Dr. Bernadette Lindquist works in Unity Dental Group's busy dental practice on the Genesee Street Campus, and she sometimes sees 20 patients a day. But she always has time to talk with each patient – to listen to their problems, ease their fears, and teach them how to take care of their teeth.

Unity Dental Group recently moved into larger offices to accommodate its rapidly growing patient volume. The practice now has two dentists, two hygienists, and office staff assisting patients of all ages – including young children and adults who live in the neighborhood, Unity employees who work at the site, and residents from Unity Living Center.

The practice offers full-service dentistry to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Good dental hygiene is essential for good health, so Dr. Lindquist makes sure every patient understands what to do for proper home care.

"Many patients are fearful at first," Dr. Lindquist says, "and they may not be used to seeing a dentist, or they may have painful dental problems." Talking helps. “If I know what they’re worried about, I can help make things easier for them," she says.

Whatever Dr. Lindquist says to relax her patients, it seems to work. Even those who were once resistant to dental care are coming back for follow-up appointments, she says. She sees children doing better at brushing regularly. And one of her adult patients actually fell asleep in the chair one day.