Aspen Dental Expands to Merced
Aspen Dental, a leader in accessible dental care, has officially opened its latest practice at 3170 R Street in Merced, California. This initiative is particularly significant as it aims to cater to the growing community in the San Joaquin Valley, where access to dental services has been limited. The new office, managed by Dr. Avni Sharma, provides a wide range of services—from routine cleanings to complex procedures—all under one roof.
The dental landscape in the San Joaquin Valley highlights a shortage of providers, creating a pressing need for accessible care. According to data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, many counties, including Merced, have a lower number of dentists per capita than the state average. This gap often results in serious oral health issues going untreated, as Dr. Arwinder Judge, Chief Clinical Officer at Aspen Dental, pointed out. “Small problems can escalate quickly if patients do not have timely access to a dentist,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of immediate care options.
Services Offered at the Merced Office
The Merced office promises a full spectrum of dental services, including:
- - Preventive Care
- - Emergency Dentistry
- - Dentures
- - Implants
- - Crowns and Bridges
- - Oral Surgery
- - Motto™ Clear Aligners
In addition to these services, the office has implemented walk-in availability, allowing patients to receive immediate care without prior appointments. Patients are also presented with cost estimations prior to initiating any procedures, fostering transparency and trust in the provider-patient relationship.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
Dr. Sharma expressed her commitment to serving the Merced community, stating, “Families deserve to have a dental office nearby that can meet all their needs.” She aims to build long-lasting relationships with her patients, ensuring that they feel understood and prioritized at every stage of their oral health journey. The new location is strategically positioned near the redeveloped Shoppes at Merced retail center, adding convenience for local residents.
In recent years, Merced has seen a demographic rise, with its population increasing nearly nine percent from 2010 to 2020, reaching approximately 86,333 residents. This growth necessitates substantial improvements in essential services, including comprehensive dental care, and Aspen Dental aims to fulfill that demand.
The Merced office is accessible to patients with various dental insurance plans, and financing options are available to alleviate the financial burden associated with dental treatment. With extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as weekend appointments, the practice accommodates the busy schedules of working families, ensuring they can obtain necessary care without disrupting their daily lives.
Office Hours and Contact Information
The Merced Aspen Dental office is welcoming new patients, and individuals can schedule appointments through various convenient methods:
Office Hours:
- - Monday - Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- - Wednesday - Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- - Friday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- - Select Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
With this new practice, Aspen Dental not only brings vital dental services closer to the community but also raises awareness about the importance of maintaining oral health. The organization continues to strive to make dental care both accessible and affordable, reinforcing its commitment to the communities it serves.