Introduction
D.A. & C. Houston & Associates Dental Practice is a privately owned dental clinic located in the suburban region of Riverdale, serving a diverse patient population that includes families, seniors, and young adults. Established in the early 1990s, the practice has evolved from a small, single-location office to a multi-specialty facility featuring advanced diagnostic and restorative capabilities. The practice’s name reflects its founding partnership: Dr. Alan Houston and Dr. Catherine Houston, siblings who share a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered oral care.
The clinic’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality dental services while fostering a welcoming environment that promotes preventive education and long-term oral health. The practice emphasizes collaboration among dental specialists, nurses, hygienists, and administrative staff to ensure cohesive treatment plans. Over the past three decades, D.A. & C. Houston & Associates has maintained a reputation for integrating evidence-based practices with emerging technologies, positioning itself as a regional leader in both general dentistry and specialized oral health services.
History and Background
Founding Years
Dr. Alan Houston, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and his sister, Dr. Catherine Houston, who completed her dental education at the University of California, San Francisco, founded the practice in 1991. Their initial vision centered on delivering comprehensive dental care in a family-friendly setting, with a focus on preventive measures and early intervention.
During its first decade, the practice operated from a single building that housed general dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery services. The Houston siblings invested in state-of-the-art equipment for that era, including digital radiography units and early computer-assisted surgical planning systems.
Expansion and Diversification
In the early 2000s, the practice expanded to a second location, adding orthodontic and pediatric dentistry specialties. This expansion coincided with the adoption of 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning across multiple subspecialties.
By 2010, D.A. & C. Houston & Associates incorporated a full-time orthodontist and a pediatric dentist, diversifying its service portfolio. The practice also began offering cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers, bonding, and laser dentistry, in response to evolving patient preferences for aesthetic enhancements.
Modern Era
In recent years, the clinic has integrated digital dentistry solutions such as intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM milling units, and digital impression workflows. These innovations have streamlined restorative procedures, reduced chair time, and increased patient comfort. The practice continues to prioritize continuing education for its staff, ensuring adherence to the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based protocols.
Services Offered
General Dentistry
General dentistry at D.A. & C. Houston & Associates includes comprehensive oral examinations, prophylactic cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealant applications, and restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. The practice emphasizes routine preventive care, educating patients on daily oral hygiene practices and dietary habits.
Periodontics
Periodontal services encompass the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, scaling and root planing, surgical grafting procedures, and maintenance programs for patients with complex periodontal conditions. Advanced diagnostic tools, including periodontal probes with pressure gauges and ultrasonic scalers, enable precise assessment of periodontal health.
Oral Surgery
The oral surgery division handles extractions, impacted tooth removal, bone grafting, and implant placement. Utilizing CBCT imaging, surgeons perform preoperative planning to minimize risks and optimize implant positioning. Postoperative care includes pain management protocols and follow-up evaluations to monitor healing.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic care includes fixed appliance therapy, clear aligner treatment, and functional appliance therapy for growth modification. Treatment plans are individualized, taking into account growth patterns, dental alignment, and patient aesthetic goals. The practice employs digital treatment planning software to simulate tooth movement and optimize outcomes.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric services focus on early childhood oral health, preventive education, and treatment of developmental dental conditions. Services include topical fluoride applications, sealants, pulpotomies, and early orthodontic evaluations. The practice uses child-friendly communication techniques to reduce anxiety and promote positive dental experiences.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic services cover tooth whitening, veneers, bonding, and smile redesign. Digital smile design software assists in visualizing potential outcomes, allowing patients to make informed decisions. The practice also offers implant-supported restorations for patients seeking durable, natural-looking solutions.
Endodontics
Root canal therapy is performed using rotary endodontic instruments and advanced irrigation techniques to disinfect root canals and preserve tooth structure. Post-endodontic restorations include crowns or inlays, depending on structural integrity and aesthetic considerations.
Practice Philosophy
Patient-Centered Care
The clinic adopts a patient-centered approach, placing the individual’s comfort, preferences, and expectations at the forefront of treatment planning. This includes comprehensive informed consent processes, shared decision-making, and ongoing communication throughout the treatment course.
Preventive Focus
Preventive dentistry is a core pillar of the practice. The Houston team emphasizes early detection of dental issues, regular dental cleanings, and education on nutrition, oral hygiene techniques, and risk factor modification. Prevention is promoted through community outreach, school visits, and public speaking engagements.
Evidence-Based Practice
Clinical decisions are guided by the latest peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, and consensus statements. The practice maintains an internal literature review committee that evaluates emerging evidence to update protocols and incorporate new techniques as appropriate.
Team and Staff
Founders
Dr. Alan Houston serves as the Senior Dental Director, overseeing clinical operations and strategic growth. Dr. Catherine Houston is the Chief Clinical Officer, responsible for clinical quality assurance and staff training. Together, they coordinate with the board of directors to align business objectives with patient care standards.
Clinical Staff
The clinic employs a multidisciplinary team, including:
- General dentists and associate dentists
- Specialists in periodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and endodontics
- Certified dental hygienists and dental assistants
- Orthodontic technicians and lab technicians for CAD/CAM fabrication
- Practice manager and administrative staff handling scheduling, billing, and patient communication
Continuing Education
All clinical staff participate in ongoing education, with a requirement of a minimum of 20 continuing education hours annually. The practice hosts internal workshops, attends national conferences, and partners with dental schools for clinical research opportunities.
Community Engagement
School Dental Programs
Partnering with local school districts, the practice provides routine oral examinations, fluoride varnish applications, and oral health education to students. These programs aim to reduce the incidence of dental caries and promote lifelong dental hygiene habits.
Free Screening Clinics
Annual community health fairs and free screening events are organized to offer dental evaluations to underserved populations. Services include basic oral examinations, referrals for urgent care, and educational materials on preventive care.
Public Health Partnerships
The Houston team collaborates with regional public health agencies to address community-wide oral health challenges. Initiatives include smoking cessation counseling, nutrition counseling, and advocacy for policies that support oral health access.
Technology and Innovations
Digital Imaging
The practice utilizes high-resolution intraoral cameras and CBCT imaging to capture detailed anatomical information. Digital radiographs replace traditional film, providing instant visualization, reduced radiation exposure, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
CAD/CAM and Intraoral Scanners
Digital impression technology enables accurate restoration fabrication, reducing the need for conventional impressions. CAD/CAM milling units produce crowns and bridges in a single appointment, improving patient convenience and restoration fit.
Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers are employed for soft tissue procedures, cavity preparation, and periodontal therapy. Lasers offer precise tissue ablation, reduced bleeding, and faster healing times compared to conventional methods.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
A robust EHR system consolidates patient demographics, treatment histories, and billing information. The system supports clinical decision support tools, appointment reminders, and secure patient portals for communication and educational resources.
Accreditation and Awards
Accreditation
In 2015, D.A. & C. Houston & Associates achieved accreditation from the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) for its general dentistry program. The accreditation confirms adherence to stringent standards of patient safety, clinical competence, and ethical practice.
Awards
- Community Dental Care Award – 2018, awarded by the State Dental Association for outstanding community outreach efforts.
- Innovation in Digital Dentistry Award – 2020, presented by the National Dental Technicians Association for pioneering the use of intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM milling.
- Patient Satisfaction Excellence Award – 2022, recognizing superior patient experiences based on survey data and retention metrics.
Patient Experience
Consultation and Assessment
Initial consultations involve comprehensive oral examinations, diagnostic imaging, and individualized treatment planning. Patients receive written summaries outlining proposed procedures, estimated costs, and expected outcomes.
Comfort and Amenities
Clinic rooms are designed with ergonomic seating, ambient lighting, and calming decor to minimize anxiety. The practice offers music, video entertainment, and digital patient education modules during waiting periods.
Payment and Insurance
The clinic accepts a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private carriers. For patients without insurance, flexible payment plans, sliding fee scales, and financing options are available. The billing department provides transparent cost estimates prior to treatment initiation.
Patient Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments are scheduled at intervals consistent with clinical guidelines and patient needs. Telehealth options are available for routine check-ins and medication management, ensuring continuity of care even when in-person visits are not required.
Financial and Insurance Structure
Insurance Partnerships
The practice maintains contracts with over 40 insurance providers, enabling coverage for preventive, restorative, and specialty services. Negotiations are conducted annually to incorporate new benefit structures and adjust reimbursement rates.
Revenue Management
Revenue cycle management is overseen by a dedicated finance team that handles claims submission, payment reconciliation, and patient billing. The team employs analytic dashboards to monitor claim denial rates and optimize collection processes.
Investment in Technology
Capital expenditures are planned strategically to balance patient care improvements with financial sustainability. Recent investments include a full digital impression suite, a new CBCT unit, and an upgraded electronic health record system.
Future Directions
Expansion of Services
Plans include adding a restorative dentistry clinic dedicated to advanced implantology and prosthetic dentistry. The practice also intends to broaden orthodontic services to include full-time orthodontic consultation and accelerated treatment protocols.
Telehealth Development
Expanding tele-dentistry offerings, the clinic aims to provide remote consultations, post-operative check-ins, and virtual triage for urgent cases. Integration of secure video platforms and digital assessment tools will enhance accessibility for patients in rural areas.
Research and Collaboration
Collaboration with academic institutions will enable participation in clinical trials, particularly in implantology and regenerative dentistry. The practice anticipates contributing to evidence-based guidelines and publishing peer-reviewed findings.
Patient Engagement Platforms
Developing a comprehensive patient portal that includes appointment scheduling, educational resources, and electronic communication with providers is a priority. The platform will also support automated reminders for preventive appointments and medication refills.
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