I evaluate your teeth, you evaluate Southern York Smile Care: a good first visit should work both ways, for you and for us. You get a thorough exam, and you get to check out the practice. Here is what to look for so you can choose a dentist with confidence.
Choosing a dentist is a big decision. You are trusting someone with your health, your comfort and, often, your smile for years to come. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, invites every new patient to treat that first appointment as a two-way evaluation. You will get a thorough exam. In return, you are welcome to size up everything about the practice.
What Dr. Haywood evaluates at your first visit
A new patient exam is more than a quick look and a cleaning. It is the foundation for every recommendation that follows. At Southern York Smile Care, it typically includes:
- Your health history and goals. Medications, health conditions, past dental experiences and what you would like to change about your smile.
- A full check of teeth and gums. Looking for decay, cracks, worn fillings and signs of gum disease.
- Low-dose imaging. Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than older film X-rays. When more detail is needed, the Green CT 3D cone beam scanner shows bone and roots in three dimensions.
- An intraoral camera tour. Close-up photos let you see exactly what the dentist sees, so nothing is a mystery.
- Early cavity detection. DIAGNOdent uses a laser to help find decay in its earliest stages.
- Oral cancer screening. Southern York Smile Care uses ViziLite, a blue dye rinse and OralCDX as part of a careful oral cancer screening.
- Your bite and jaw. Checking how your teeth meet and whether there are signs of grinding or jaw strain.
From there, Dr. Haywood explains what was found, what can wait, what should not, and what your options are. You can read more about the technology on our dental technology page.
What you can evaluate about us
Fair is fair. While we evaluate your teeth, we encourage you to evaluate us. Here are the things worth paying attention to.
Education, experience and skill
Ask about training and experience. Dr. Haywood earned a DDS cum laude from the University of Detroit in 1987, completed an advanced residency with the US Air Force and trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum. Dr. Haywood is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, an Elite Invisalign Provider, has more than 35 years in practice and was seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. The meet the doctor page has the full story.
The range of services
A practice that offers a wide range of care means fewer referrals and more continuity. Southern York Smile Care provides general and preventive care along with:
- Dentures and implant-supported teeth
- Emergency dental care
- Dental implants
- Invisalign clear aligners, including Invisalign Teen and Express
- TMJ and TMD treatment
- Sedation dentistry with oral sedation
- Restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges and root canals
- Cosmetic care such as whitening, veneers and complete smile makeovers
The quality of recommendations
Notice whether recommendations are explained clearly, whether you are given options and whether you feel pressured. A good dentist tells you what is urgent, what is optional and why. You should leave understanding your own mouth better than when you arrived.
Results you can see
Look at real before-and-after photos from the practice, not stock images. Our smile gallery shows work from actual patients, and our testimonials page shares what patients say in their own words.
A commitment to prevention
The best dental work is the work you never need. Ask how the practice helps you avoid problems. At Southern York Smile Care, every cleaning is a full 60 minutes, which leaves time for a thorough cleaning and a real conversation about your home care.
Your time and comfort
Pay attention to how long you wait, how the office feels and how the team treats you. Are your questions answered? Do you feel rushed? Is the office calm and clean? You can preview the space on our office tour page.
Clear explanations of materials and procedures
A good dentist can explain technical details in plain language. That includes the materials used in your mouth. Southern York Smile Care is a mercury-free office, uses tooth-colored, BPA-free fillings and offers holistic dentistry for patients who want it, including remineralization varnish, with fluoride available for those who prefer it.
Meet the team
The people around the dentist shape your experience too. At Southern York Smile Care, Kelley Fisher, our Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, helps with treatment plans, insurance questions and financing. Madi Backel is our Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, and Scott Hittie is our Business Manager. You can learn more on our meet the team page.
How payment works
Clear financial information is part of a fair evaluation. Southern York Smile Care is out of network with every insurer. You pay at the visit, and the office files the claim with your insurance company so you can be reimbursed. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available, and Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment. See our financing page for details.
Preparing for your first visit
If it has been a while since your last checkup, do not let that stop you. Many new patients feel a little embarrassed about how long it has been, or worried about what the exam might find. There is no judgment here. The goal of the first visit is simply to understand where things stand and make a plan that fits your health, your schedule and your budget. If anxiety has kept you away, mention it when you call so the team can plan a gentler first appointment. Our article been a while since you've visited a dentist? has more encouragement.
A little preparation helps you get the most from your evaluation:
- Fill out your forms ahead of time. Our new patient info page explains what to bring.
- Bring a list of your medications and any recent X-rays from another dentist.
- Write down your questions and concerns, including anything that worries you about dental visits.
- Think about your goals. Do you want to keep things healthy, fix a problem or change how your smile looks?
Schedule your evaluation in Shrewsbury
We are confident you will like what you find. Southern York Smile Care is at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury, PA, and serves York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD. Call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment to start your two-way evaluation.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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