Dr. Kimberly Branham, of Branham Dental Arts in Farmington Hills, spent a decade working as a dental hygenist. She knew she could make a difference and wanted to fix the problems she saw in her patients, but didn’t have that opportunity as a hygienist, so she went to dental school – and in 2007, she began her dream job as a dentist.
“I loved hygiene, but I didn’t feel very challenged. It was the same thing every hour on the hour. I had some great mentors that really inspired me to go above and beyond,” Branham says.
Shortly after earning her degree, Branham bought a dental practice in Livonia. She practiced alongside the previous owner for eight years before he phased out of dentistry into retirement and Branham completely took over. Three years ago, she moved the practice to its current location in Farmington Hills.
Branham’s practice is small and offers a personal touch.
“It’s just myself, an office manager, a hygienist and two dental assistants. We know all of our patients and get time with each of them one-on-one,” Branham says. “I do my own procedures, which allows me to get to know everyone.”
Branham Dental Arts offers preventative care and dental services such as fillings, oral surgery, crowns and bridges. The practice also offers cosmetic procedures including dental implants, Botox and teeth whitening.
Care for all ages
Branham provides dental care for every member of the family – from adults all the way down to infants.
“I like to see kids within six months of the eruption of their first tooth,” Branham says. “So, if they get their first tooth at 6 months, I like to see them by one year. If they get a tooth at 3 months, I’d like to see them by 9 months.”
At that age, Branham does a knee-to-knee exam. She faces the parent with their knees touching. She sits the child between them facing the parent. Then, the child leans back with his or her head on Branham’s lap. The parent can then help control the child’s arms and legs and make them feel comfortable while Branham gets a look at their teeth and gums.
“These early appointments are more to help educate the parents. There is a lot of bad advice out there,” she says. “We give them information about how to take care of their children’s teeth, including how to brush and floss them. We also try to get fluoride on the child’s teeth. The goal is to keep them from getting cavities. Cavities begin to develop two years before we see them during exams.”
With three kids of her own, Branham says her experience as a mother has shaped the way she works with children.
“I’ve been through the phases with my kids. I know they are all unique and special. They all need to be treated differently. There is not one set way to treat kids,” Branham says, so she tailors her style to make the child comfortable.
As a parent, Branham also realizes that getting to the dentist can be challenging, so her practice offers family-friendly hours. Two nights a week, the practice is open until 8 p.m. The late hours make dental appointments convenient for those who work during the day and also for parents who don’t want to pull their children from school for an appointment.
Branham Dental Arts is located at 23700 Orchard Lake Road, Suite A, Farmington Hills. For more information on Branham Dental Arts, call 248-474-5572 or visit branhamdental.com.
