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Dentists Offer Patients More Than a Dazzling Smile

Getting, and maintaining, a beautiful smile is about much more than just pearly white teeth.

Dr. Sara Spurlock and Dr. Jennifer Jenkins at Dental Design Studio consider themselves the “quarterbacks” of their patients’ oral health because they know good oral health also is very much related to a person’s whole-body health.

“Periodontal, or gum, disease effects approximately 70% of all adults in the United States,” states Dr. Spurlock, pointing out that periodontal disease has been linked with a host of systemic health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, low-weight pre-term babies and inflammatory diseases.

“We take our role in the prevention of heart attack and stroke, and other health issues, very seriously and are committed to helping our patients achieve oral health which in turn promotes systemic health,” adds Dr. Jenkins.

Dental Design Studio

Drs. Spurlock and Jenkins practice dentistry at Dental Design Studio, which has been a part of the Norman landscape for more than 40 years. The practice was established by Dr. Roger Bowman, who retired in the early 1990s. Dr. Susan Whiteneck then acquired the practice and served as a solo practitioner for nearly two decades before Dr. Spurlock joined her in 2008. They renamed the practice to Dental Design Studio. Dr. Jenkins joined the practice in 2015 in anticipation of Dr. Whiteneck’s retirement. Dr. Whiteneck retired at the end of 2017, and now Drs. Spurlock and Jenkins work full time in the practice.

About the Practice Today

“We are passionate about learning, researching and studying everything from cosmetic dentistry, airway function, integrative oral medicine and everything in between,” says Dr. Jenkins. “We regularly attend continuing education courses throughout the United States, learning from the very best of the best in our field in efforts to stay current with new information and techniques to best serve our patients.”

Utilizing the most current technology for diagnosis and treatment planning enables the dentists to improve accuracy and provide a clear understanding of their patients’ dental and health condition. 

“The technology we utilize includes a three-dimensional CBCT scan, digital X-rays and digital impression and health scans with our iTero Scanner,” Dr. Spurlock points out, noting that the health scan accurately records gum tissue levels and allows both dental providers and patient to easily visualized any changes.

“These diagnostic assessments, in conjunction with a comprehensive evaluation of the gum tissue, allows patients to gain a thorough understanding of the current condition and make the best decisions to improve their oral health,” adds Dr. Jenkins. “Utilizing up-to-date technology, techniques and materials when providing treatment helps us offer the best possible care.”

To make patients as comfortable as possible, a device called the “Wand” is used to administer dental anesthetic and nitrous oxide. Patients may even watch Netflix during treatment.

In addition to Drs. Spurlock and Jenkins, Dental Design Studio has a capable staff of 14, who handle everything from appointments to assisting the dentists as dental hygienists.

Taking the Whole Person Approach

Just as a bright smile is only the top of the iceberg when it comes to ensuring a patient maintains a healthy mouth, Drs. Spurlock and Jenkins believe patients benefit from not only their continuing education and technical prowess, but from their insistence on treating the whole person.

“Reinvesting in our practice with technology and training are at the core of our values, but we believe what is unique about our practice and team is the value with place on building relationships with our patients while creating and maintaining healthy, beautiful smiles,” says Dr. Jenkins. “We take our work seriously and seriously like to have some fun, but we never lose sight of the impact we can have on our patient’s day. We are here to listen, understand, guide, encourage, support and serve.  We provide a positive and nurturing environment so we can best meet our patient’s needs.”

Practice Encompasses All Ages

The dental providers at Dental Design Studio welcome patients of all ages, and they work closely with a group of dental specialists in Norman to give patients the ultimate dental experience.

“Our patients can visit our office for their hygiene appointments, periodontal therapy, restorative treatment, cosmetic treatment and much more,” notes Dr. Spurlock.

About the Dentists

Dr. Spurlock, a 2008 D.D.S. graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, has completed most of the continuing education curriculum at the Spear Education Center for Dentists and currently is currently taking classes in the Kois curriculum and the Bale and Doneen Preceptorship.

Dr. Spurlock grew up in Cleveland, Oklahoma, and earned her bachelor’s of science degree in zoology from OU and her doctor of dental surgery from the OU of Dentistry in 2008. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have three children who attend school in Norman. They enjoy leading a healthy active life and are members of KODA crossfit gym. Dr. Spurlock also enjoys cooking, reading, watching her children’s sporting events and attending McFarlin United Methodist Church.

Dr. Jenkins, also a 2008 D.D.S. graduate of the OU College of Dentistry, has completed most of the continuing education curriculum at the Spear Education Center for Dentists. She is currently taking classes in the Kois curriculum Bale and Doneen Preceptorship.

Dr. Jenkins grew up in her hometown of Edmond. After graduating from Edmond North High School in 2000, she attended OU, where she received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and zoology in 2004. She then attended the OU College of Dentistry and graduated in 2008 with a D.D.S. She and her husband, Justin, love raising their two boys, Jase and Jax, in Norman. They enjoy riding bikes around campus and finding things to do around Norman.

Both doctors are members of the Seattle Study Club, an international network of doctors interested in furthering their knowledge to provide excellent care to each and every patient that comes into their practice.

Giving Back

“Giving back to our community that has given us so much is at the core of our mission at Dental Design Studio,” says Dr. Jenkins, noting that they donate a portion of their profits to the community and also donate their dental services as time allows, as well.

“We participate in free dental clinics in Norman, Oklahoma City and with the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, which we will serve together as dental leads in 2020 in Stillwater,” adds Dr. Spurlock.  “We are also community partners with Lincoln Elementary and support numerous other area schools and local nonprofit organizations, such as CCFI, Food & Shelter, Meals on Wheels, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We both serve as leads for the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy.”

The Final Word

“We want our patients to feel like they are part of our family,” Drs. Spurlock and Jenkins say. “We treat everyone exactly how we would treat our families. We get excited about dentistry, and we hope that we can make our patients feel encouraged and supported in achieving optimal dental health.”

Dental Design Studio

561 Merchant Drive, Norman

321.6166

NormanDentist.com

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