When local dentist Heidi Sprowls, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), moved to Ohio in 2002 she had plans to settle into a practice, work a few days a week and start a family. She and her husband, Dr. Matt Sprowls welcomed their daughter Chloe in 2004 and with the help of a good friend, she began work in Centerville at a local dental office.
“Dr. Rob Stofer was an excellent dentist and a great teacher. I worked there with a group of doctors who were amazing mentors and friends to me,” shares Dr. Sprowls.
Over the next 17 years, Dr. Sprowls gained knowledge in her field from her real-world experience. Her commitment to dentistry allowed her to become adept at diagnosing complex cases, mastering new technologies and refining her techniques to deliver superior outcomes.
“The passage of time always brings many changes. During those 17 years, I gained knowledge, confidence and strength. I developed a desire to do dentistry my own way. I started dreaming of my own office,” Dr. Sprowls says.
In 2019, she was able to make that dream a reality when she purchased her current practice from Dr. Mark Wenzel. “The practice was what I had been dreaming of and I put everything on the line to buy it from Dr. Wenzel. I built a team of wonderful people to provide general dentistry to patients that reflected what I had learned from the greatest dentists in the area,” conveys Dr. Sprowls.
Opening her own practice has been rewarding for numerous reasons because, for many years, Dr. Sprowls didn’t believe she could ever achieve it. ”There were so many years that I could never imagine owning a practice. I didn't have faith in myself,” she says. “I sat at my desk on lunch break the other day listening to my employees in the next room laughing and talking. I realized I created a place where I can provide a living for people who enjoy being with one another. It feels like home.”
Dr. Sprowls and her team are committed to offering a caring and nonjudgmental environment. “My staff and I provide an atmosphere of kindness and acceptance. We take the time to listen to each patient. We don't scold our patients or ridicule them for the condition of their teeth and gums and we educate patients about what treatments are best,” she shares.
The most rewarding moments for Dr. Sprowls and her team are when a patient needs a cosmetic solution. A recent patient told Dr. Sprowls that she never wanted to be in photos with her grandchildren because she was ashamed of her smile. Dr. Sprowls was able to help her with Invisalign® and that changed completely. “Now she smiles, laughs and poses for photos with confidence,” Dr. Sprowls says. “Invisalign is a great way to straighten teeth without wires and brackets. They’re barely visible, and won’t cut or poke you like traditional braces.”
Since opening the doors to her practice, Dr. Sprowls has enjoyed continuing to build relationships with her patients. Having been in the Centerville area for many years, she has watched children grow up and now sees their children as patients. “I have become very close to many patients over the years and I look forward to seeing all of them,” she shares.
Maintain a healthy smile with advice from Dr. Sprowls:
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Your parents' dentures don’t define your future. Dr. Sprowls emphasizes that your parents' or grandparents' dental history doesn't predict your own. “That belief can lead to patients who give up,” she shares.
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Brushing before bed is key. Dr. Sprowls underscores that brushing before bedtime is 100% the most important factor. “For the best oral hygiene, nothing should be left on your teeth before your head hits the pillow,” states Dr. Sprowls.
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Ditch the gummy vitamins. Gummy vitamins containing sugar stick to the teeth like glue, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive and leading to tooth decay if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
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Breaking habits is hard for everyone. Dr. Sprowls is passionate about helping patients identify the habits or challenges in their lives that are causing decay, gum disease, and more.“I want people to learn about these things without feeling ashamed, judged or put down. Dental professionals are humans who are susceptible to all of these problems, too.”
For more information about Dr. Sprowls and her service offerings, visit TheCentervilleDentist.com.
“The passage of time always brings many changes. During those 17 years, I gained knowledge, confidence and strength. I developed a desire to do dentistry my own way.”
“My staff and I provide an atmosphere of kindness and acceptance. We take the time to listen to each patient. We don't scold our patients or ridicule them for the condition of their teeth and gums and we educate patients about what treatments are best.”
