Trio Of Houston Medical Center Cosmetic Dentists Discuss Their Relationship With The Rice University Athletics Department.
What year did your sports dentistry relationship with Rice University begin?
It began in 1995. We began to see patients from the football team who were suffering from problems ranging from concussions to TMJ problems and issues with mouthguard fit. Since then, our services have expanded to provide every aspect of general and cosmetic dentistry to emergency care.
We are located only steps away from the campus, so emergency service has always been one of the most valuable services we provide to Rice athletes and support staff. We also make a great many mouthguards for their teams.
How many Rice University students and staff do you see per month?
Some months, we may only see 5 athletes. At other times of the year, we may see as many as 15.
What feedback have you gotten from the coaches and trainers?
Over the years, they have consistently thanked us for our superior care and attention to the unique needs of athletes in high adrenalin and rough contact sports. We have to also thank them as well. They have been extremely helpful to us in giving us clear information on situations that players face in different athletic events, and the specific sports dentistry needs that different athletes face at those times.
This has blossomed into a wonderful relationship with the trainers. They know that the athlete will be taken care of properly and quickly. They can call us at any time, and they know that their problem will be solved. The coaches love the fact that this is one less thing that they have to worry about.
What teams do you work for other than the football team?
We provide sports dentistry services for athletes from every sport. A lot of them who remain in the Houston area continue to be our patients.
How many true dental emergencies have you faced with athletes?
We have treated dental emergencies for countless times over the previous years.
How crucial has your handling of dental emergencies been to Rice University athlete health?
It has literally meant the difference between some players keeping their teeth or losing them. From an athletic perspective, spots dentistry and dental emergency services limit the time that the player is away from the game.
What improvements to player performance have you been credited by the Rice University staff?
Trainers have noted that sports dentistry helps an athlete return to the game with as much, if not more, confidence than he or she left the field with. Perhaps it is getting back in the game quickly and performing that is biggest help to player confidence.
Where do you see this service going in terms of working with other schools?
We could perform sports dentistry services for other schools as well. The fact that we are located literally steps away from Rice University Campus makes it even more convenient for players to get to us quickly for dental emergency treatments.
Would you be willing to do this for high school and junior high teams?
Yes. School districts in the Houston area are welcome to contact us, particularly if their football teams need custom mouthguards.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services that includes:
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