Cosmetic Dentistry Spa

Atlanta Constitution

Spa dentistry increases in popularity.

On November 26, 2002, an article appeared in the Atlantic Journal-Constitution, regarding Spa Dentistry and its increasing popularity among patients. Dentists are offering everything from paraffin hand treatments to accessing your email or internet accounts from a computer especially for dental patients. In addition, there is a lot more in between, including neck massages, freshly baked cookies or watching a movie through virtual reality glasses.The author of the article interviewed several dentists in the Atlanta area, including Dr. Flax. Below is an excerpt from the article about Dr. Flax and the amenities he offers his patients.

Dr. Hugh Flax, a Dunwoody dentist, agrees. "Spa dentistry is the answer to many patients' fears," he said. He offers boutique services such as massage boots, warm neck pillows and an assortment of teas, juices and protein shakes to calm frazzled nerves and make dental appointments more enjoyable for his patients.At Flax's office, you can sink your mind into an episode of "Seinfeld" or a movie while you sink your teeth into an impression tray. "Sometimes patients ask to see our movie list in advance, so they can choose what they want to view before they arrive," he said, noting the office stocks more than 200 films.

Flax said many of his patients drive some distance to seek dental treatment from him. For these patients, the office serves as a quasi-concierge, providing handouts that list nearby hotels, restaurants and attractions. "I wanted to give my out-of-town patients the convenience of not having to search the Yellow Pages to find things to do," he said.

For patients undergoing lengthy procedures, the office buys them lunch or provides a take-home meal. "We don't bill for it. It's just a courtesy," he said. "I'll even bring in a massage therapist for patients who get really worked up. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just help them relax."

Open wide and say ahh

Julie Hughes is completely sold on spa-like dentistry since she started her dental treatments at Dr. Flax's practice.

Julie Hughes, a self-employed CPA in Snellville, agrees with other patients about the spa-like treatment. "I was with the same dentist for 15 or 20 years, and it was always traumatic." She went to Flax's practice when she decided to get porcelain veneers two years ago, and she's never looked back.

" I was apprehensive. It was a life-altering thing," she said. "But at every appointment, they offered the paraffin hand treatment, which felt so good. They also gave me a neck and shoulder massage. I felt like 'Queen for the Day.' I'll gladly pay more if I feel like I'm treated right."

"The office is a spa-like setting. It looks like it has been feng shui-ed," she said. "At my first appointment, the assistant massaged my shoulders for a minute, but it totally took the edge off. One of my treatments was eight hours long, but I was so distracted that it didn't feel like it. I watched three movies. They knew I wouldn't feel like eating much after the procedure, so they sent me home with soup and a card, all in a gift bag."

Perhaps your idea of a visit to the dentist office will change dramatically!