But both scenarios are changing, thanks to innovators like Dr. Shilpa Trivedi and her colleagues at Preferred Dental Care (www.PreferredDentalCare.net) in Flushing, NY. With the maxim, "We care for people, not just the teeth," Dr. Trivedi and her team are transforming the chore of a trip to the dentist into something more like to a journey to the spa. "While we offer a full range of dental services under one roof, our emphasis is on more than one-stop dental care," says Dr. Trivedi. "We want our patients to feel calm and at home, as though they are coming to spend time with pals."

This definitely isn't your grandmother's dentist. With a gorgeous aquarium, fresh flowers, striking paintings, soulful music, and delicious snacks, Preferred Dental Care emphasizes patient comfort. Beautiful leather chairs take center stage in the exam rooms, alongside televisions, computers, and state-of-the-art dental equipment. "Our upscale, modern office is a reflection of our professional commitment to stay in the cutting edge of dentistry," says Dr. Trivedi. Indeed, she and her colleagues have an average of six years of dental education - two more than most dentists - and a cumulative total of over 70 years of dental experience.

In this era of ultra-specialization, Preferred Dental Care also stands apart for offering complete dental care. "Our patients shouldn't have to traipse from specialist to specialist to get the care they need," says Dr. Trivedi. While the practice includes general dentists and dental hygienists, it also has an orthodontist who can treat patients who need braces, an implant dentist, an oral surgeon, a periodontist who can help patients who have gum disease, and a prosthodontist who can help patients who needs dentures and crowns. With an on-site laboratory, Dr. Trivedi's practice can even provide patients with dentures in one day. "Whether patients want to come in for a quick lunch-hour whitening treatment or need extensive smile makeovers, we're prepared to serve them," she says.

While Preferred Dental Care welcomes those who need substantial dental work, the practice focuses on prevention. "Our core belief is that patient education and prevention are as important as treatment," says Dr. Trivedi. "We want to make our community healthy, which is why we offer free consultations and examinations, as well as educational videos for patients to watch during their procedures."

In Dr. Trivedi's experience, most people delay routine dental care because they don't think they have a problem. "Unfortunately, that misses the point. If you come in every six months for a dental check-up, you won't reach the point where you have a problem," she says. "You go for manicures, for pedicures, and to get your hair done. Having your teeth professionally cleaned is another facet of self-care that makes you feel and look your best." With the spa-like amenities at Preferred Dental Care, there's hardly a gap between a mani-pedi and a semi-annual cleaning. Indeed, it's a one-stop service center and "home away from home" for all of your dental needs. Sally Smith is the editor in chief at Yada Yada Marketing http://www.yadayadamarketing.com , a Clearwater Internet Marketing Firm with many diverse clients.

Prior to being with Yada, Sally had eleven years experience as the executive director of a non-profit organization. As the organization's spokesperson, she gave over 2,000 interviews, on shows ranging from those of morning DJs all the way up to Larry King Live.