By Linda Esterson
Nicole Dahlkemper, DMD, owner of Water’s Edge Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, credits her practice’s success to building trusted relationships with her patients and within the community.
“Seeing patients return for routine care and knowing that they trust you for their dental needs can be incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Dahlkemper, who established the practice in 2010. “Our primary focus is on the well-being and comfort of our patients. We believe in building strong, trust-based relationships by taking the time to listen to our patients, understand their concerns and develop personalized treatment plans that meet their individual needs.”
In her nearly 15 years in South Carolina, Dr. Dahlkemper has worked to build a brand that is recognized for the provision of high-quality care. A welcoming environment, caring and hard-working team and dedication to patient comfort give the practice a uniqueness that is rewarded with its significant patient base and standing in the community.
“We also pride ourselves with providing comprehensive care in a number of areas from helping patients with preventive care, holistic options, Invisalign and whitening options, helping with TMJ pain and even managing sleep apnea with alternatives to CPAP,” she explained.
Water’s Edge Dentistry utilizes the latest advances in technology, including digital X-rays, laser dentistry and digital scanning and 3D printing. “Integrating these advanced technologies enhances patient care and increases efficiency,” noted Dr. Dahlkemper. “We are a top Invisalign provider in Charleston and for patients wanting straighter teeth, we use a visual simulation of how the teeth will move throughout treatment. This gives patients an idea of the results even before starting. Also, traditional gooey impressions are replaced by digital scanning, which provides a highly accurate, comfortable and quick method for capturing a patient’s dental structure.”
Dr. Dahlkemper acknowledged feeling a deep sense of fulfillment from serving her patients, particularly alleviating pain, preventing future health issues and restoring or enhancing a patient’s smile.
“The blend of helping others, working with evolving technology and making a lasting difference in people’s lives provides strong motivation for me,” she said. “We offer a blend of compassionate care, cutting-edge technology and a holistic approach to health. By truly listening to our patients and offering customized, innovative treatments, we are able to provide a unique, high-quality dental experience.”
Running a successful practice presents daily challenges. Dealing with insurance companies and claims denials prove time consuming, and insurance regulations and limitations, coding and the complexity of reimbursement schedules create additional challenges.
As a dentist and woman business owner, balancing the demands of business with family life is also difficult, Dr. Dahlkemper noted. The focus on staff, finances, patient care and business tasks lead to long hours and high stress. She sets boundaries and is strategic about time management to excel both professionally and at home.
“For women, particularly those who are caregivers or mothers, balancing these demands with personal and family responsibilities is even more challenging,” she said. “However, women bring a strong sense of empathy and collaboration to their health care roles, which can be powerful tools in improving patient care.”
The dental field is full of opportunities for women to shine and make a significant impact. Dr. Dahlkemper encouraged women to take a hands-on approach to ensure success.
“Embrace lifelong learning,” she recommended. “The dental field is constantly evolving. Staying current with new techniques, technologies and trends will ensure that you remain at the top of your game. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or learn new skills.”
Nicole Dahlkemper, DMD
Water’s Edge Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1203 Two Island Court, Ste. 101, Mount Pleasant
843-884-6166
watersedgessc.com
