Tip #1.  Gather basic information about the dentist and their practice from family and friends.  You will want to ask how long they have been in business, what is their philosophy of care or mission statement, and are they recommended by others.

Breese Dental Care, the office of Dr. Tim Droege, has been in business since 1987 in Breese, IL.  Dr. Droege graduated from Southern Illinois University Dental School and opened his practice upon graduation.  Over the years his practice has grown from himself and a dental assistant to himself, 2 Hygienists, 3 Assistants, a Financial Coordinator, 2 Appointment Coordinators, and a Practice Coordinator. 

The philosophy of care for Dr. Droege and his team is simple.  We will make a difference in your life with our warm, friendly approach to modern dentistry. We listen and care about you.

Here is what some of our patients have said about Breese Dental Care:

            "Dr. Droege is very nice and is concerned about his patients."

            "Breese Dental Care gives professional and excellent care."

           "Breese Dental Care takes a proactive approach to the care and well being of my teeth. Everyone is so nice and is always ready to answer any questions I have."

Tip #2  When looking for a dentist it is important to find a dentist that offers all the service you need and is interested in your total health (not just dental health). 

At Breese Dental Care, we offer a wide range of services for people of all ages.  Besides the general dentistry procedures like fillings and crowns, we have an extensive periodontal program using lasers, offer traditional braces and clear aligner braces,  and the newest trend in dentistry, implants. 

Dr. Droege understands his patients desire to receive the services they need in his practice.  A large percentage of the population experiences anxiety of going to the dentist.  After attending several sedation courses, Dr. Droege is able to serve patients by offering conscious sedation.  There are cases where it is best for the patient to be seen by a specialist.  When that happens, we work very closely with our specialists.

At your hygiene appointments, we update your dental history, take your blood pressure, and update your medical history including medications you are taking.  We have found your medical conditions and medications have an affect your dental health.  After your thorough exam, we explain how your total health is related to your dental health and how to improve the two. 

Tip #3  When looking for a dentist, it is important to find a dentist that is easy to schedule with your lifestyle, where scheduling availability is reasonably short, and after hour emergencies are available.

Breese Dental Care is open on Monday and Tuesday from 8:10 am to 5:00 pm and on Wednesday and Thursday from 7:10 am to 3:30 pm.  Early morning appointments two days a week and late afternoon appointments two days a week plus two hygienists allows for easier scheduling and more availability. Per patient's request, we maintain a list to move patient's appointments up if openings in our schedule occur.  Our goal is to get you scheduled as soon as possible. 

After hour appointments are available on an emergency basis only.    When patients call the office after hours, a message on the answering machine will tell you the best way to get a hold of Dr. Droege.  If Dr. Droege is out on vacation, the message will give you the name of a dentist that is covering for him. 

Tip #4  Dentists are required to take continuing education classes in order to stay current in dentistry.  It is important to find out how current the courses are that the dentist has taken. 

One way to find out what the dentist has taken is to call the office.  Be sure to explain to the person answering the phone that you are looking for a dentist and have some questions about the dentist's continuing education.  Ask about the most recent courses the dentist and/or team have taken to enhance the patient's treatment and to utilize the best products available.

Dr. Droege believes continuing education is extremely important.  He attends courses regularly to learn the best techniques and products available and encourages team members to do the same.  He completed Dr. Kois' Continuum in September 2007 and currently offers the latest techniques in implants, same-day in-office crowns, lasers for many procedures, fluorescent lighting to diagnose cancer, and clear aligners for braces.  

Tip #5  Computers in dentistry will enhance your dental experience tremendously.  When looking for a dentist, ask if they have digital x-rays and computers in the operatories.

At Breese Dental Care, we have computers in every room which allow us to take digital x-rays and photos of your teeth and mouth.  We can magnify the x-rays and photos on the computer screen which enables you to see what is going on with your mouth.  We are also able to compare past exams with your newest exam with just a click of the mouse.  With the use of computers, teeth and gum charting provides a better visual understanding. 

The latest computer technology we have added is the Cerec machine.  It allows crowns to be milled in our office the same day by taking a 3-D computer image of the prepped tooth and milling the permanent crown in a short amount of time.  This computer convenience saves you time.

Tip #6  Fifty percent of the population does not go to the dentist due to fear of the dentist.  When looking for a dentist, ask what they have to offer to reduce anxiety. 

If you had an unpleasant dental experience, you have a choice at Breese Dental Care.    We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as well as sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is a method of treating patients while they relax.  Patients take a small pill called triazolam one hour before their appointment which sedates them while in the dental chair.  The nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is administered in the office during your appointment and allows you to relax and be comfortable while dental work is being done. Our goal is to have patients who are relaxed, comfortable, and happy with their appointment.

Tip #7  Look for a dentist that is professional, thorough, and provides good customer service.

We believe that every patient should be educated on the health of their mouth as well as each procedure.  Many of our new patients comment that they have never received as thorough of an exam anywhere else and the thoroughness continues on after that first appointment.

Here is what some of our patients have said about us:

"Breese Dental Care is the best dentistry available.  They have a professional and caring staff."

"We are pleased with all the staff and their friendliness as well as how efficient they are."

"Breese Dental Care takes good care of my teeth and keeps up with modern technology."

Excerpts from the Consumer Report of the Crown Council’s “How to Choose a Dentist the Smart Way.”