Hey there, friend! Let me ask you a question – when was the last time you actually enjoyed going to the dentist? If you‘re like most people, the answer is probably "umm, never." I get it. The sterile smell, the ominous whirring of the drill, the awkward small talk as your dentist pokes around your mouth… it‘s not exactly a recipe for a good time.
But what if I told you that there‘s a new kind of dental practice that‘s turning the whole idea of what a trip to the dentist can be on its head? Meet Tend, the dental studio of the future.
What is Tend Dental?
Founded in 2018, Tend is a modern, tech-enabled dental company on a mission to transform the patient experience from start to finish. With sleek, thoughtfully-designed offices that look more like a chic spa than a clinic, Tend aims to take the dread out of dentist visits and make exceptional oral care accessible to all.
Tend currently has locations in New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Atlanta, and Nashville, with plans to expand to more cities in the coming years. They offer a full range of services, from routine cleanings and fillings to cosmetic dentistry and emergencies. But it‘s not just what they offer that sets Tend apart – it‘s how they offer it.
"We believe that going to the dentist should be an experience you look forward to, not one you dread. Every element of Tend, from our office design to our clinical care, is centered around creating a warm, welcoming environment where you can relax and feel cared for."
- Doug Hudson, Tend Co-Founder and CEO
The Tend Experience
I recently had the chance to visit Tend‘s studio in Nashville for a routine cleaning and let me tell you, it was unlike any dentist appointment I‘ve ever had. The moment I walked in, I felt my shoulders relax. The waiting area was bright and airy, with comfy couches, chic art on the walls, and a refreshment bar stocked with complimentary sparkling water and coffee.
After a short wait (less than 5 minutes!), my hygienist greeted me with a warm smile and led me back to the exam room. And let me tell you, "exam room" doesn‘t do it justice. It was more like a serene little oasis, with a plush reclining chair, soft blankets, and even a TV on the ceiling so I could catch up on my Netflix queue during my cleaning.
But it‘s not just about the fancy amenities – the level of care I received was top-notch. My hygienist took the time to ask me questions about my oral health habits and concerns, and she explained every step of the cleaning process. She used advanced tools like a dental laser and digital x-rays to give me a more comfortable and precise cleaning. And the dentist who came in for my final exam was just as friendly and thorough.
I left the office feeling refreshed, informed, and actually excited to book my next appointment. How often can you say that about a trip to the dentist?
The Technology
One of the things that really impressed me about Tend was the level of technology they incorporate into every visit. From the moment you book your appointment online (which was a breeze, by the way), you can tell that this is a modern practice.
Some of the cool tech features I noticed during my visit:
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Digital X-rays: No more awkward biting down on those sharp little films. Tend uses digital sensors for faster, more comfortable x-rays with less radiation exposure.
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Intraoral cameras: Ever wished you could see what your dentist sees? Tend‘s intraoral cameras give you a closeup view of your teeth on a screen, so you can better understand your oral health.
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Dental lasers: Tend uses lasers for everything from detecting cavities to treating gum disease. It‘s more precise, less painful, and heals faster than traditional methods.
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3D printing: Need a crown or a night guard? Tend can 3D print them right in the office, so you don‘t have to wait weeks for an outside lab.
All of this technology isn‘t just for show – it translates to a better patient experience and higher quality care.
The Pricing
Now I know what you‘re thinking – all of these fancy amenities and high-tech gadgets must come with a hefty price tag, right? Wrong. One of Tend‘s core values is transparency, and that extends to their pricing.
Tend accepts most major dental insurance plans, and they‘ll even file your claim for you so you don‘t have to deal with the paperwork. But even if you don‘t have insurance, Tend offers clear, upfront pricing for every service. No more surprise bills or hidden fees.
They also offer a membership plan called Tend Plus, which includes two cleanings per year, unlimited exams and x-rays, and discounts on other services for a flat annual fee. It‘s a great option for those without insurance or who want to bundle their preventive care.
The Products
In addition to their in-office services, Tend also offers a small line of curated oral care products to help you keep your smile healthy between visits. I picked up their Soothsonic electric toothbrush and Anticavity Toothpaste during my appointment, and I‘ve been loving them so far.
The Soothsonic brush uses sonic vibration technology to give you a deep clean without being too harsh on your gums. It has all the features you‘d want in an electric brush, like a 2-minute timer, multiple brushing modes, and a long battery life. But what really sets it apart is the sleek, minimalist design and the fact that it comes with a tongue scraper on the back of the brush head. Genius!
The toothpaste is also a winner in my book. It‘s free of harsh abrasives and contains both fluoride and hydroxyapatite to strengthen your enamel. The mint flavor is refreshing without being overpowering, and it doesn‘t leave that gritty feeling some toothpastes do.
The Verdict
So, would I recommend Tend Dental? Absolutely! If you‘re looking for a dental experience that‘s actually enjoyable (or at least not dreadful), Tend is the place to go. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, you feel cared for and valued as a patient.
The team at Tend has truly thought of everything when it comes to creating a stress-free dental visit, from the soothing decor to the state-of-the-art technology. And with transparent pricing and a membership option, they‘re making quality care accessible to more people.
But don‘t just take my word for it – here are some quotes from other happy Tend patients:
"I‘ve always been anxious about going to the dentist, but Tend made me feel at ease right away. The office is beautiful and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I actually look forward to my appointments now!" – Rachel K., NYC
"I love how high-tech everything is at Tend. I feel like I‘m getting the most up-to-date care, and the fact that I can watch Netflix during my cleaning is a game changer." – Tom S., Nashville
"As someone without dental insurance, I really appreciate Tend‘s upfront pricing and membership plan. I don‘t have to stress about getting a huge bill, and I can budget for my dental care." – Sarah P., DC
The only downside to Tend is that they currently only have locations in a handful of cities. But they‘re expanding rapidly, so hopefully more people will have access to this kind of elevated dental care soon!
If you‘ve been putting off going to the dentist because of bad past experiences or dental anxiety, I encourage you to give Tend a try. It just might change the way you think about going to the dentist.
Your friend,
[Your Name]P.S. Want to check out Tend for yourself? Head to their website at hellotend.com to learn more and book an appointment at a studio near you! And if you use my code FRIEND10, you‘ll get $10 off your first visit. You‘re welcome!
Some key facts and figures about dental health in the US:
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Percentage of adults aged 20-64 with untreated tooth decay | 31.6% |
| Percentage of adults who reported experiencing pain in the past year due to dental condition | 29% |
| Number of work or school hours lost annually due to dental disease | 34 million |
| Percentage of adults who are "definitely" or "somewhat" afraid of going to the dentist | 36% |
| Average number of days between dental visits for adults | 978 days (2.7 years) |
Sources: CDC, American Dental Association, Dental Products Report
As you can see, dental anxiety and avoiding the dentist are all too common problems. But with innovative practices like Tend cropping up, there‘s hope for a future where going to the dentist is a pleasure, not a pain. I for one am excited to see this trend continue!
