EcoDental: Dr. S. V. Bhende, DMD, FICOI

EcoDental, located at 300 29th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601, is a dental practice headed by Dr. S. V. Bhende, a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI). The clinic is known for its "Ecological, Economical, and Exceptional" philosophy, aiming to provide high-quality dental care with a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness and patient affordability. Dr. Bhende, with over 20 years of experience, established EcoDental in 2010. He received his BDS degree in India and his DMD from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine in 1999, followed by further training in Implant Dentistry at New York University. He was awarded a Fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in 2003. Dr. Bhende is also a U.S. Army Veteran and has a history of community involvement, providing dental services to underprivileged populations in India and participating in various volunteer initiatives in North Carolina, including the Dental Bus and NCMOM clinics. EcoDental offers a comprehensive range of dental services, including general dentistry, preventive care, teeth cleaning, fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, dental implants and bone grafts, dentures and partial dentures, teeth whitening, and cosmetic dentistry. The clinic prioritizes patient comfort and convenience, offering flexible scheduling and sedation options for anxious patients. They also accommodate a wide age range of patients, from infants to seniors. A key aspect of EcoDental's philosophy is its commitment to "green dentistry." The practice strives to reduce waste and minimize its environmental impact by maintaining digital patient records and X-rays, which eliminates the need for harmful processing chemicals and significantly reduces radiation exposure for patients. They utilize electronic filing for most insurance claims and electronic communication for faxes and statements. The clinic also recycles paper, plastic, and metal waste, uses energy-efficient lighting and equipment, and supports local businesses to reduce shipping needs. They actively promote a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" mentality within the office. EcoDental aims to make dental care economical by offering competitively priced services, assisting with payment options through CareCredit, and helping patients understand and maximize their insurance benefits. The clinic is accessible to residents of surrounding areas like Newton, Conover, Morganton, Lenoir, Maiden, Taylorsville, and Valdese, covering several counties.