Chamber member spotlight: Watkin Dental speaks on “new normal”
When COVID-19 hit the United States, one of the specialists that took a hit from the shutdown was the dental care sector.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Dental practice activity in terms of patient volume and practice employment has rebounded, though these markers are still below pre-COVID-19 levels. In Fitchburg, MA, Watkin Dental Associates remains resilient as the economy slowly renews its hustle and bustle.
Arnold Watkin, DDS, MScD Prosthodontist, earned his specialty degree in prosthodontics in 1972 from Boston University, and saw a need for a multi-specialty practice, rather than sending patients across town or further away for different specialist, which generated the Watkin Dental Associates that is present today.
“COVID forced us to not only be much more self-protective, but also more patient-protective because of the virus,” Dr. Arnold Watkin stated. “Dentistry is a safe place, both before and during this COVID-19 pandemic. The dental sector is profoundly concerned for the personal protection equipment (PPE) aspect for it. In a way, there’s not much that is different, but it can affect the productivity of the business and industry.”
Watkin Dental is a vertically-integrated practice that takes care of what a patient needs. They offer all aspects of dentistry specialties at Watkin Dental, so that whatever the patient might need, they can take care of in the office, creating a well-rounded and convenient dental practice.
They offer a complete range of services for every patient: Cosmetic Treatment, Dental Implants, Dental Sealants, Bruxism Nightguards, Dental Veneers, Fillings, Fluoride Treatment, Full & Partial Dentures, Invisalign, Oral Cancer, Root Canal Treatment, and Smile Analysis. They even offer a Launch Loyalty program for those patients without dental insurance.
The Launch Loyalty program is a unique in-office discount insurance that patient can join, which can offer up to 30% off of the standard office fees for all services. There are other bonuses with the Launch Loyalty program as well, such as vision discounts, glasses, and more.
Dr. Watkin is excited for the sophistication of the dental implant industry, as it’s the best it’s been in the last few decades, as well as the importance of customized sports guards for upcoming activities.
“We have a machine here in-office that is specifically made to make these guards,” Dr. Watkin commented, “even if it’s playing in the backyard with a basketball.” These machines specialize in fit so that it is comfortable for the wearer.
Another topic that Dr. Watkin emphasized is their office’s co-management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a highly undiagnosed concern for the dental industry. Watkin Dental has a self-evaluation/scoring form that helps patients and the practice identify if they should go see a sleep specialist to help with OSA.
Watkin Dental is a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and is currently accepting new patients. The practice is located at 26 Whalon St, Fitchburg, MA and can be contacted via phone 978.345.6919. You can also request an appointment online via their website at www.watkindental.com.