If you’ve been to more than one dental office over the years, you’ve probably noticed that not all practices feel the same. Some offices lean into bold marketing, social media trends, and the latest buzzwords in dentistry. Others focus more on building long-term relationships, providing consistent care, and getting to know patients beyond just their teeth.
At Big River Dental, Dr. Trey Dickey proudly takes a more “old school” approach to dentistry — and that choice is very intentional. For our team, dentistry isn’t about being the loudest or flashiest. It’s about earning trust, showing up for our patients year after year, and doing what’s best for their long-term oral health.
What Does “Old School” Dentistry Mean?
Old school dentistry isn’t about using outdated tools or skipping modern techniques. In fact, advanced technology and high-quality materials are still essential for excellent care. The difference lies in how the practice operates and how patients are treated.
"Old school" dental offices tend to focus on:
- Building long-term relationships with patients
- Offering honest, straightforward treatment recommendations
- Choosing conservative care whenever possible
- Relying on word-of-mouth reputation rather than heavy advertising
- Taking the time to truly get to know each patient
Many patients appreciate this approach because it treats them like a person – not a marketing target or a production number.
What Defines “New School” Dentistry?
New school practices often emphasize branding, convenience, and rapid growth. These offices may offer extended hours, highly marketed promotions, or cosmetic treatments designed to attract new patients quickly.
There are definite benefits to this model, including accessibility and increased awareness of available treatments. But sometimes patients leave feeling rushed or unsure about why certain procedures were recommended.
Why Big River Dental Chooses a Relationship-Based Approach
Dr. Dickey’s philosophy centers on trust first. That means focusing on what truly benefits each patient, rather than chasing trends or heavily advertised services. At Big River Dental, this approach looks like:
- Recommending treatment only when necessary
- Taking the time to explain options clearly
- Prioritizing long-term oral health over quick fixes
- Creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for patients and families
It’s dentistry that puts the patient – not the marketing plan – at the center of every decision.
The Bottom Line
Quality dentistry isn’t about “old school vs. new school” being right or wrong. It’s about what works best for the patient. Many people find comfort in a traditional approach that values relationships, transparency, and dependable, steady care.
At Big River Dental, our goal is simple: provide honest, patient-first dentistry that stands the test of time.
