There are standard expectations one usually has when he or she plans to make a visit to the dentist. They expect it to hurt, and they expect it to take a chunk out of their wallet. what they probably don't expect is to have a convenient, warm, accommodating and fulfilling experience.

Imagine a dentist's office that knows what you're expecting and has done all they can to counter those expectations with positive experiences. Imagine a cozy office that feels like a living room and professional and friendly faces. Imagine being treated like family and receiving attention and respect that puts you at ease and leaves you feeling great about a dental appointment gone right.

This describes Rangewood Dental, according to Dr. Gary N. Hickenlooper. He says their mission statement says it all: "The professional dental team of Rangewood Dental strives to provide optimum dentistry for our patients in a loving and caring way with emphasis on prevention, function and aesthetics. "

Dr. Gary Hickenlooper  has been practicing since 1983.  Their focus is on full service family dental care and cosmetic dentistry. The staff seems to understand the importance of good dental health, and the employees take their patients health very seriously. They know that making your smile the best it can be will go a long way in improving your quality of life. A beautiful smile builds confidence, and healthy teeth and gums improve your overall health. It is their goal to be your partner in achieving both a beautiful smile and healthy teeth and gums. "You can ignore dental health, but it won't go away: it's just going to get worse and it's going to become more costly, intrusive and time consuming."

Knowing this, the staff at Rangewood Dental has a goal to educate their patients on preventative dental care.  In the process, they focus on accomodating their patients'  time and financial needs as much as possible. "we consider patients'  time to be valuable."  As a result, we work together to meet patients needs in as few  visits as possible. They will also work with patients on payment options. The overall intent is to make sure the patients feel welcome and positive about their experience.

When you first arrive, you can expect to find a waiting room complete with a flat screen TV showing movies for your children or an Educational program about  what you can expect from your procedure. A child's center with toys allows you to keep your children entertained as you wait. There are also beverages such as tea, cider, water and juice available. The office staff's scheduling policy insures that you are never made to feel rushed, by providing a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Once your appointment begins, you will be offered items to make your experience more comfortable. Protective eyewear will keep your eyes safe amidst the bright dental light, and music is offered to keep you entertained. If you are chilly, a blanket will be given to you.  Parents are encouraged to stay at their child's side if they so desire.

The staff at Rangewood Dental are all cross-trained, which means that they are capable of jumping in and assisting wherever needed. If someone is out of the office, another familar face who knows you can step in and help.  Not only are they cross-trained, but the staff is extremely knowlegeable in dental specialty procedures and conditions. They do a thorough analysis of your Medical history to ensure your safety before each procedure is done.  They document everything that goes on, and therefore they are always prepared to offer you the best treatment and as detailed information as possible.  Their patients' well-being is very important to them, and the employees attitudes, preparation and attention to detail seem to reflect this.

The quality of the procedures and materials used is second-to-none, says Dr. Hickenlooper.  He and his staff stand behind their services 100%, thnks to an amazing Lab and complete doctor-patient involvementand follow-up, he adds. Dr. Hickenlooper is said to make his patients feel like they have a confidant and a friend.  I've  always had good success with him as a Dentist and as a friend," says long time patient Don Pinkal. With over 30 years of experience and a strong educational background, it's no wonder patients feel safe in Dr. Hickenlooper's hands.

When it comes time to pay for your services,  you will probably be relieved to know that most Dental plans not only cover your treament but Rangewood Dentalis cosidered a preferred provider for several plans. " we understand the way the economy is." Therfor the staff does all they can to work with you and make your dental care as feasible and affordable as possible.

Some other perks you will find at Rangewood Dental include a free teeth whitening kit for new patients and a guest, as well as senior citizen discounts. Athletes of all sports and professional levels can benefit from UnderArmour Performance Mouthwear, which is a mouthpiece that encourages performance, health and mouth safety.  Rangewood Dental is one of the few providers of this product in this area.

Dr. Hickenlooper and his staff don't want their patients to be in pain for any reason, and therefor they have an emergency policy that allows you to come in for assistance the very day you call. Dr. Hickenlooper also provides his personal cell phone number so that you can reach him any hour.

With so many considerate approaches and personal touches, it seems that the tagline, We go the extra mile for your smile," rings true.

Rangewood Dental is located at 3755 Briargate Blvd., Suite 200 in Colorado Springs (above the American National Bank).  Give them a call at 719-434-5800 during their hours of operation:  Monday- Thursday, 8 am  to 5 pm; and Friday, 8 am to 2 pm.

To learn more about their staf and services, return back the front page of the web site www.rangewooddental.com.