Southshore Dental Opens New Office in Trenton

Southshore Dental has relocated from Riverview to a much larger office at 2861 West Road in Trenton.

Mehul Patel DDS said his dental practice outgrew its 900-square-foot location on King Road and expanded to a 3,000-square-foot building just a mile south. Southshore’s new location is across the street from Trenton High School on West Road between Allen Road and Fort Street.

“Since 2008, our patient load has probably quadrupled,” Dr. Patel said. “We needed an office with more rooms and increased capacity to serve our patients. The new office is larger, brighter and much more patient friendly. All of our patients will feel at home and at ease with their dental care.”

In the Riverview location, the dental practice had a suite and shared a small waiting room with a podiatrist. Signage was limited as well. In Trenton, Southshore has an enhanced presence on busy West Road. Dr. Patel has his own building with a totally remodeled interior and ample parking. The larger, more prominent signage on the building and closer to the road will be easier to see for current and future patients.

“Trenton is such a nice area,” Dr. Patel said. “I love that we’re close to the high school and the library on a well-maintained road. We are easily accessible to patients throughout the Downriver area and beyond. Our patients come from all over.”

Office Manager Stacey Esparza said one of the reasons behind the move was patient efficiency.

“The technology Dr. Patel has installed will make patients even more comfortable,” she said. “He gets many patient-to-patient referrals and we didn’t have room in the old location to see enough patients. With this larger and more patient-centered practice, we are able to see more patients on a daily basis with a very skilled clinical staff.”

Dr. Patel said “the office is designed for the patient.”

“There is a relaxing atmosphere,” he said. “The chairs have televisions patients can watch and iPads. We can provide nitrous oxide. Those that became anxious can be sedated. We have anti-anxiety medication for people who don’t want to go the sedation route. We want everyone to feel comfortable.”

Southshore Dental offers services ranging from basic cleanings to bone grafting and implant surgery.

“We can serve patients from 3 years old to 103 years old, depending on what they need,” Dr. Patel said. “We really have the ability to serve all ages, whether they need a tooth filling or comprehensive reconstruction. We excel in not only fixing people’s teeth, but in changing habits and lifestyle so they can maintain overall good health.”

The office employs new technology, such as digital x-rays, which require 90-percent less radiation than traditional x-rays. The “Tek-scan” measures a patient’s bite and can pinpoint problem areas. The device is used by less than 1 percent of all dentists.

“A number of problems are caused by the bite,” Dr. Patel said. “We have a computer chip that measures the bite. It allows us to get rid of headaches, fracturing and sensitive teeth.”

Inter-oral cameras allow patients to see what Dr. Patel and his staff see. The cameras feature high magnification that allows early detection and correction of teeth issues. He said all patients benefit – especially children.

Dr. Patel has lived in the area since childhood. He graduated from the University of Michigan, earning an award for clinical excellence. He is a member of many dental organizations and is on the membership board of the Michigan Dental Association. He has authored papers on dentistry and rates dental products and technology for the publication Dental Advisor. 

Married and the father of two sons, Dr. Patel spends free time with his family, attending his children’s school and sporting events and doing volunteer work.

Dr. Patel said he feels blessed that the practice has grown 25 to 30 percent each year. With more than 3,000 square feet, the new facility allows for further growth and additional services. Construction was performed by Daniel West of R & G Contractors Inc.

The dental office staff also has expanded and will continue to grow. There are two highly-trained hygienists that provide basic cleanings and gum therapy, experienced dental assistants and a knowledgeable front-desk office staff.

 “My staff is 100 percent vested in the patient,” Dr. Patel said. “They understand what it’s like to be a patient and want to make patients comfortable. My staff really stands by me. Without them, none of this would be possible. I truly believe that is the key to success and growth.”

Office Manager Esparza said the design ergonomics philosophy of the new office creates efficiency. She said patients have shorter stays in the waiting room and shorter and painless visits painless visits.

“We have a phenomenal staff,” she said. “They’re very friendly and make sure patients feel comfortable and really understand what is going to be done before it’s done. Patient education is so important.”

The office features the paintings of local artist Nicole Camilleri, whose company Healing the Heart through Reiki and Art is located at 2955 Biddle Avenue in Wyandotte. Camilleri’s artwork can be purchased at the dental office as well. 

Southshore Dental accepts most insurance plans and has payment plans. The practice also offers a discounted in-office benefit plan for those who have lost their insurance. The plan features 12 months interest free.

Office hours range from early morning to late evening weekdays. The practice also is open one Saturday a month. 

To schedule an appointment or inquire about services, call (734) 479-1340. To learn more about Southshore Dental, visit the website www.southshoredentist.com or find the practice on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southshoredental.