Finding a new dentist can feel surprisingly overwhelming. A quick search for a “dentist near me” brings up plenty of options—but how do you know which dental office will actually be a good fit for you and your family?
If you live in Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison, or the surrounding Chattanooga area, here are seven things worth considering before choosing your next dental home.
1. Look for a Dentist Who Can Care for More Than Just Your Cleanings
Routine cleanings and exams are important, but your dental needs can change over the years.
Choosing a comprehensive dental office means you may not have to find a new provider every time you need something beyond preventive care.
At Cedar Valley Dental Arts, we provide a wide range of dental services in one office, including:
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Routine dental exams and cleanings
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Tooth-colored fillings
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Crowns and bridges
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Dental implants
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Dentures
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Root canal treatment
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Tooth extractions
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Cosmetic dentistry
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Teeth whitening
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Clear aligners
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Emergency dental care
Having a dental team that already knows you, your health history, and your goals can make future treatment much easier.
2. Pay Attention to How the Office Makes You Feel
Clinical skill matters—but so does the way you’re treated.
For many people, going to the dentist comes with at least a little anxiety. A good dental office should make you feel comfortable asking questions and should explain your treatment without making you feel rushed or pressured.
At Cedar Valley Dental Arts, our goal is simple: Where Exceptional Dentistry Feels Like Home.
We want our patients to feel genuinely known and cared for, whether they’re coming in for a routine cleaning or a more complex dental procedure.
Our Christian values shape the way we treat people—with kindness, honesty, compassion, and respect. Patients of all backgrounds are welcome in our office.
3. Find Out Who Will Actually Be Treating You
When you’re choosing a dental practice, take a few minutes to learn about the dentists themselves.
Cedar Valley Dental Arts is home to Dr. Jeremiah Holt and Dr. Samantha Belenson, giving our patients access to two dentists while maintaining the personal atmosphere of a locally rooted practice.
Dr. Holt has pursued advanced training in dental implant treatment and enjoys helping patients restore both the health and function of their smiles. Dr. Sam brings another caring provider to our team and helps us offer more appointment availability to our growing Ooltewah and Collegedale community.
For our patients, that means more options for scheduling without sacrificing the relationship-centered care our office is known for.
4. Consider Convenience Before You Need It
It’s easy to overlook office hours when you’re choosing a dentist—until you break a tooth on Thursday night.
Cedar Valley Dental Arts is open Monday through Friday, including Fridays from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
We also provide emergency dental care for problems such as:
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Severe toothaches
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Broken or cracked teeth
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Lost or damaged crowns
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Dental infections
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Swelling
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Other unexpected dental problems
Having an established relationship with a local dentist can make an unexpected dental problem much less stressful.
5. Ask About Dental Technology
Modern dental technology can make treatment more accurate, comfortable, and convenient.
One example is dental crowns.
Instead of sending every crown to an outside laboratory and having patients return weeks later, Cedar Valley Dental Arts has an in-office dental mill that allows us to complete many crown cases with two appointments during the same day.
While your restoration is being made, you’ll have a break before returning for the final placement.
For busy Ooltewah families and professionals, eliminating a temporary crown and another appointment on a different day can be a big advantage.
6. Make Sure You Understand Insurance Before Treatment Begins
Dental insurance can be confusing, and it’s worth choosing an office that is willing to help you understand it.
Cedar Valley Dental Arts works with many traditional dental insurance plans and can submit out-of-network claims for many patients as well. We do not participate with HMO dental plans.
Because insurance networks can change, we always recommend contacting our team with your specific plan before scheduling. We’ll be happy to help you understand your benefits and what to expect.
No dental insurance? Ask us about options available for patients without traditional dental coverage.
7. Choose a Dental Office You Can See Yourself Staying With
The best dentist isn’t necessarily the office with the fanciest advertisement.
It’s the practice you trust enough to call when your tooth hurts, the team you feel comfortable bringing your family to, and the people you want caring for your smile five or ten years from now.
That’s what we’re building at Cedar Valley Dental Arts.
We’re a local dental office serving Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison, East Brainerd, and surrounding communities, and we want to create the kind of dental experience where excellent care still feels personal.
Is Cedar Valley Dental Arts Accepting New Patients?
Yes. Cedar Valley Dental Arts is welcoming new patients in Ooltewah and Collegedale, Tennessee.
Whether you’re new to the area, haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or simply feel like it’s time to find a dental office that’s a better fit, we’d love to meet you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Dentist in Ooltewah
How do I find a good dentist in Ooltewah, TN?
Look for a dentist who provides the services you are likely to need, has convenient scheduling, clearly explains treatment and costs, and makes you feel comfortable. It’s also helpful to choose a comprehensive practice so you can receive preventive and restorative care in one familiar office.
Is Cedar Valley Dental Arts accepting new patients?
Yes. Cedar Valley Dental Arts welcomes new patients from Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison, and surrounding Chattanooga-area communities.
Does Cedar Valley Dental Arts offer Friday appointments?
Yes. Cedar Valley Dental Arts is open Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Can I get dental implants in Ooltewah?
Yes. Cedar Valley Dental Arts provides dental implant treatment in our Ooltewah/Collegedale dental office. Dr. Jeremiah Holt has completed advanced training in implant dentistry and can evaluate whether dental implants are appropriate for your needs.
Does Cedar Valley Dental Arts offer emergency dental appointments?
Yes. We provide emergency dental care for toothaches, broken teeth, dental infections, damaged restorations, and other urgent dental concerns. Contact our office as soon as possible if you’re experiencing a dental emergency.
Does Cedar Valley Dental Arts take dental insurance?
Cedar Valley Dental Arts works with many traditional dental insurance plans and can also submit claims for many out-of-network patients. Because individual plans and networks vary, contact our office before your appointment and our team can help verify your specific coverage.
Ready to Find Your New Dental Home?
If you’ve been searching for a dentist in Ooltewah, TN, we’d love the opportunity to welcome you to Cedar Valley Dental Arts.
Come meet Dr. Holt, Dr. Sam, and our team and experience comprehensive dentistry in an office where you’re treated like more than an appointment on the schedule.
Cedar Valley Dental Arts
4957 Swinyar Drive, Suite 107
Collegedale, TN 37363
Serving Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison & surrounding communities
Where Exceptional Dentistry Feels Like Home.

