About us
About Bell Dental
Maybe it has been a few years since your last cleaning, and a tooth has started to ache when you sip something cold. Or your jaw clicks every morning, your child needs a first checkup, or you are wondering whether whitening or veneers might finally give you a smile you feel good about. Many people put off calling a dentist because they are not sure where to start. Our answer is simple: start with us. At Bell Dental Group, we see patients of all ages, from children around age 3 through seniors, and we take time to understand what brought you in before we talk about anything else.
Our practice began more than 40 years ago, when brothers Dr. Chuck Bell and Dr. Dave Bell opened our doors in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati. Over four decades, families have come to us for routine cleanings, urgent repairs, and everything in between. Some of the children we once saw for sealants now bring their own kids in for checkups.
Today our practice is privately co-owned by Dr. Maggie Ernst and Dr. Joyce Crowe, who carry forward the foundation the Bell brothers built. Being privately owned matters to us. It means the decisions about your care are made right here in our office by the dentists who know you, and we can focus on building lasting relationships rather than rushing through appointments.
A common question we hear from new patients is, "What actually happens at my first visit?" We begin with a dental exam and, in most cases, a professional dental cleaning with our dental hygienist. During the exam, we check for cavities, look at your gums, and perform an oral cancer screening. Then we explain what we see in plain language and walk you through any options, so you can make decisions at a pace that feels comfortable.
Here is what you can expect when you visit us:
- A conversation about your concerns, goals, and dental history before any treatment begins
- A thorough exam, cavity detection, and oral cancer screening
- A cleaning with our hygienist, plus fluoride treatment or sealants when appropriate
- Clear explanations of any recommended care, along with your payment options
- Comfort options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation for patients who feel anxious
If dental visits make you nervous, please tell us. We offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation dentistry to help many patients feel more relaxed. We also use gentle tools such as air abrasion and laser dentistry for certain procedures, depending on what your situation calls for.
Care for Every Stage of Life and Every Kind of Need
Because we see patients from early childhood through their senior years, we treat a wide range of needs under one roof. For children, we offer pediatric dentistry, sealants, fluoride, and sports mouth guards. For adults, we provide fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canal therapy on front teeth, premolars, and molars. When a tooth is missing, we can talk with you about tooth replacement options, including dental implants and bridges. For patients with more extensive needs, we also offer full mouth reconstruction.
Some patients come to us with problems they did not realize a dentist could help with. We treat TMJ disorders, including jaw clicking, locking, or limited movement, and we evaluate headaches that may be related to the jaw. You do not need a referral to see us for jaw pain. We also provide night guards and sleep apnea treatment. When gums are the concern, we offer gum disease treatment and periodontal surgery, including crown lengthening. And if something goes wrong unexpectedly, such as a broken tooth or sudden pain, we offer emergency dental appointments.
For patients interested in changing the look of their smile, we offer cosmetic dentistry that includes in-office and take-home teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite bonding, tooth recontouring, gum contouring, and Invisalign and other clear aligners. If you are considering several changes at once, a smile makeover lets us plan them together. Our $99 cosmetic consultations give you a chance to explore what is possible before committing to anything.
Making Care Affordable and Straightforward
Cost is often the biggest worry people bring through our door, and we would rather talk about it openly than have it keep you from getting care. We welcome self-pay patients and offer a wide range of payment options. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan covers preventive services for a low monthly fee, which makes regular cleanings and exams easier to keep up with.
For patients seeking care for jaw pain or TMJ concerns, we file insurance claims as a general practice. If you are unsure how your coverage or our payment options apply to your situation, our team is happy to walk through it with you before treatment begins.
Rooted in Hyde Park, Serving Cincinnati
After more than 40 years in Hyde Park, we consider ourselves part of the neighborhood. We serve patients from across Cincinnati, and many of them have trusted us with their family's smiles for years. That kind of continuity is something we value deeply.
Whether you need a routine checkup, relief from jaw pain, help with an urgent problem, or a fresh start after time away from the dentist, we are here to listen first and guide you from there. When you are ready, our team at Bell Dental Group would be glad to meet you.
Your Next Visit Starts Here
Whether you need a routine cleaning, help with jaw pain, or an emergency appointment, our Hyde Park team welcomes patients of all ages and offers flexible payment options, including an in-house membership plan, so call us today to schedule your visit.