Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate Learn More About Our Dentist
Creating and restoring healthy smiles since 1989, Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate is a long-time practitioner of Houston, TX. He considers his deep roots and strong commitment to the community a vital part of his success as a local, small business owner. This philosophy is also essential to caring for our patients. In our comfortable, friendly Houston office, we endeavor to treat the whole person and to cater to the individual needs of every patient we have the privilege of serving.
Cosmetic and Restorative Experience
Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate began his formal education in 1981 at the University of Texas at Austin as a Finance/PreMed major, and received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1989, from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. Since then, Dr. Van Slate and his capable staff have taken great pride in overseeing the dental health of thousands of patients. Since 1999, Dr. Van Slate has maintained over 150 hours a year in dental continuing education. He has studied at some of the leading dental institutes in the US, such as LVI, Pankey, and Spear. He also has completed orthodontic programs at the United States Dental Institute of Orthodontics.
Dr. Van Slate had the distinction of becoming an LVI Fellow in 2009. As a graduate of the world renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), Dr. Van Slate completed seven Core programs in Advanced Anterior Esthetics, Comprehensive Esthetics, Occlusion, Neuromuscular Principles, and Full Mouth Reconstruction. Less than 5% of dentists nationwide can claim to have had this training in dental cosmetics and smile design. Most notable, however, is Dr. Van Slate's esteem as one of the few Texas dentists formally trained in practicing neuromuscular dentistry As a partner to traditional treatment concepts related to occlusion, i.e. the way upper and lower teeth fit together , neuromuscular dentistry uses highly sophisticated computer equipment and specialized techniques to recognize a third dimension-the status and function of the muscles that control jaw position, chewing and swallowing. These factors can play a dominant role when contemplating reconstruction procedures, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, dentures, or treating head and neck pain. As an LVI dentist, Dr. Van Slate is specifically trained to utilize this multi-dimensional approach on effectively and completely treating the needs of his patients.
For his dedication to continuing education, Dr. Van Slate was recognized in 2001 as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and is currently working toward Masters recognition. He is also a member of the Greater Houston Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Van Slate has served on the Peer Review Committee of the Greater Houston Dental Society, and is the current President of Tanglewood Professional Building, where he has practiced since 1992.
Dr. Van Slate is married to his wife, Monica, and they have two daughters. Dr. Van Slate is an avid sports fan whose hobbies include golf, playing the guitar and fishing. Their family enjoys spending time at their lakehouse on Toledo Bend in East Texas.
The Spectracell Micronutrient
Spectracell Laboratories is recognized as a leader in comprehensive clinical testing. The tests taken by Spectracell Labs are much more extensive and detailed than traditional blood work and CBC tests. At our office, we utilize Spectracell’s expertise by having our patient’s blood work checked for deficiencies in vitamin, amino acids and antioxidants that the body needs for optimum health. Spectracell Lab will also screen for cholesterol, diabetes and heart problems.
More than ever before, research is showing a distinct link to the health of the mouth and the health of the body in general. Many diseases and health problems show up as mouth related symptoms. Bleeding gums and chronic periodontal problems are often just an indication of greater health problems.
After receiving the lab test results, we recommend supplements and/or whole based nutrition that can help you maintain the ideal micronutrients needed for optimal health. By learning about and maintaining proper micronutrient levels, many health issues, like cancer, heart disease and diabetes can be alleviated
Dental Insurance and The Negative Effect It Has On Dentistry Today
"As a dentist dedicated to providing the best care to my patients, I am deeply concerned on the negative impact dental insurance has had on our ability to provide the optimal care our patients deserve and require. Over the past 10-15 years there has been a trend by insurance companies to provide low cost insurance to people by placing low budget-fee limiting prices on dental services. As a result, our profession has seen an explosion of large dental clinic chains whose focus is on low cost- high volume dentistry. In this practice model, these practices are virtually unable to use the best materials, the best labs or the newest techniques in dentistry. As a result, quality of care has gone way down and the patient is ultimately the one who suffers the most. These clinics see such a high volume of patients that the patient/doctor relationship is rarely formed. The result is a lot of unhappy and untrusting patients. As a result, I find that most dental insurances have so little benefit to our patients, that they have become mostly irrelevant.
"One of the most important parts of the vision for my dental practice is to provide the highest care possible to my patients. Therefore, my staff and I are constantly taking continuing education courses from the leading dental institutes and management groups in the country so that we can maintain a high understanding of the best products and techniques in our profession. I want my patients to appreciate that they are receiving the highest quality and service that our profession offers. We use some of the best labs in the US so that our restorations (crowns, onlays and veneers) have the highest quality and compatibility with the mouth.
"As long as we can, I will refuse to let insurance companies dictate the type and quality of materials and restorations we use. We will also strive to continue forming strong relationships with our patients so that your opinions and concerns are heard. Initially, high quality dentistry may cost you a little bit more, but will most likely save you a lot of problems and money in the future. It is my hope that our patients understand and appreciate this approach."
- Dr. Van Slate
Learn More about Our Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist
Whether you are looking to brighten your smile, or return it to its past luster, we can help you reach all your dental goals. Please contact us today to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Van Slate, and see what cosmetic and restorative dentistry has to offer.
