Grand Rapids Dentist Blog

Dental Care Access

2011-09-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Our dentist office in Grand Rapids, MI takes a variety of calls throughout the day. Today a caller asked, "My tooth is in pain. I have no dental insurance. I have no money. What can I do?" Unfortunately, we get versions of this question from time to time. Rather than provide an answer, I ask for comments. What is a good way to handle this situation?

Hockey anyone...

2011-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Van Haren Family Dentistry participated in dental night at the Grand Rapids Griffins game. A good time was had by all.

Dr. Van Haren Sponsors Run/Walk

2010-09-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

For the second year, Van Haren Family Dentistry is sponsoring the Greatest 5k Ever in Grand Rapids. See the Greatest 5k Ever for more information.

Picture of the office

2010-09-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Van Haren Family Dentistry Op 2

Growing Dental Practice

2010-08-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Van Haren Family Dentistry has grown significantly over the last six months with the addition of patients and staff from the former dental practice of Dr. Peter Klein. Dr. Klein moved to North Carolina. To accomodate the increased patient load, Van Haren Family Dentistry offered employment to all of Dr. Klein's staff members. In addition, the practice is now open four days per week: Monday through Thursday with evening hours on Tuesday.

Van Haren Family Dentistry is proud to be the new Grand Rapids dentist of choice for Dr. Klein's patients.

Dental Practice Transtion in Grand Rapids, Michigan

2010-01-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

Grand Rapids, Michigan dentists Dr. Ryan Van Haren and Dr. Peter Klein have agreed to merge their dental practices. The merger allows Dr. Klein and his family to relocate to North Carolina while Dr. Van Haren takes over the care of Dr. Klein’s patients. Both dentists are working to ensure the continuity of care for Dr. Klein’s patients throughout the transition period.

Beginning February 1st, Dr. Klein’s staff and patients move to Dr. Van Haren’s dental office location at 2100 Raybrook SE, Ste 107 in Grand Rapids. Dr. Klein’s patients with appointments will keep their appointment times, but the location will change to Dr. Van Haren’s dental office two miles away.

Dr. Van Haren has offered each member of Dr. Klein’s dental staff a job with the combined practice. Dr. Van Haren believes Dr. Klein’s staff knows the patients better than anyone and will contribute to the continuity of patient care. The job roles of Dr. Klein’s staff will remain largely unchanged with the most noticeable difference being the new location.
Dr. Van Haren has been working with Greg McGlaun from Proveer Practice Management as advisor on the practice acquisitions.

Slow days are great for...

2009-11-09T12:55:00.001-08:00

Slow days are great for:

Inventory
Sharpening instruments
Organizing
Calling patients
Marketing
Analysis
Taking a breather
Appreciating busy days.

New staff members

2009-10-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Van Haren Family dentistry has an updated team of dental staff members. Dawn Crenshaw and Heather Decker join the team as Registered Dental Assistants. Dawn brings a wealth of dental experience with advanced dental services while Heather brings fresh perspective to the team. Dr. Van Haren's team is rounded out by existing staff members Allison Kress, Laurie Kimes, and Katie Frain.

Van Haren Family Dentistry Helps Fight Scleroderma

2009-09-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

Van Haren Family Dentistry is participating in and supporting the GReatest 5K Ever sponsored by the Help Fight Scleroderma Foundation. At least one staff member from our Grand Rapids, MI dentist office will run in the race. Goodie bags for participants in the Grand Rapids race on October 3, 2009 include toothpaste jointly donated by Van Haren Family Dentistry and Proctor and Gamble.

Grand Rapids Dentist Office Has Connection to ArtPrize

2009-09-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Grand Rapids dentist office of Dr. Ryan Van Haren has a connection to ArtPrize in local artist and photographer Dan Watts. Photographs by Dan Watts decorate almost every room at Van Haren Family Dentistry – even the restroom.

Photographs by Watts from Grand Rapids’ sister cities Perugia, Italy, Ga District, Ghana, Omihachiman, Japan, and Zapopan, Mexico decorate the patient rooms while a photograph from Bielsko-Biala, Poland decorates the restroom. Watts took the photographs during his Sister Cities Project commissioned by the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. Watts’ sister cities photos currently adorn all 330 guest rooms and many corridors of the JW Marriott.

Van Haren Family Dentistry’s relationship with Watts predates his Sister Cities Project. Grand Canyon photographs taken by Watts in 1994 have been the centerpiece of the reception area at the dentist office since Dr. Marshall Ellens owned the practice.

Van Haren Family Dentistry staff has complimented Watts photography for years. Watts’ participation in ArtPrize brings greater appreciation for Watts’ talent.

Dentist Ryan Van Haren volunteers for Miles of Smiles

2009-08-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ryan Van Haren, owner of Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids, Michigan, participated in the Miles of Smiles Dental Van program on August 19, 2009. The Miles of Smiles Van provides dental services to underpriveleged children in West Michigan. The program allows dentists such as Dr. Van Haren to leverage their unique expertise to make a difference in the lives of children in the community.

While a student at the University of Michigan Dental School, Dr. Van Haren spent a summer in Northern Michigan providing dental services to migrant workers. He then spent the following two summers as a clinical director for the migrant worker program. Since then, Dr. Van Haren has regularly donated dental services to underserved populations in Michigan including twice annual participation in the Miles of Smiles program.

See the press release here.

Grand Rapids dentist video

2009-08-08T08:04:00.001-07:00

4 pics from grand rapids dentist http://www.vanharendentistry.com

Grand Rapids Dental Practice Merger Nears Successful Completion

2009-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

The merger of the practice of Grand Rapids dentist Robert Bochniak, DDS into the practice of fellow Grand Rapids dentist Ryan Van Haren, DDS that began in March 2009 is nearing a successful completion. Both dentists have been working side by side at Dr. Van Haren’s office to transition patients from the care of Dr. Bochniak to Dr. Van Haren.

All of Dr. Bochniak’s patients who had appointments at Dr. Van Haren’s dental office at 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 107, 49546 at phone number 616-949-2941 have now met Dr. Van Haren. Many patients have expressed comfort with their transition of dental care to Dr. Van Haren with one patient stating, “Dr. Bochniak was my dentist for many years. Sometimes transitions are difficult, but I feel l’m in excellent hands with Dr. Van Haren.”

According to Greg McGlaun, who is managing the merger of dental practices, “We had both fears and high hopes for the merger. Our fears are subsiding and our high hopes are materializing. A successful transition depends on providing a new dental home at which Dr. Bochniak’s patients feel comfortable. Dr. Bochniak’s patients are now showing a high level of comfort with Dr. Van Haren.”

Sedation dentistry

2009-06-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ever have an uncomfortable experience at the dentist? Me too! I was surprised to find out we dental treatment does not need to be uncomfortable. Modern dentists such as Ryan Van Haren at Van Haren Family Dentistry (616-949-2941) ensure patients are comfortably numbed before proceeding with treatment. And for patients who experience mental discomfort, dentists have a number of tools at their disposal including sedation to put your mind at ease.

Grand Rapids area dentist location

2009-04-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Where exactly is the dentist associated with this blog located? At this location in Grand Rapids Michigan near landmarks Calvin College and Woodland Mall and near a lesser known dental practice management company and Grand Rapids office of a dentist in the future.

Grand Rapids Dentists Merge Practices

2009-03-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Grand Rapids, Michigan dentist office Van Haren Family Dentistry assumed the practice of Grand Rapids dentist Dr. Robert Bochniak on March 1st, 2009. The merger is a win-win-win for Dr. Bochniak, Van Haren Family Dentistry, and patients. Dr. Bochniak will continue to see his patients at Van Haren Family Dentistry for 6-12 months while transitioning to full retirement. Van Haren Family Dentistry realizes a larger patient base against which to leverage fixed costs. Finally, patients will experience a smooth transfer of care to Grand Rapids family dentist Dr. Ryan Van Haren as Dr. Bochniak transitions to retirement.

The merger helps Dr. Van Haren grow his practice. According to Dr. Van Haren, “We have experienced consistent organic growth over the last few years despite the economic downturn. Dr. Bochniak’s desire to transition to retirement offered us an opportunity to take a big leap in our growth."

Dr. Van Haren adds, "The fit between the practices in this merger is great. Both Dr. Bochniak and I enjoy the relationships we form with patients and our sense of service to patients. We both built our practices to foster those relationships and help our patients.”

Dr. Bocniak’s patients began seeing Dr. Bochniak at Van Haren Family Dentistry on March 2nd.

Strong interest in whitening program

2009-02-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Over 2 dozen patients have taken advantage of Van Haren Family Dentistry's teeth whitening offer including a few new patients.

Tuesday night in Grand Rapids...at the dentist

2009-02-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

For the convenience of patients who work during the day, Grand Rapids, MI dentist Van Haren Family Dentistry is open until 7pm on Tuesdays. The evening hours allow patients to see the Dr. Van Haren or a hygienist, or call with dental health, scheduling, or billing questions after work.

Dental products promote oral health

2009-01-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

Just as we at Van Haren Family Dentistry recommend dental procedures based on the best judgement of the doctor and staff, we recommend professional take-home dental products (pastes, gels, rinses, brushes) based on our best judgment. As a service to our patients, we price all dental take-home products at our cost. Sometimes we recommend a product that is hard to find in a store or that requires a prescription. We can give you the convenience of walking out of our Grand Rapids Michigan dentist office with product in hand at a lower price than in the store.

Practice Updates for Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids

2009-01-01T16:33:00.001-08:00

As Van Haren Family Dentistry has transitioned from Dr. Ellens to Dr. Van Haren over the last two years, one thing has remained unchanged- a commitment to building relationships with patients. Many other aspects of the practice, though, have been changed or updated.

We gave the office a physical makeover including new carpet, paint, lighting, furniture, and artwork. We also began offering no or low interest treatment financing plans.

On the clinical side, we introduced composite (“white”) fillings, which are free of Mercury and have many benefits over amalgam fillings. Behind the scenes, we have refined procedures to enhance clinical quality, ensure patient safety, and reduce the time you spend in the dental chair.

On a sad note, we will miss Mary Kurz, who retired in March. We wish Mary and her husband Tim a happy retirement. We welcome Allison Kress as our patient coordinator.

Letter re: periodontal screening Van Haren Family Dentistry patients

2008-12-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

Dear patients of Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids Michigan,

The purpose of this letter is to inform our patients about our procedures to screen and treat periodontal disease here at Van Haren Family Dentistry. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums that is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be associated with broader health problems from bad breath to osteoporosis to heart disease. Please see your favorite medical website such as Mayo Clinic to learn more about periodontal disease and its treatment.

As some of you may already know, Van Haren Family Dentistry now screens all patients for periodontal disease by taking painless measurements of your gums around each of your teeth during your maintenance exam. If we do not find signs of periodontal disease, your appointment will continue with a cleaning, appropriate x-rays, and an oral health exam.

If, however, we find signs of periodontal disease, the “usual cleaning” is no longer the appropriate hygiene treatment since a regular teeth cleaning does not address the bacteria in your gums. Accordingly, please be prepared that your appointment will not proceed with a regular cleaning. Rather, we will discuss your specific treatment recommendations and address any questions you have. Depending on the particular health of your gums and your readiness, we may or may not proceed with periodontal treatment the same day.

Modern periodontal treatment can dramatically improve your immediate and long-term oral health. We look forward to providing your household and all of our patients with the best chances for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Sincerely

Ryan Van Haren, DDS and staff
Van Haren Family Dentistry

Affordable whitening for life program

2008-12-22T18:57:00.001-08:00

Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids appreciates its patients and cares deeply about their oral health. To show appreciation and encourage ongoing oral health care, Van Haren Family Dentistry now offers whitening for a nominal fee to all patients who are up to date with recommended dental care.

This is not intended to be a temporary special, but an ongoing policy. Van Haren Family Dentistry is proud to be the only practice in Greater Grand Rapids making a lifetime of professionally whitened smiles affordable for all patients.

Here are the details:

· There is a one-time cost of $50 for custom whitening trays.

· Patients get custom whitening trays and professional whitening gel.

· Patients get whitening gel refills at no additional cost as long as they meet participation requirements.

· Participation requirements:

o Up to date with recommended exams, x-rays, cleanings, and periodontal care.

o 18 years old or have parent’s permission.

o Meet health requirements for whitening.

o Account paid in full.

Van Haren Family Dentistry asks that patients inform the office of their desire to participate in the whitening program in advance of their appointment so the office can make accommodations in the schedule.

Grand Rapids Dentist Blog launch

2008-12-18T18:54:00.001-08:00

Grand Rapids Dentist Blog provides a forum for select dentists in Grand Rapids Michigan to gain exposure and a voice on the Internet. This blog launch post honors a Grand Rapids Family dentist, Dr. Ryan Van Haren of Van Haren Family Dentistry, who has exceptional skill and takes exceptional pride in delivering top notch dental care.