Pacific Dental Services opens first supported dental practice in Illinois

Extends access to care to 22 states with opening in Fairview Heights

Pacific Dental Services is opening its first supported dental practice in the state of Illinois, providing access to comprehensive oral health care to residents in Fairview Heights.

The new PDS-supported dental office, Fairview Heights Dentistry, is led by owner dentist Bryan Watanabe, D.D.S.

In addition, Akshay Vij, D.D.S. and Efrain Vargas, D.D.S. will provide a patient-centric approach for residents in the Fairview Heights community, providing patients with modern dentistry with proven technology with CEREC CAD/CAM same-day dentistry, digital X-rays, laser, online scheduling, and the VELscope Enhanced Oral Assessment System, among other technologies that they say are at the forefront of oral and whole-body health care.

“We’re excited to expand access to high-quality oral health care for patients in Illinois,” said Stephen E. Thorne, IV, founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. “Supporting dentists so they can keep their patients healthier and happier is the purpose of PDS. We’re pleased to have this opportunity to help the patients in Fairview Heights receive the comprehensive oral health care they need and want.”

Although PDS’ network of supported dental practices has now expanded to 22 states throughout the U.S., their organization remains uniquely local. Within their neighborhood practices, each owner dentist remains focused on providing comprehensive oral health care, one patient at a time.

“As your dentist, you can expect the best quality of dental care from me and my clinical team,” said Dr. Vargas. “I’m excited to be part of the Fairview Heights community and help patients achieve their best smile, while educating them about the connection between oral health and whole-body health.”

Vij, who is also the director of Esthetic & Digital Dentistry at ATSU-Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health, said, “As my patient, you can expect me to treat you like family. I’ll work with you to ensure you’re comfortable. My job is to make sure we achieve your optimal dental health goals.”

PDS-supported practices are committed to bringing awareness to adult and pediatric patients about the link between oral health and whole-body health – what PDS and its supported practices call the Mouth-Body Connection.  Research shows that harmful bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can indicate and even cause systemic conditions throughout the body.  Maladies of the mouth, including periodontal disease, may be linked with other medical conditions including oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

Fairview Heights Dentistry is on the corner of Illinois Route 159 and Lincoln Trail; next to AT&T and across from Walgreens. Visit www.fairviewheightsdentistry.com or call (618) 310-0263.