Dentist Earns Rave Reviews
July 27, 2010
Patient feedback from surveys has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients have been praising both Dr. Van Haren and staff members. See what patients are saying at our patient review page.
Welcome Patients of Dentist Peter Klein
February 1, 2010
Van Haren Family Dentistry welcomes the staff and patients of Dr. Peter Klein. Patients of Dr. Klein with appointments will keep their appointment times, but the location will change to the dental office of Dr. Van Haren at 2100 Raybrook SE, Ste 107 in Grand Rapids. Van Haren Family Dentistry offered Dr. Klein's staff members positions at the newly combined practice with two of three staff members accepting the offer. The dental practice merger allows Dr. Klein and his family to relocate to North Carolina.
New Baby Van Haren—Future Dentist?
December 6, 2009
Van Haren Family Dentistry welcomes Sophia Mary Van Haren into the world at 8lb 9oz. Dr. Van Haren performed an oral exam at birth and found no cavities. Congratulations to Dr. Van Haren and his wife Katie!
Dental Implants
December 4, 2009
A recent New York Times article discusses the benefits and costs of dental implants relative to bridges. Dr. Van Haren performs both dental procedures and can answer questions about which procedure is more appropriate for you.
Three New Staff Members
October 22, 2009
Grand Rapids Dentist Van Haren Family Dentistry has hired three staff members over the last 3 months: Laurie Kimes, Dawn Crenshaw, and Heather Decker.
Laurie Kimes is a Registered Dental Hygienist who has worked in the dental field for over 25 years. Laurie has delivered advanced clinical hygiene care at several highly respected dental practices throughout Michigan. Laurie is active in local and state hygiene associations and has served as President of the Michigan Dental Hygienists Association. Laurie's professional goal is to improve the oral and overall health of the Grand Rapids community.
Dawn Crenshaw is Registered Dental Assistant with vast experience working in the dental field in West Michigan. Dawn is highly skilled with advanced dental procedures and techniques. She assists Dr. Van Haren with many facets of dental treatment including tooth whitening, sealants, crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, and fillings. Dawn recently relocated from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.
Heather Decker is a Registered Dental Assistant dedicated to the dental health of patients in the Grand Rapids area. Heather assists Dr. Van Haren with a variety of dental procedures including tooth whitening, sealants, crowns, and fillings. Heather graduated from Hudsonville High School and Grand Rapids Community College.
Van Haren Family Dentistry welcomes all three staff members to its Grand Rapids dental team.
Economy and stress take a toll on teeth
October, 6, 2009
A New York Times article discusses the toll the economy and stress are taking on teeth. Solutions to teeth grinding, which is often associated with stress, include bite guards and veneers.
Van Haren Helps Fight Scleroderma
September 29, 2009
Van Haren Family Dentistry is participating in and supporting the GReatest 5K Ever sponsored by the Help Fight Scleroderma Foundation. At least one staff member from our Grand Rapids, MI dentist office will run in the race. Goodie bags for participants in the Grand Rapids race on October 3, 2009 include toothpaste jointly donated by Van Haren Family Dentistry and Proctor and Gamble.
Dr. Van Haren Volunteers for Miles of Smiles
September 15, 2009
Dr. Ryan Van Haren participated in the Miles of Smiles Dental Van program on August 19, 2009. The Miles of Smiles Van provides dental services to underpriveleged children in West Michigan. The program allows dentists such as Dr. Van Haren to leverage their unique expertise to make a difference in the lives of children in the community.
While a student at the University of Michigan Dental School, Dr. Van Haren spent a summer in Northern Michigan providing dental services to migrant workers. He then spent the following two summers as a clinical director for the migrant worker program. Since then, Dr. Van Haren has regularly donated dental services to underserved populations in Michigan including twice annual participation in the Miles of Smiles program.
Patient Review Website
August 31, 2009
Van Haren Family Dentistry now uses an independent service to survey patients after their visits to our Grand Rapids dental office. A company called Dental Senders solicits a review from each patient with an email address after his or her appointment. Van Haren Family Dentistry is proud to say the survey results have been overwhelmingly positive. Current and potential patients can visit an independent website to see what patients think about their experiences at Van Haren Family Dentistry by clicking here.
Dr. Bochniak Retires
July 27, 2009
Dr. Bochniak began full-time retirement from dentistry on July 24th, 2009. Dr. Van Haren and all staff members thank Dr. Bochniak for the time he spent at Van Haren Family Dentistry and wish him well in retirement. We know Dr. Bochniak will also be missed by his long-time patients in Grand Rapids.
Teeth Whitening Program Going Strong
June 20, 2009
About 50 Grand Rapids dental patients of Van Haren Family Dentistry are now enjoying professionally whitened teeth because Dr. Van Haren is providing whitening to patients for a nominal fee.
Grand Rapids Dentist Transitions
Dr. Robert Bochniak transitions his Grand Rapids patients to VHFD
March 15, 2009
Grand Rapids dentist Dr. Robert Bochniak transitioned his dental practice to Van Haren Family Dentistry on March 1st, 2009. The move allows Dr. Bochniak to prepare for retirement while providing patients a smooth transition to the care of Dr. Van Haren. The two Grand Rapids dentists will work side by side at Van Haren Family Dentistry for the next six to twelve months before Dr. Bochniak enters full retirement.
Drs. Bochniak and Van Haren believe the transition will be a win-win-win for all involved. From the patient perspective, both dentists built their practices around a sense of service to patients. Early feedback from Dr. Bochniak's patients who have made the move is very positive. Patients have quickly developed a sense of comfort and trust in Dr. Van Haren.
Periodontal Screening
A Letter to Patients
February 5, 2008
Dear patients,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you about our procedures to screen and treat periodontal disease here at Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums that is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be associated with broader health problems from bad breath to osteoporosis to heart disease. Please see your favorite medical website such as Mayo Clinic to learn more about periodontal disease and its treatment.
As some of you may already know, Van Haren Family Dentistry screens all patients for periodontal disease by taking painless measurements of your gums around each of your teeth during your regular dental exams. There is no charge for the periodontal screening. If we do not find signs of periodontal disease, your appointment will continue with a cleaning, appropriate x-rays, and an oral health exam.
If, however, we find signs of periodontal disease, the usual cleaning is no longer the appropriate hygiene treatment since a regular teeth cleaning does not address the bacteria in your gums. Accordingly, please be prepared that your appointment will not proceed with a regular cleaning. Rather, we will discuss your specific treatment recommendations and address any questions you have. Depending on the particular health of your gums and your readiness, we may or may not proceed with periodontal treatment the same day.
Modern periodontal treatment can dramatically improve your immediate and long-term oral health. We look forward to providing your household and all of our patients with the best chances for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Sincerely,
Ryan Van Haren, DDS and staff
Van Haren Family Dentistry
Your Grand Rapids, Michigan dentist
Medicare Plus Blue Dental
More Dental Coverage for Seniors
January 25, 2009
Starting in 2009, Medicare Plus Blue Dental provides preventive dental coverage. Van Haren Family Dentistry is happy to submit Medicare insurance claims for new and existing patients with Medicare Plus Blue.
Take-home products
Professional take-home dental products priced at cost
January 15, 2009
Just as we recommend dental procedures based on our clinical judgment, we recommend professional take-home dental products (pastes, gels, rinses, brushes) based on our best clinical judgment. As a service to our patients, we price all dental take-home products at our cost. Sometimes we recommend a product that is hard to find in a store or that requires a prescription. We can give you the convenience of walking out of our office with product in hand at a lower price than in the store.
Evening hours
November 15, 2008
For the convenience of our patients who work during the day, we are now open until 7pm on Tuesdays. Have an oral health, scheduling, or billing question but no time in the day to give us a call? Our new hours allow us to take your call after work hours on Tuesdays.
2100 Raybrook SE, Ste 107
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616.949.2941
Copyright 2009 Van Haren Family Dentistry
