At Clark Family Dentistry in St. Joseph, Missouri, Dr. Heather Clark and her team have built their reputation on a patient-first philosophy that transforms routine dental visits into comfortable, personalized experiences. Located at 1331 Village Drive, the practice welcomes families throughout the St. Joseph area with an approach that prioritizes individual needs and genuine care over one-size-fits-all treatments. Whether patients are visiting for preventive care or more complex procedures, they can expect attentive service that respects their time, addresses their concerns, and delivers results they can trust.
Our Home: St. Joseph, Missouri
Founded in 1843 as a bustling frontier trading post along the Missouri River, St. Joseph quickly became a pivotal gateway to the American West. The city holds a distinguished place in American history as the eastern terminus of the legendary Pony Express in 1860 and as the location where outlaw Jesse James met his fate in 1882. During its heyday, St. Joseph was one of the wealthiest cities west of the Mississippi, flourishing as a major livestock and meatpacking center that rivaled larger metropolitan areas.
Today, St. Joseph maintains its charm as Missouri’s eighth-largest city, blending rich historical heritage with modern amenities. The community of approximately 72,000 residents enjoys a revitalized downtown district, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and a thriving cultural scene featuring museums, festivals, and community events throughout the year.
What truly sets St. Joseph apart is its strong sense of community and Midwestern hospitality, where neighbors still know each other by name and local businesses form the backbone of daily life. This welcoming atmosphere, combined with affordable living and genuine hometown values, makes St. Joseph an exceptional place for families to put down roots and thrive.
Glore Psychiatric Museum near Clark Family Dentistry
Did you know that St. Joseph is home to the world’s largest psychiatric museum, which displays over 525 handwritten notes that a patient stuffed inside a television in 1971? The Glore Psychiatric Museum, located at 3406 Frederick Avenue, offers a fascinating and sobering journey through 130 years of mental health treatment history, all housed in the former State Hospital #2 surgery building.
You’ll find three floors packed with exhibits that chronicle psychiatric care from the 1600s to today, including full-size replicas of historical treatment devices like Benjamin Rush’s Tranquilizer Chair complete with restraints and hoods, dousing tanks, and fever cabinets. The museum began in 1966 when occupational therapist George Glore created these replicas for a Mental Health Awareness Week exhibit, never imagining it would become an award-winning institution with a 4.6 rating from over 1,175 visitors.
What makes this St. Joseph attraction truly unique is its balance of historical artifacts and patient perspectives. The second floor showcases beautiful artwork, embroidery, and ceramics created by patients, offering a humanizing counterpoint to the stark medical equipment displays. You can also explore original hospital rooms including surgery suites, the morgue, and autopsy room, providing an immersive look at how the self-sufficient asylum once operated with patient labor on farms and in workshops.
The museum serves as an important educational resource for the St. Joseph community, helping visitors understand how far mental health treatment has evolved thanks to modern medications and compassionate care approaches. Just as mental health care has transformed from those primitive methods to today’s evidence-based treatments, dental care has similarly advanced—and at Clark Family Dentistry, we’re committed to providing comfortable, modern care that respects your wellbeing every step of the way.
Meet Their Dentist
At Clark Family Dentistry, the focus is on transforming lives through Complete Health Dentistry, providing compassionate and individualized care to patients of all ages. Located in St. Joseph, Missouri, the practice is committed to building healthy, trusting, and long-lasting relationships with every patient while helping Northwest Missouri become the healthiest region in the state.
Dr. Heather Clark: With over 15 years of experience and a philosophy centered on Complete Health Dentistry, Dr. Clark is dedicated to staying current with the latest treatments and technologies while providing comprehensive care that ranges from cosmetic and restorative dentistry to non-invasive treatments for oral sleep apnea. Beyond her clinical expertise, she demonstrates her commitment to community health through founding and hosting the annual Smiles from the Heart charity dentistry program, which has distributed $200,000 in free dental services to the community.
Comprehensive Dental Services
Clark Family Dentistry provides a full spectrum of dental care designed to support the oral health and wellness of patients throughout every stage of life. Located at 1331 Village Drive in St. Joseph, the practice combines advanced treatment options with a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional dental care for the entire family.
The foundation of excellent oral health begins with consistent preventive care. Clark Family Dentistry offers comprehensive general dentistry services for patients of all ages, from toddlers taking their first dental visit to seniors maintaining their lifelong smiles. Regular preventive care helps identify potential issues early, keeping teeth and gums healthy while avoiding more complex treatments down the road. As part of this commitment to prevention, the practice includes thorough oral cancer screenings during routine examinations, providing an essential safeguard for early detection of abnormalities that could indicate serious health concerns.
For patients seeking to enhance the appearance of their smile, Clark Family Dentistry provides a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions tailored to individual aesthetic goals. Professional tooth whitening treatments effectively remove stains and discoloration, brightening smiles by several shades for a more confident appearance. Porcelain veneers offer a transformative solution for teeth affected by chips, gaps, discoloration, or minor misalignment, creating a naturally beautiful smile that looks and feels authentic. For those desiring a straighter smile without traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners provide a discreet and comfortable orthodontic option that gradually repositions teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays.
When teeth become damaged or are lost, restorative dentistry helps return both function and appearance to the smile. Dental implants represent the gold standard for tooth replacement, offering a permanent solution that mimics the structure of natural teeth from root to crown. For patients missing multiple teeth or requiring full-arch restoration, dentures provide a reliable and cost-effective way to restore chewing ability and facial structure. When a tooth’s inner pulp becomes infected or inflamed, endodontic root canal treatment saves the natural tooth by carefully removing the damaged tissue, cleaning the interior chamber, and sealing it to prevent future infection. Prosthodontics encompasses the comprehensive restoration and replacement of teeth using crowns, bridges, and other custom-crafted solutions that blend seamlessly with existing dentition. For wisdom teeth that are impacted, causing pain, or threatening the alignment of other teeth, the practice performs extractions to prevent future complications and preserve oral health.
Advanced periodontal care addresses the health of the gums and supporting structures that hold teeth in place. Laser gum surgery offers a minimally invasive treatment option for gum disease, using focused light energy to remove diseased tissue while promoting faster healing and reduced discomfort compared to traditional methods. Periodontal deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, reaches beneath the gum line to remove harmful bacteria, tartar, and toxins that contribute to gum disease, helping to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Clark Family Dentistry extends its expertise beyond traditional dental concerns to address related health conditions that impact overall wellbeing. Dr. Heather Clark specializes in TMJ treatment for patients experiencing temporomandibular joint disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. Through careful evaluation and customized treatment plans, the practice helps patients find relief from these often debilitating symptoms. The practice also provides specialized care for sleep apnea, offering oral sleep apnea devices as a non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines or surgery. These custom-fitted appliances gently reposition the jaw during sleep to keep airways open, helping patients breathe easier, sleep better, and reduce the serious health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. Additionally, the practice offers Botox and filler treatments, which can address both cosmetic concerns and therapeutic dental applications such as reducing teeth grinding and alleviating jaw tension.
Beyond providing exceptional clinical care, Clark Family Dentistry demonstrates a deep commitment to the St. Joseph community through its annual “Smiles from the Heart” charity event. This initiative has delivered $200,000 in free dental care to community members in need, ensuring that quality dental treatment remains accessible to all.
Why Choose Clark Family Dentistry
Choosing Clark Family Dentistry means selecting a practice that prioritizes complete health dentistry through cutting-edge technology and comprehensive patient education. The practice stays at the forefront of dental innovation by incorporating the latest treatment methods and advanced technologies, ensuring patients receive the most effective and efficient care available.
This commitment to excellence extends beyond the treatment chair through their dedication to patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their oral health. The practice serves patients across all life stages, from toddlers taking their first dental visit to seniors maintaining their lifelong smiles, creating a welcoming environment for the entire family.
Clark Family Dentistry’s community-focused approach shines through their annual “Smiles from the Heart” charity event, which has provided $200,000 in free dental care to those in need. This dedication to giving back demonstrates their belief that quality dental care should be accessible to everyone in the St. Joseph community, reinforcing their role as not just healthcare providers, but trusted neighbors invested in the wellbeing of those they serve.
But What Are Their Patients Saying?
There’s no better way to learn about Clark Family Dentistry than hearing from their actual patients!
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“I have really bad anxiety about going to the dentist. Ive had other dentist in the past completely ignore what i tell them is the issue and work on my teeth when I can still feel what is going on. My experience here has been one of my best when having to have work done on my teeth. They listened when I told them I was in pain and did everything they could possibly do to help me feel as comfortable as possible. Everyone was wonderful and so kind! explained everything that was going to happen. Im very happy I’ve found a good dentist. If you have a fear of the dentist like I do this is the best dentist I’ve found they really do care and will do everything they can to help you though your fears with as little pain as possible!” – Keri Kreek (5 stars)
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“Long post alert ☺️❤️ Myself, children and my husband all go to Dr. Clark Family Dentistry! When I first moved here I was PETRIFIED of the dentist!! I had a dentist in California who I had grown to trust and she was excellent. I was convinced I would never find anyone as caring, understanding and just an all around amazing human. I was referred to CFD by a Family member- and it has been the best experience. Not only is Heather a great dentist, but she truly cares about her patients. I have had her office call after hours to check on myself after a root canal, they ALWAYS make sure we are Comfortable. Her staff is so welcoming and it truly feels like a Family atmosphere.” – Cathy Wilson (5 stars)
Contact Them Today to Schedule an Appointment!
If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care in St. Joseph, Clark Family Dentistry welcomes the opportunity to serve you and your family. Dr. Heather Clark and her team provide a full range of services, from routine cleanings and preventive care to restorative and cosmetic treatments, all delivered with a focus on patient comfort and lasting results.
Taking the first step toward better oral health is simple. Visit the practice website to learn more about available services, or schedule an appointment at a time that works for your busy life. Clark Family Dentistry looks forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complete Health Dentistry and how does Dr. Clark practice it?
Complete Health Dentistry is Dr. Heather Clark’s patient-centered philosophy that goes beyond traditional dental care to address overall wellbeing. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Clark stays current with the latest treatments and technologies while providing comprehensive care that ranges from cosmetic and restorative dentistry to non-invasive treatments for conditions like oral sleep apnea. This approach recognizes the connection between oral health and total body health, treating patients as whole individuals rather than just focusing on isolated dental issues. The practice emphasizes building healthy, trusting, and long-lasting relationships with patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, ensuring that everyone receives individualized care tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
How does laser gum surgery differ from traditional periodontal treatments?
Laser gum surgery at Clark Family Dentistry offers a minimally invasive treatment option for gum disease that provides significant advantages over traditional methods. The procedure uses focused light energy to remove diseased tissue, which promotes faster healing and causes reduced discomfort compared to conventional surgical techniques. This advanced approach addresses periodontal health issues affecting the gums and supporting structures that hold teeth in place. For patients with gum disease, the practice also offers periodontal deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, which reaches beneath the gum line to remove harmful bacteria, tartar, and toxins. Both treatments work to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss, giving patients options that match their specific condition and comfort preferences.
What are oral sleep apnea devices and how do they work as an alternative to CPAP machines?
Clark Family Dentistry offers oral sleep apnea devices as a non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines or surgery for patients suffering from sleep apnea. These custom-fitted appliances work by gently repositioning the jaw during sleep to keep airways open, helping patients breathe easier throughout the night and sleep more soundly. The devices address the serious health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea while being more comfortable and convenient than traditional CPAP equipment. Dr. Clark specializes in this treatment area, recognizing that sleep apnea extends beyond traditional dental concerns and significantly impacts overall wellbeing. By providing this service, the practice helps patients improve their quality of life, reduce daytime fatigue, and lower the health complications that can result from interrupted breathing during sleep.
What types of tooth replacement options does Clark Family Dentistry offer and how do they differ?
Clark Family Dentistry provides multiple restorative options for patients who have lost teeth or need tooth replacement. Dental implants represent the gold standard solution, offering a permanent option that mimics the complete structure of natural teeth from root to crown. This approach provides the most natural-looking and functional result. For patients missing multiple teeth or requiring full-arch restoration, dentures provide a reliable and cost-effective way to restore both chewing ability and facial structure. The practice also uses prosthodontics for comprehensive restoration and replacement of teeth using crowns, bridges, and other custom-crafted solutions that blend seamlessly with existing dentition. Each option serves different needs based on the number of missing teeth, bone structure, budget considerations, and patient preferences, allowing Dr. Clark to recommend the most appropriate solution for each individual situation.
How does Clark Family Dentistry help patients with TMJ disorders?
Dr. Heather Clark specializes in TMJ treatment for patients experiencing temporomandibular joint disorders, which can cause a range of uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms. These symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw that can significantly impact daily life. Through careful evaluation of each patient’s specific condition, Dr. Clark develops customized treatment plans designed to provide relief from these symptoms. The practice’s approach may include various therapies depending on the severity and nature of the disorder. Additionally, Clark Family Dentistry offers Botox treatments that can serve therapeutic dental applications, specifically helping to reduce teeth grinding and alleviate jaw tension that contributes to TMJ pain. This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive targeted care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of their temporomandibular joint issues.