your life here. If we know your child’s school day at Pleasant Hill Elementary starts at 8:15, we can schedule a quick early-morning visit so you’re back in the drop-off lane on time. If you tell us you’ve got a tee time at Toad Valley Golf Course after your cleaning, we’ll get you out the door as soon as we can (we don’t want you “teed-off” with us, after all).
Consistency in Your Dental Team
In many corporate dental chains, you may see a different dentist each time you come in. There’s often an inherent lack of continuity, which can make it harder to track subtle changes in your oral health or maintain a strong provider-patient relationship.
At a local office like Veranda Dentistry, you’ll see the same faces at your cleanings, checkups, and treatment visits. We know your smile’s story because we’ve been part of it from the start. This continuity of care not only helps us build a relationship, but also allows us to spot early signs of issues such as enamel wear, gum recession, or changes in bite alignment, things that might be overlooked without the benefit of consistent care.
We’ve had patients who first came to see us when they moved to the area for work at John Deere or Principal Financial, and now their families are part of our patient community too. That long-term relationship is something you can’t replicate in a high-turnover, corporate setting.
Stronger Community Ties and Local Involvement
Local dental offices aren’t just businesses; they’re neighbors. We shop at the same Hy-Vee, cheer for the same Southeast Polk Rams and Johnston Dragons, and support the same community events you do. That connection matters.
Veranda Dentistry is deeply rooted in Pleasant Hill and Johnston, from sponsoring youth sports leagues to setting up booths at community festivals. We don’t just work here; we live here, which means the care we provide is guided by a genuine investment in our neighbors’ well-being. Whether we’re chatting about the latest summer concert at Copper Creek Lake Park, or where to find the best sweet corn at the farmers’ market, we’re part of the same local conversations you are.
Greater Flexibility in Treatment Options
Corporate dental chains often have set treatment protocols or partnerships with specific vendors, which can limit your options. Local dental practices usually have more freedom to recommend solutions that make the most sense for your unique case.
At Veranda Dentistry, that might mean discussing multiple restorative options, like whether a CEREC® same-day crown or a lab-fabricated crown is better for your situation. After all, our goal is to tailor your cosmetic dentistry plan based on your schedule and goals.
And even though we’re smaller and locally owned, we offer advanced technology, from YOMI® robotic-assisted dental implants to 3D imaging, because we can make decisions based on patient benefit rather than corporate policy.
That flexibility even extends to how we schedule your visits. If you need to fit in a cleaning before picking up groceries or want a same-day crown before catching an Iowa Cubs game, we’ll do our best to work with you.
Why Veranda Dentistry Loves Serving Pleasant Hill & Johnston
We’ve been part of Pleasant Hill and Johnston long enough to know the best spot for coffee before an early appointment, and how to time an afternoon visit so you’re not stuck in after-school pick-up congestion. More importantly, we know the people here. We’ve seen kids grow up, start careers, and bring us their own children for their first checkups.
Choosing a local dentist office means you’re choosing care that’s grounded in relationships. It’s the kind of care that’s built on trust and designed to serve you, not a corporate bottom line. At Veranda Dentistry, we’re proud to blend advanced dentistry with the warmth and familiarity of a neighbor’s front porch.
If you’re ready to experience dental care that feels like home, we’d love to welcome you to our Pleasant Hill or Johnston locations. Schedule an appointment and let us show you how local dentistry can make all the difference.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.
