Dental implants are a very local and personal decision. However, large national corporations are found in your local markets. Through aggressive, well-funded advertising campaigns, these national companies attempt to offer dental implant services by contracting with for-hire practitioners. The costs of these marketing campaigns are passed on to the individuals receiving care for dental implants.
Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry is owned and operated locally by Dr. Jared Hepworth and Dr. Ric Sherman. As the owners, Dr. Hepworth and Dr. Sherman are personally involved with every dental implant patient they care for. From routine exams and cleanings to dental implants, Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry offers full-service dental care.
Let’s look at how Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry’s dental implant experience compares to a corporate dental implant experience such as ClearChoice®.
| FAQ’s | ClearChoice® | Whiteridge Aesthetic Dental |
| Is ownership local? | No. | Yes. |
| Can the owners perform dental procedures? | No. | Yes. |
| Do I know in advance who will be my doctor? | Sometimes. | Yes. |
| How much planning can I expect before a procedure? | On the day of the procedure, after you arrive, the planning begins. | All procedures are determined per the need of the patient. All procedures are performed virtually, with computer technology, before the day of your procedure. |
| Who will perform my dental implant procedure? | A contracted dentist. | Dr. Jared Hepworth or Dr. Ric Sherman. |
| Are the number of dental implant posts determined in advance? | Yes. Four are used every time. | No. Every mouth is different. Therefore, the number of posts can vary. |
| Will the same doctor care for me after the implants are installed? | Sometimes. You are responsible for finding an attending dentist after your procedure. | Yes. Dr. Hepworth and Dr. Sherman provide dental care after all procedures. |
| Are national corporate costs beyond the dental office added to my final bill? | Yes. | No. |
Is ownership local?
In some areas, ClearChoice® does have corporate offices that perform dental implants. However, the dentists that perform the procedures are independent contractors that usually have a separate business in a separate location.
Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry is owned and operated by Dr. Ric Sherman and Dr. Jared Hepworth. By owning and operating they provide a consistency of service before, during, and after a dental implant procedure.
Can the owners perform dental procedures?
ClearChoice® was founded in 1994 by Robert Fontana as Aspen Dental Management. Robert Fontana is not a dentist. Therefore, Mr. Fontana can not legally perform dentistry in the United States.
Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry, as mentioned, is owned and operated by Dr. Ric Sherman and Dr. Jared Hepworth. Both are licensed dentists that are legally permitted to perform dentistry.
Do I know in advance who will be my doctor?
After you go to an initial consultation with ClearChoice® you will meet your doctor. Otherwise, you can not do any background search on who will be performing your procedure.
As mentioned you will know in advance that either Dr. Ric Sherman or Dr. Jared Hepworth will be your doctor.
How much planning can I expect before a procedure?
After an initial consultation, ClearChoice® will install your dental implants.
After an initial consultation, Dr. Hepworth and Dr. Sherman prepare for the installation of your dental implants. The process includes a virtual preview of your dental implant procedure. The process will include the use of computer technology wherein your entire procedure is performed first virtually. This process allows the doctors the opportunity to make crucial decisions and calculations in advance of your procedure.
Who will perform my dental implant procedure?
ClearChoice® will select a contracted dentist to perform your procedure.
All procedures through WhiteRidge Aesthetic Dentistry are performed by Dr. Sherman or Dr. Hepworth.
Are the number of dental implant posts determined in advance?
ClearChoice® installs All-On-Four dental implants. As the name states, four dental posts are used on every procedure.
Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry installs All-On-X Dental Implants. The letter “X” is used to indicate an unknown amount of posts. Since every mouth is different, Dr. Sherman and Dr. Hepworth use the appropriate number of posts for a custom fit.
Will the same doctor care for me after the implants are installed?
Since ClearChoice® uses contracted doctors, the patient must check with that dentist. The dentists will decide if they will care for you after your dental implants are installed. Otherwise, you must find an attending dentist.
Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry offers full-service dentistry. This means Dr. Hepworth and Dr. Sherman will always care for your new smile. Dental implants require the same care that real teeth require, such as cleanings every six months.
Are national corporate costs beyond the dental office added to my final bill?
ClearChoice® advertises nationally and has national overhead costs it is liable for. These costs are factored into your final dental implant bill.
As mentioned, Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry is locally owned and operated by Dr. Jared Hepworth and Dr. Ric Sherman. Since it is locally owned and operated, no national financial costs accrue. Therefore, their prices are based on services only performed in their offices.
Consult the Better Business Bureau about ClearChoice’s history of complaints
What are the steps to receiving All-On-X Dental Implants from Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry?
- Call the receptionist at Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry and request an initial free consultation. 801-942-7770. The initial consultation is a free exam by Dr. Hepworth or Dr. Sherman. Also, a full 360-degree 3D X-ray is taken for free. After the exam and X-rays your doctor will begin discussing a treatment plan for you.
- Your doctor will proceed to perform the procedure virtually. This allows the doctor time to make crucial decisions in advance of your surgery. This crucial pre-planning step ensures that all materials and decisions are in place before your dental implants are installed.
- Your appointment is set for the dental implant installation.
- A full-mouth or partial-mouth dental implant installation will occur depending on your needs. You will receive anesthesia for your procedure so the most you will feel is pressure in your mouth.
- After the procedure, you will need ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Continue to care for your dental implants through regular check-ups at Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry.
Read more about All-On-X Dental Implants from Whiteridge Aesthetic Dentistry here.
Serving the Salt Lake Valley, Cottonwood Heights, Mill Creek, Park City, and Summit County.
