Richard L. Fentem DDS in Oklahoma City: General Dentistry for Adults and Families
Richard L. Fentem DDS is a general dentistry practice serving Oklahoma City families and adults with preventive care, restorative work, and routine cleanings. The practice operates as a single-provider office focused on managing ongoing dental health rather than specialized procedures like orthodontics or oral surgery.
What Richard L. Fentem DDS Actually Is
This is a general dentistry office that accepts new patients and handles the preventive and restoration work most people need: cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and basic extractions. Fentem does not market itself as cosmetic-focused or as a specialist center. The scope is typical of a neighborhood dentist, not a multi-provider group practice. For Oklahoma City residents seeking straightforward dental care without the overhead of a larger group, this is a direct-care model.
Services and Pricing Structure
General dentistry pricing at independent practices like Fentem typically breaks into three tiers: preventive visits (cleaning, exam, X-rays), restorative work (fillings, crowns), and extractions. Preventive cleanings and exams at a solo practice in Oklahoma City generally cost between $100 and $200 without insurance; a filling runs $150 to $300 per tooth depending on size and material; crowns range from $800 to $1,200. Confirm current pricing directly with the office, as material costs shift seasonally.
Fentem accepts most major insurance plans. New-patient appointments typically include a full-mouth X-ray and exam to establish baseline oral health. If you have existing insurance, bring your card to determine your copay and annual maximum at the time of booking.
How Fentem Compares to Other Oklahoma City Dentists
Oklahoma City has both solo practitioners and group dental practices. Fentem competes in the solo-practice tier with other independent dentists like those operating through small offices across Midtown and Northwest OKC. Group practices such as those affiliated with dental service organizations (DSOs) often have longer hours, same-day appointment slots, and on-site hygiene teams, but higher overhead is sometimes reflected in pricing. Independent practices like Fentem typically offer more direct access to the dentist and smaller-office rapport.
Choose Fentem if you prefer continuity with one provider and value a smaller practice environment. Choose a group practice if you need urgent evening or weekend availability, or if you want multiple hygiene chairs and specialist referrals handled in-house.
Who Fentem Suits and Who It Does Not
Fentem is well-suited to adults and older teenagers with established dental habits who need routine care and straightforward restorative work. The practice is a good fit for people with dental insurance who want a personal relationship with their dentist and do not need same-day emergency slots.
Fentem is less ideal for young children without previous dental experience (small practices may not stock pediatric-specific equipment or behavioral management protocols), for patients seeking cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers), or for people who need oral surgery, orthodontics, or periodontist-level gum treatment. Those needing emergency care outside office hours should contact an urgent-care dentist instead.
What the First Visit Involves
Call ahead to confirm Fentem is accepting new patients. Bring photo ID, insurance card if you have one, and a list of current medications. The first appointment runs 45 to 60 minutes and includes full-mouth X-rays (or limited X-rays if recent films exist from another provider), a visual exam, and a cleaning by the hygienist or dentist. Fentem will discuss any findings, address questions, and establish a recall schedule (typically every six months for routine preventive care).
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Confirm current hours by calling the office directly; hours at solo practices shift occasionally due to continuing education or provider schedule changes. Oklahoma City dental offices generally operate weekday mornings and afternoons, often 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited or no Saturday availability. Parking at a solo practice is typically street or small lot; call ahead if you need accessible parking.
Richard L. Fentem DDS fills a clear role for Oklahoma City adults who want general dentistry from a single provider in a low-pressure office setting.
