Testimonials
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Testimonials

Nothing speaks more highly of our practice than what our patients say about us. Below are just a few of the many responses we have received from our patients that reflect their initial apprehensions and the treatment they received from the team at Clay Center Family Dental Care.
After hearing a commercial for Dr. Hammel on Sunny 102.5, it took me a couple of months to work up the courage to dial the phone. I’ve had only one dentist in my entire life that I could visit without severe anxiety attacks prior to my visits, and I had moved away from him. So, after more than ten years without seeing a dentist, my teeth were in pretty bad shape. I realized, though, that the only way to rid myself of the bad breath, the horrible look of my teeth, and the constant discomfort was to visit a dentist. The ad for sedation dentistry sounded interesting and I did some research on the internet. On my first visit, Dr. Hammel made me feel very comfortable (even through the tears I was shedding!) He assured me that he worked for me, and would only do work that I agreed to, and would make me as comfortable as possible. He has been true to his word ever since, and I finally have teeth that are not causing me pain or anxiety. The entire office staff at Clay Center Family Dentistry is so kind and caring, they make the visits comfortable for me. I have chosen to continue to drive the 45 minutes to visit Dr. Hammel because I think he’s the best dentist I’ve ever been to. I can’t say enough about not only sedation dentistry, but also Dr. Hammel. He has restored my confidence in dentists to the point that I think I could probably have most dental procedures without sedation; but, I’m not going to try that because I’m so pleased with the sedation procedure!

N.D.
I had not been to the dentist in probably 15 years and I was in need of extended dental work. I heard a radio advertisement about the sedation dentistry done at Clay Center Family Dentistry and I started considering that could be an option for me. I visited the Clay Center Family Dentistry web page and sent an e-mail requesting an appointment. I was called within a couple of days and my consultation appointment was scheduled. They were very friendly with the exam and x-rays telling me everything that was being done. Dr. Hammel introduced himself to me and he completed the exam and then we sat down and went over everything that needed to be done. The total price was given to me so I could decide if I needed to go through any of the loan programs. On the day of my appointment, I took a pill an hour before my arrival time and, by the time I got to Clay Center Family Dentistry, I was feeling totally relaxed. I had no hesitation or nervousness. I have a few memories of my appointment on that day, but none of it is associated with pain. I had no pain the next day. My fear of the dentist has subsided because I know that I can have pain-free dental procedures, if necessary.

S.S.
Like many other people I grew up not going to the dentist. When I did go it seemed to be the worst experience imaginable. For 20 years I didn't go to the dentist. I ended up with a mouth full of cavities and swollen raw gums. Eating, talking, and of course smiling were difficult. The worse my teeth got, the softer the food I would eat. My speech was altered by broken and missing teeth. Smiling was just out of the question. I had pain everyday that never went away. My confidence in myself was gone. My pain, embarrassment, and discouragement affected me both at home and at work.

One day I decided that enough was enough. I needed help, but I didn't know where to go. One evening I was on the internet and I found a very neat and informative website. The site was for the Clay Center Family Dentistry. There was a lot of information but the thing that really caught me was sedation dentistry. What is that? Sedation dentistry is just like it sounds. Take a snooze while the dentist works on your teeth. I sent an email to the address provided and asked if they could help me. I got a reply the next day from the dentist and his wife. They offered me a tour of their facility. I took them up on it. Let me tell you, everyone is so nice and understanding. The atmosphere is very comfortable.

Well, I decided to go for it. Dr. Hammel and his wife Nancy explained about sedation dentistry. I went in for x-rays and evaluation of my teeth. I was nervous so they gave me something to calm me down. My next appointment was the big one. I was going to have a lot of work done. We were going to do all of it in one eight hour day. Yea, me in a dentist chair for eight hours. Who would believe that? Not me. Well, let me tell you. I went to the appointment, I sat there for eight hours and the best part, I don't remember a thing. I had teeth filled, pulled, and crowned. If you were to ask how it was, I can't tell you. I don't remember. I had to go back for a deep cleaning and I went with the sedation again. I don't remember that appointment either. Sedation dentistry is just wonderful.

Now, I can smile and laugh. I have my confidence back and life is just so much better. So, I must say Thank You to Dr. Hammel, Nancy, and the staff at Clay Center Family Dentistry. Thank You for introducing me to sedation dentistry and for making me feel at home in your office. Life is good, now.

B.B.
I just would like to let you know that you probably had a hand in saving my life. If you had not taken my blood pressure the day I was in there for a consultation on sedation dentistry I would have never known I was having a problem.

When Nancy took my blood pressure it was 160/90, I thought "Wow, that seems kind of high." So, I bought a blood pressure monitor and for a week my blood pressure was 160/ 90 or above.

I decided to go to the doctor and sure enough he put me on medication and now my blood pressure is in the 120/70 range. I couldn't even climb the stairs before, now I can run up and down them.

Thank you, Nancy and Dr. Hammel, for suggesting sedation dentistry. I have no reservations about this procedure at all.

B.S.
My name is Dorenna and a year ago, I chose to have sedation dentistry. I heard about sedation dentistry on our local radio station. My dentist. R.D. Hammel, was the one speaking about this type of dentistry that they offered their patients.

I called and set up an appointment up to find out more about this sedation dentistry.

I had developed a fear of going to the dentist at an early age. I’d had painful experiences in the dentist chair and would wait as long as possible before going to a dentist. Three months prior to having sedation dentistry, while I was living in another state, I’d ended up in the emergency room due to my pain from my teeth. I was unable to eat on one side of my mouth due to the pain I was experiencing.

I had always been a "baby" about going to the dentist but after hearing about sedation dentistry, I decided to go ahead with it. As someone who is allergic to latex, I was also very concerned that all the products used the day of my appointment would be latex free. During my consultation, Dr. Hammel’s staff assured me that no latex would be used so I wouldn’t be concerned with an allergic reaction.

Nancy Hammel, who works at Clay Center Family Dentistry and who is also my dentist’s wife, had already experienced sedation dentistry. Nancy explained to me in detail about what would take place. I was still a little nervous and Nancy offered to pick me up the morning of my appointment. I was sleepy from the pill that I was instructed to take that morning. As I was told, I wore comfortable clothing and they wrapped me in my favorite blanket I had brought with me. I don’t remember any pain whatsoever. It was actually a pleasant experience.

My appointment lasted approximately four hours as I had quite a bit of work to be done. I wanted to get it all done in one appointment. Also, I am hypoglycemic and because of fasting from midnight on, the CCFD staff made sure I had the right kind of juice and soft food. They woke me up to feed me which I barely remember.

I know that Dr. Hammel and Nancy as well as the entire staff at Clay Center Family Dentistry treated me wonderful and I would recommend sedation dentistry to anyone. They all made me feel so comfortable and Dr. Hammel called me later that evening to check on my progress. I slept most of the day away.

In my opinion, sedation dentistry is the only way to go. To have a dentist understand my fears and put those fears to rest, was a milestone in my life.

I keep up with my routine check ups and my teeth are doing great.

Thanks again to my dentist, R.D. Hammel and his wife, Nancy, and the staff at Clay Center Family Dentistry.

Dorenna

P.S. You know I just had to tell you my son thinks Dr. Hammel’s the best dentist ever and to me that is priceless as children having good experiences at the dentist without fear.
From a three year old, A.L., of Clay Center & her mom, L.L.:

"My three year old daughter asked me if I would write a thank you note for her light-up toothbrush. So thank you! It is a definite "hit" with her! If I forget to turn the light on when we brush, she reminds me, "Don't forget to turn on the light!" She also talks about how the dentist said the ABC's while he was looking at her teeth! Thanks for making her first visit to the dentist a good experience!"

Sincerely, L.L.
I’m grateful that I came to your office for my implants so we both could see what a professional and friendly office you have. It may be a few miles to drive but it is well worth it.

Thanks,
P.W & L.W.
Junction City, KS
"Thank you One & All for all you did in the recent dental care I received there. Dr. Rick, "YOU ROCK!" I hated knowing I had to lose some teeth, at only 48 years of age. But I knew I had not taken care of my own teeth as I have my children’s. So, therefore I went ahead with your recommendations and I have no regrets!

Not even one week and I’ve had very little pain, no bleeding and seem to be recovering so well.

I have felt so warm and well taken care of each and every time I have had to come in for appointments.

Thank you all so much and I knew with what Dr. Hammel and the staff explained to me about the sedation and my treatment plan plus my great faith in my loving Lord that your office was where I needed to be and whom I needed to be with!

God’s richest blessings to you!"

K.D.
Clyde, KS
"I deeply regret I didn’t know about you years ago as the care I have received is priceless. I am so leery of a dentist but from the first time I walked in the office, the ladies at the front desk were friendly and put me at ease. It was Linda who first helped me. We got along great because she liked to talk and so did I! She did help me to forget how afraid I was. She was truly professional in all ways as she explained the procedures.

Next was Kelli who worked so hard. She explained the problems with my teeth and the care I should be giving them. She also was truly professional.

Then came Dr. Hammel – he is a genius! I have had the most pain free trips ever to a dentist! My faith in him is priceless.

I thank and appreciate all of you."

L.D.
Belleville, KS

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