Dr. Uyen Thompson strives to provide comprehensive dental care and the ultimate patient experience to every individual who walks through our doors. She has dedicated her career to helping people improve their oral health and maintain a beautiful, winning smile. Dr. Thompson places a high priority on safety and comfort, and has made it a point to offer a wide range of dental procedures right here under one roof. In addition to advanced general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options, Dr. Thompson is extensively trained and experienced with dental implants and orthodontic treatments.
Dr. Thompson’s goal is to give you truly customized dental care in a setting designed for your comfort and relaxation. Every patient is unique, and therefore every treatment is unique as well. With Dr. Thompson’s experienced hand, friendly attitude, and commitment to helping you meet your needs, she can renew both the health and appearance of your teeth with beautiful results.
Below, you will find more information on Dr. Thompson’s background and credentials. If you would like to schedule a consultation, we encourage you to contact Thompson Center for Dentistry.
Education
Dr. Thompson has been trained and educated at some of the most respected institutions in the world, including:
- California Implant Institute – Master of Oral Implantology
- USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry – DDS degree
- University of California, San Diego – Undergraduate degree
Dr. Thompson is a strong advocate for continuing dental education. She believes it is imperative for dental professionals to stay abreast of the latest treatments and techniques so they can provide their patients with the highest quality of care. Dr. Thompson has pursued additional dental education at the prestigious Pankey Institute, the Kois Center, and the Spear Education Center. In addition, her completion of the Oral Implantology program at the California Implant Institute has helped her become proficient in all stages of dental implant placement. This training enables Dr. Thompson to perform many dental implant procedures right here at our office, making the process more efficient and convenient for our patients.
Memberships
Dr. Thompson’s experience, extensive training, and commitment to continuing education has helped her obtain the necessary membership requirements for some of the world’s most respected dental associations, which include a Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She is a member of organizations such as:
- Academy of General Dentistry – Master
- American Dental Association
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists – Fellow
- American Academy of Clear Aligners
- California Dental Association
- San Diego County Dental Society
- Spear Study Club
- Pankey Study Club
Honors and Awards
- 2021 & 2022 Union Tribune San Diego’s Best Dental Office
- 2016 Top 40 under 40 Dentist – Incisal Edge magazine
- 2008 Senior Award in Dental Morphology – USC School of Dentistry
Dr. Thompson looks forward to helping you with your dental needs. If you have questions about the procedures offered here at Thompson Center for Dentistry, we invite you to contact our practice and we will be happy to assist you!
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is distinct from a general dentist in a number of ways. While general dentists may offer certain cosmetic dental procedures, cosmetic dentists are typically those who have undergone many hours of additional training and education that focuses on improving the aesthetics of the teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentists often make aesthetic dental procedures a cornerstone of their practice, offering advanced treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain veneers, complete smile makeovers, and other options that serve to enhance the appearance of a patient’s smile.
How to Choose the Best Cosmetic Dentist for You
The process of choosing the best cosmetic dentist for your unique needs and goals may take a bit of research, but in the end, feeling confident that you are in the hands of a qualified, experienced dentist with whom you feel comfortable is worth the extra effort. Here are a few things to look for that can help you in your search:
Experience, Credentials, and Background
Be sure to carefully review the dentist’s biography and credentials, which can often be found on the practice’s website or other online resources. The dentist’s number of years in practice, awards and recognitions, membership in dental organizations and societies, community involvement, and educational history can be good indicators of their experience level and reputation.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
A good way to obtain a general idea of the treatment you can expect from a specific dentist or dental practice is to read what other patients have to say about their experiences. Many practices have testimonials and reviews of the dentist available directly on the website, and third-party review sites can also provide a resource with an array of perspectives.
Before-and-After Photos
Does the practice website contain a dental treatment before-and-after photo gallery? If so, this can be a great opportunity to see what the dentist is capable of. This “Smile Gallery” may even feature before-and-after photos depicting the specific treatment you are considering. If the website does not have a photo gallery, you may want to ask a member of the dental staff if you can see some before-and-after images when you arrive at the office.
Technology
Keep an eye out for the kind of technology the practice utilizes. Dentists who use state-of-the-art technology such as advanced x-ray imaging, CEREC® milling systems, and laser therapies can often be a sign of a dentist’s commitment to providing patients with the most comfortable, effective, and convenient care possible.
Chairside Manner
The rapport you establish with your prospective dentist is one of the most important things to take into account. Does the dentist listen attentively to your concerns? Are the treatments customized for each patient? Do you feel the dentist is being honest and forthright? Do you feel confident in their abilities and comfortable in their care? The answers to these questions can establish whether you truly trust your prospective dentist with both the health and appearance of your teeth.
Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist
If you have researched your options and are ready to contact the cosmetic dentist you are considering, there are some useful questions to ask if the answers are not readily available on the practice’s website. It’s also beneficial to make these inquiries during the initial consultation, as they can help you determine whether you feel trust and confidence in the dentist.
- How long have you been a practicing dentist?
- Can you tell me about your educational background and credentials?
- Do you attend continuing education courses on a regular basis?
- Which dental organizations and societies do you belong to?
- Do you typically take a conservative approach to dentistry in order to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible?
- Can you tell me a bit about the technology available at the practice?
- Are the procedures customized for each individual patient’s specific needs?
- Approximately how many times have you performed the procedure that I am considering?
A good cosmetic dentist should have no hesitation about answering any question you may have. Remember, you are entrusting this person with your safety, not to mention the health and appearance of your teeth!
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Uyen Thompson, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.