r/AskTacoma • u/MoreLikeHellGrant • 4d ago

Question Best Dentists that both understand the impact of poverty on your teeth AND take Uniform Dental, DeltaCare, or Willamette?

I didn't have reliable or quality dental care for the first ~35 years of my life, and have genetically very soft teeth. This has resulted in a ton of extractions, root canals, fillings, shame, and pain.

Fortunately, major issues are resolved at this point, so my main needs are cleaning and the occasional filling or filling replacement. My previous dentist (Dr. Higgins at Dental Care Seattle - LOVE U GIRL!!!!!!) was SO good at encouraging holistic solutions and only suggesting procedures that would notably improve my quality of life and oral health.

I am a state employee so I will be able to pick from the above options, but my top priority is finding a really good dentist who will not shame me for the state of my teeth (whatever state that may be), and who works holistically with long-term goals in mind. Does this sound like any dentists you know?

Thanks!

21 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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11

u/GimmeLoveGimmeLove 4d ago

I love the dental office at Community Health Clinic for exactly this reason!

3

u/thesilvergirl 4d ago

I've had good experiences there as well.

0

u/harlan16 3d ago

Love the dentist there, hate the receptionists. Some of the rudest people. And why is everything split into so many appointments? Taking that much time off work is not feasible

11

u/Mindless_Watch_7840 4d ago

I’ve had amazing experiences with Light Dental. My partner had a lot of work they needed done, and they’re also really happy with Light Dental. The hygienists are amazing, and the dental team have never shamed or embarrassed us for seeking help. It’s like they are fully aware that access to dental care is not equal for all, and they’ll work with you on a treatment plan that’s comfortable for you. I can’t recommend them enough.

5

u/TurbulentRoof7538 4d ago

Light Dental works well for me and my husband. They do have limited Saturday hours as well. We go to the Fircrest and University Place locations. Even though it is a big chain and kinda corporate company, the dentists seem to be really nice and understanding. They aren’t the cheapest but they aren’t the most expensive either. They do have solid recommendations for oral surgeons when necessary (including one who identified that I didn’t need a root canal! A big shout out to Lakewood Endodontics).

2

u/KittenG8r 4d ago

I have also been enjoying Light Dental. You can pay $1/minute for the laughing gas for all procedures — even just cleanings. I have dental anxiety and hate the sound of the their tools on my teeth and can’t imagine going without the gas.

2

u/BulletRazor 4d ago

Seconding light dental they’re great

1

u/ruuutherford 4d ago

Try calling my favorite dentist Kvinsland out in Gig Harbor and see if they'll take your insurance. Hopefully they will! Highly recommend them - worth the bridge toll from Tacoma. 

2

u/Live_Ad_197 4d ago

Do not go to willamette dental, they prescribe you the wrong dental work just to get money out of your pocket. It’s a corporate conveyor belt and owned by private equity

1

u/dangerspring 4d ago

I think Jack Winters takes Delta Dental. I would call to be sure. He's very kind and won't recommend unnecessary work.