You can find lots of articles about dental practices that also offer day-spa type treatments such as massage or aromatherapy. (My Boston-based practice is dental spa, for example.)

Dental patient Ali Hammer, of Borakas Public Relations, loves her dentists, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Aaron Cooley, of Cooley Smiles in Bellevue, Washington for this very reason. Not only does she receive great dental care, but she also gets paraffin hand dips!

Ali writes, “Before finding Cooley Smiles, I had the same dentist since childhood, but when I moved away for college and work, I started going to Cooley Smiles and was amazed by their service.

“The brothers, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Aaron, are very skilled dentists. I’ve gone to them for three years and they have filled a few cavities for me. I was nervous as I had never had a filling or for that matter, a cavity, but they put me at ease and provided a nearly painless procedure.

“I like their mix of cosmetic and general family dentistry because I feel like the doctors are very knowledgeable in both the scientific and artistry sides of the profession. And, there’s nothing like a paraffin hand dip while having your teeth cleaned!

“I love these guys and rave about them to all my friends and coworkers!”

Regularly voted Seattle’s best dentists, Cooley Smiles offers Invisalign, full mouth reconstruction, and dental implants. Ali, thank you for your story!

Sheryl Matthys, Founder of Leashes and Lovers (an online networking/friendship/dating site for dog lovers!) “loves, loves, loves” her dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Mader in South Bend Indiana – even though Sheryl lives in New York!

“Dr. Mader is more than 700 miles away but whenever I visit my parents, it usually includes getting my teeth cleaned. I live in NYC and believe me — the dentists here do not compare — I’ve tried them and went back to Dr. Mader.

“Why? Because he is THE BEST. He has all the tools in his office so there is no waiting or coming back to get a porcelain overlay, he has goggles that play videos so while you get your teeth cleaned, you’re watching a movie. He’s always up to date on the latest technology and knows how to implement it. And, he numbs your gums so you never feel any pain . . . in short, he always makes me smile.”

Sheryl, thank you for sharing your story. For those of you in South Bend, Indiana, be sure to check out Dr. Mader’s Website. A modern dentist, Dr. Mader offers Cerac one-visit crowns, digital X-rays, implants, and general dentistry.

Finding good service providers, such as doctors, plumbers, and even auto technicians, can take some work. When you find a good person, you want to hang on to them — forever.

One woman I know used to drive 50+ miles every four weeks just to get her hair cut — that is how much she loved her hair stylist.

Easan Katir, an investment advisor who also runs a news Website, is no different in that he loves his dentist — and is willing to drive 200 miles to see him.

Easan writes, “My dentist, Dr. Paramjit Singh Everest, does very competent work, has a great chairside manner, explains all the options for a problem, then explains them over again when I need the information. He doesn’t pressure me for high-priced treatments.

“He’s also very skillful with pain management. Example: a few years ago I wanted a tooth extracted. I was sitting in the chair, and he was bustling about, preparing for the procedure. I asked him, ‘So when are you going to pull the tooth?’ and he replied, ‘I did it already.’ Now that’s a good dentist.”

Dr. Everest practices in Yuba City, California. His family was voted Family of the Year in 2005 – in part for the free medical care Everest provides to those in need at the Sikh Temple in Yuba City.

Thank you, Easan, for your wonderful story!

Do you have a story about why you love your dentist? Send it to me, Dr. Helaine Smith, at helainesmithdmd@gmail.com

Randi, front office coordinator for Dr. Eric Vanek, sent in this patient testimonial from Robin MacDonald in Santa Ana, California:

“Dr. Vanek helped me emerge from a dark cave into the sunlight of oral health. No one is more frightened of “the dentist” than I, and now after a remarkable transformation, I actually look forward to my dental appointments…Words can never adequately express my gratitude to all!”

Robin was so thrilled with her treatment, she sent Dr. Vanek a handwritten testimonial!

Dr. Vanek is a true modern dentist or mouth physician who believes in educating his patients as well as providing optimal care. On his Website you’ll find free reports about various dental procedures and a newsletter plus podcasts and a YouTube video.

If you’re in Orange County, be sure to give him a call.

A person searching the Internet found my site and wrote in via email:

I have read your comments about new dental technologies and how they can reduce fear and anxiety when at the dentist. I was just enquiring about what are your views about the interior environment (interior space) and its impact on the patients fear and anxiety. Do you feel that this plays a role in dentistry?

As an LVI-trained dentist, I firmly believe that the interior of my office and its decor help reduce patients’ fear and anxiety.

We have been trained since childhood to associate certain smells, sounds, and even colors with medical offices. When you walk into a dental office, you often smell antisceptic. Some dentists will make an effort to “warm up” their lobbies with furnishings and curtains, but the lobby is still often dark or lacks natural light.

The treatment rooms themselves can be pretty dreary as dentists getting on in years don’t want to make the investment in new colors, treatment chairs and even new dental technologies.

All of this is one reason I’ve made a real effort to design my office to not look or smell like a dental office. When you step into the lobby, the first thing you notice is the abundance of natural light, waterfall, and seasonal decorations.

The entire office, including the treatment room, is immaculate, warm, and inviting. When you visit my dental spa, I want you feel comfortable and relaxed — as if you’re stepping into your own home.

In fact, you can take a tour of my office without leaving your home — just click on the following link which will open a virtual or 360 degree tour of my office.