Thank you so much for the flowers...they are beautiful and so is my smile!

From the first time we met you inspired my confidence by taking the time to explains, in detail, every step you would take to complete my dentistry. I so much appreciated you guiding me through each process and assuring me that all would be well.  I am utterly amazed at the way in which you dispelled any fears I might have had along the way and am thrilled with the outcome of your skill and artistry.

Regards,

Elinor White

I knew it was time to make an appointment when my granddaughter innocently asked, "Grandpa, why are your teeth so yellow and broken?" Young children tell the truth and besides I was tired of always looking mad because I wouldn't smile to show my crooked, chipped and badly discolored teeth.

While watching television, a commercial came on advertising 1 800 dentist. I called the number and I told the receptionist what I was looking for in a dentist. I wanted a dentist that would listen to me about my previous experiences with fear. I wanted a dentist that was proficient in cosmetic dentistry and had been in the business for quite a few years. I also needed a dentist that could offer me sedation dentistry. She said the only dentist offering those services was Dr. Whitehouse in Castro Valley. It was a little farther than I planned to travel, but I called his office anyway. I was impressed with his qualifications and made an appointment. I was even more impressed when I arrived for my appointment. I was greeted by the receptionist and then taken on a tour of the doctor's office. He has all the state of the art dental equipment and I was introduced to the staff. When we met Dr. Whitehouse I found him to be sympathetic and very attuned to my needs. He wanted to know what I wanted and needed as far as the outcome of my dental experience. I was also glad he also counseled people with fears of the dentist.

I needed a lot of work done in a short time, due to personal commitments. Dr. Whitehouse assured me he could do all my work in a short time frame. Two weeks later I had my first appointment for seven hours of sedation dentistry. At that time he did all the preliminary work for my twelve veneers and one bridge of three teeth. Two weeks later I went back and had my veneers and bridge put on, in another four hour session. On the second appointment, I didn't need any pain killers or Novocain, as I trusted the doctor so much at that time.

The final outcome is I have a beautiful set of teeth and a big smile and I owe it all to Dr. Whitehouse and his excellent staff. I would highly recommend him for his excellent knowledge of dentistry and his gentle and understanding manner.

Sincerely,

Gary Webber

Dear Dr. Whitehouse;

I can not even begin to thank you, as I would like to! All the words that would typically be used to convey my appreciation seem lacking somehow. Has anyone really explained to you the effect that you have?

All of my life, the dentist has been worse than any nightmare for me. As the years have gone by, the fear and anxiety have built with each negative experience. A dental visit was not just a dental visit, but an event that took days. I would make an appointment, then spend the days from then on getting more and more miserable. I get physically ill, I have headaches that intensify as my appointment draws nearer, and I feel less and less a decent person. By the day of the appointment, I am a mess.

One of the most frustrating additions to all of this, is the direct effect it has on my family. My husband has to constantly reassure me, or face my wrath; my children become withdrawn, and wait for my next bout of tears, and my entire personality changes. Day to day, I am a well balanced, intelligent, happy kind of person. You would certainly never know that by my behavior and appearance a few days prior to a dental appointment.

My own fears and anxieties have always been intense, but over the years, the whole ordeal has escalated in large part because of the treatment given to me by people not fit to call themselves your peer. I have been chastised like an idiot child, I have been treated like white trash and I have been made to feel as if I am incapable of handling my personal hygiene. Let's be honest here, teeth that have been neglected are not a pretty sight! I often know when a new cavity has finally gotten to the center of my tooth, because in addition to the obvious pain, the sickening smell is a dead give away. The embarrassment that I feel is indescribable. So, after I pile all of these factors on top of that simple dental visit, I usually decide that the cost is too high, and I cancel the appointment, go buy another tube of anbesol and call it a day!

You hit the nail square on the head when you stated that my pain had overridden my fear. By the time I called my husband in tears, my mouth hurt so badly that I could not stop crying. I had a severe headache, and I had vomited twice. And, what most people do not understand is that I had known all week long that this was coming. I have been on this path too many times to count. People in my life are dumbfounded by my behavior, and it has an effect on so many portions of my overall existence. I can not explain to anyone lucky enough not to have experienced this how this can happen, or how intense the feelings of fear are.

You are the first Dr. that treated my fears before my mouth. You are the first Dr. that treated me as a person before a payment. You are the first Dr. that treated me with respect, and let me hold on to a little dignity. Isn't it amazing the effects that decent treatment can have? Before you even looked at my teeth, you had my trust, and I felt as if we were a team. I needed your help, and I was not going to beat myself up for having these fears any longer. Do you have any idea what this means to me? By validating me and proclaiming that my fear was real, but manageable you eliminated much of my problem.  I ACTUALLY HAD A TOOTH PULLED WITH A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF ANXIETY!!!! I have always wanted to see the light at the end of the damn tunnel everyone talks about. Thank you for blowing up that tunnel, and dancing in pure light with me! I know that I will still not get dressed up and look forward to my appointment days. (No offense meant!) I can honestly tell you now, that I CAN DO THIS…I CAN DO THIS…I CAN NOT WAIT TO HAVE A PAIN FREE MOUTH!!! Maybe once we get far enough along, I will be able to push the envelope, and have a great looking smile as well. I certainly never thought that cosmetic dentistry was an option! Thank you again for all that you have given me. The gift that you give is so much larger than a filling or crown…You give me back to my family and me back to me!

Amy McLean

I cannot begin to tell you how I appreciated your excellent service to me. I came here from Missoula Montana to live with my daughter and son-in-law. I lost my husband last April 20^th and we all agreed if he should pass on I would live with them. I also am brining up my grandson. I have never heard of a service such as yours before. I think you are doing a wonderful service for humanity. You treated me with the greatest of respect and what you said you would do was done. I also want to say you have a wonderful caring staff. At this time I needed your help and you gave it to me and I surely want you to know I appreciate your kindness. I only have the best to say about you and your wonderful staff. As long as we live here I would like to continue your services for the future.

Thank you so very much,

Jean Frizzell

In 1996 I came to see you for dental care, which I found to be quite satisfactory. Discovering that you also provide orthodontic treatment was a pleasant surprise and a wonderful opportunity for me. Having had quite crowded teeth all my life has been an embarrassing experience. I committed myself to orthodontic treatment and have been delighted with the results. How convenient to have a dentist and an orthodontist all rolled into one!

Ellen King

Thank you for my little "day" guard. I wore it all yesterday and so far today. Seems to be "do-able" just like you said.