Unlike some dental offices that favor a quiet, clinical atmosphere, the practice cultivates a more relaxed environment, filled with people laughing and TVs to combat office-like silence. This intentional effort aims to ease the anxiety many patients feel about dental visits.
“Most people go to the dentist because they need to, but they're really apprehensive about being there,” owner Dr. David Baker said. “If we can lighten the mood a little bit and help them get comfortable, then it feels like the appointment goes by and they're not so anxious.”
A key element of this relaxed approach is the strong bond between the staff and patients. While Dr. Baker focuses on treatment, the receptionists, dental assistants and hygienists take time to connect with individuals.
“It's about bonding with the patients,” Dr. Baker said. “The receptionist and my assistants are not so quick to jump into the mouth. They get to know the patients and get acquainted about what it is they want.”
Among the various services offered, the dentist expressed a particular fondness for veneers, currently priced at $5,280. Veneers provide patients with a cost-effective and fast way to change their smile, improving appearance, strength and whiteness in just two appointments. Dr. Baker shared the emotional rewards of this procedure.
“[Appointments for veneers] are probably some of the only appointments where I've literally teared up just because the patients were so grateful when they looked in the mirror afterward. ... It really is gratifying,” Dr. Baker said.
The process involves an initial appointment to prepare the teeth and create temporary veneers, followed by a second appointment to place the permanent veneers. The dentist takes pride in crafting the temporaries, using a durable material to give patients a preview of their new smile.
Dr. Baker also recounted a particularly moving experience with a patient who had a cleft palate. After numerous surgeries, the patient sought to address congenitally missing and misshapen teeth. The transformative impact of the veneers was evident when the patient, along with the dentist and assistant, were moved to tears upon seeing the final result.
Beyond cosmetic dentistry, Hutto Hippo Family Dental focuses on general care. They are currently offering a new patient special that includes a free exam and full mouth X-ray with a paid cleaning.
Dr. Baker’s passion for dentistry began when he was 7 years old, telling his parents that he wanted to be a dentist. This unwavering sense of purpose fuels his commitment to serving patients for nearly 37 years.
“I believe I was made to do this. I was born to be a dentist,” he said.
Hutto Hippo Family Dental strives to make dental care accessible through various payment options. While accepting most insurance plans and standard payment methods such as cash, check and card, they also offer financing options through Cherry and Care Credit.
Through its commitment to patient comfort, quality care and community engagement, Hutto Hippo Family Dental has established itself as a valued health care provider in Hutto.
Contact the practice today to book an appointment, or visit their website to discover more about their services.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
