Van Hemert Family Dentistry PC

06/02/2026

Have you been told your child may benefit from Palatal expansion… and wondered why early treatment matters? 🤍

In this video, Dr. Van explains what palatal expansion is, what signs we look for, and why early intervention can play an important role in healthy growth and development.

For some children, expansion may help support:
🦷 Proper jaw development
🦷 Space for incoming teeth
🦷 Nasal breathing and airway development
🦷 Overall facial growth patterns
The goal isn’t to rush treatment or create fear.

It’s to better understand how growth happens while children are still developing — because timing can matter 👏

Every child is different, which is why we focus on education, individualized care, and helping families make informed decisions with confidence.
🎥 Listen as Dr. Van explains more 👇

05/28/2026

Ever feel like you’re doing “all the right things”… and still getting cavities?
You brush.
You floss.
You go to the dentist.

So why are cavities still showing up?

The truth is: cavities are not always just a brushing problem.

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body — and things like saliva, nutrition, blood sugar, inflammation, airway/mouth breathing, food choices, and the balance of bacteria in the mouth can all play a role.

That’s why we like to ask deeper questions:
🦷 Is your saliva protecting your teeth well?
🦷 Are you frequently snacking or sipping?
🦷 Are there mineral or nutrient gaps?
🦷 Is your oral microbiome out of balance?
🦷 Are dry mouth, mouth breathing, or inflammation part of the picture?

Cavities still need to be treated when they’re present — but we also want to understand why they keep happening.
No shame.
No fear.
Just education, options, and a whole-person approach to oral health. 🤍

💬 Have you ever felt frustrated because you were brushing and flossing… but still getting cavities?

05/27/2026

We’re excited to officially welcome Victoria to the Van Hemert Family Dentistry team 🤍🦷

Victoria joins Samantha to make up our two incredible hygienists, and we are so thankful for the care, compassion, and attention they bring to our patients each day.

At VHFD, we believe hygiene visits are about so much more than “just a cleaning.” They’re about education, prevention, connection, and helping patients feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

Victoria has already been such a wonderful addition to our team, and we can’t wait for more of our patients to get to know her 😊

Be sure to say hi and help us give her a warm welcome when you see her around the office!

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is not forgotten.
As we spend time with family, enjoy the long weekend, and step into the start of summer — may we also take a moment to reflect on the freedom we have because of them.

With gratitude and respect 🤍
— Van Hemert Family Dentistry

05/22/2026

Do you have a silver (amalgam) filling… and ever wondered what that means for your health? 🤍

It’s a conversation more people are starting to have — and it’s okay to be curious.
Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for many years and are still considered a durable option in certain situations.

At the same time, some patients choose to explore alternatives or removal — not out of fear, but because they want to better understand what’s in their body and what options are available to them.

At Van Hemert Family Dentistry, we are a mercury-free office, which means we do not place amalgam fillings and instead offer alternative materials based on your individual needs.

If removal is something you’re considering, how it’s done matters.

We follow precautionary protocols designed to reduce exposure and support a more controlled environment during the process.

This may include:
🦷 Rubber dam isolation to help limit contact with the tooth
🦷 High-volume suction and filtration systems
🦷 Air support to help manage particles in the room
🦷 Protective coverings for both patient and team
🦷 Techniques focused on reducing particulate and v***r during removal
🦷 Supplemental oxygen support when appropriate

Our goal is to approach this thoughtfully — with safety, clarity, and respect for your individual health goals.

This isn’t about pressure or urgency.

It’s about education, awareness, and making informed decisions over time.
Every situation is different — and we’re here to walk through it with you 🤍

💬 Have you ever had questions about silver fillings or the removal process?

05/18/2026

This or That
Electric toothbrush
OR
Manual toothbrush
Drop your answers below!

05/16/2026

Things we wish more parents knew about kids’ teeth + airway 🤍

As parents, we all want to do what’s best for our kids… but sometimes the little things that matter most aren’t talked about.

A few worth paying attention to:
🦷 Early jaw growth matters — some kids benefit from expansion to support airway, bite, and facial development.

🦷 Nose breathing is a big deal — chronic mouth breathing can affect sleep, growth, teeth, and overall wellness.

🦷 Snacking frequency matters — teeth need breaks between meals to repair and rebalance.

🦷 Crackers + puffs aren’t “freebies” — they can stick to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria much like sweets.

🦷 Xylitol can be a helpful tool — certain gums or mints after meals may support a healthier oral environment.

🦷 Nutrition supports strong teeth — minerals, protein, and whole foods all play a role in enamel health.

This isn’t about fear or doing everything perfectly.
It’s about understanding how the mouth, airway, habits, and whole body work together.

Every child is different — and our goal is to educate, guide, and help families make informed choices with confidence 🤍

Want us to break down the “why” behind one of these? Comment WHY below 👇

05/13/2026

Happy Birthday to Kyra! 🎉

If you’ve been to our office, chances are you’ve seen Kyra jumping in wherever she’s needed with a smile and a willingness to help. She’s hardworking, dependable, and always ready to support both our team and our patients. We’re grateful for the care and positivity she brings to Van Hemert Family Dentistry each day.

We hope your day is filled with all your favorite things, Kyra! 🩷🎂✨

05/12/2026

Have you ever been told you need a root canal… or already have one and aren’t sure what to think? 🤍

There’s a lot of mixed information out there — and it can feel overwhelming.
From a biological perspective, we look at this a little differently:
it’s not just about the tooth — it’s about how the tooth interacts with the rest of your body.

Root canal treatment is designed to help preserve a tooth and can function well for many people.

At the same time, it changes the internal structure of the tooth — which is why ongoing awareness and evaluation matter.

If you have a root canal, here are a few things we often talk through with patients:
🦷 Looking at the surrounding bone and tissues with appropriate imaging when needed

🦷 Paying attention to how your body is responding — not just what we see on an x-ray

🦷 Understanding that teeth and the body are connected, and both matter in decision-making

🦷 Avoiding rushed decisions without clear clinical reasons

Every situation is different.
Some root canal-treated teeth remain stable and symptom-free.
Others may need further evaluation over time.

If everything looks healthy and you’re feeling well, it may simply be something to continue monitoring — not something to assume is a problem.

This isn’t about fear. And it’s not about a one-size-fits-all answer.

It’s about looking at the full picture and helping you make informed decisions that align with your health goals.

💬 Have you ever had questions about a past dental procedure?

05/12/2026

What sets us apart?
🦷 4-day work week + out by 4 PM
🌿 Whole-health focused care that goes beyond routine dentistry
📚 Paid training and opportunities to learn airway, ozone, functional and advanced dental care
🤍 A positive, supportive team culture
✨ A practice that’s always growing, learning, and evolving

We’re looking for a Dental Assistant who doesn’t want the same old dentistry every day. If you’re motivated, compassionate, and excited to learn, we’ll invest in training and help you grow your skills alongside our team.

Van Hemert Family Dentistry in Newton, IA offers compassionate, whole-health dental care for all ages. Your smile’s health is our top priority.