Gaslight Village Family Dentistry
Dr. Joshua Wansten
Family Dentistry
Healthy, Happy Smiles Start Here

We offer all the quality dentistry your family needs in one warm and friendly location.

Family Dentistry | Dentist
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Family Dentistry

Finding a dental practice you trust with all your family’s oral health needs can feel like a struggle. You want skilled care, but you also need a place where your anxious teenager feels heard, where your preschooler looks forward to visits, and where your parents can receive the gentle attention they deserve.

At Gaslight Village Family Dentistry, we've served generations of East Grand Rapids families. Dr. Joshua Wansten and our compassionate team create an environment where every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, feels welcomed and understood.

Your Hometown Dentist in East Grand Rapids

As your hometown dental practice, we focus on building long-term, trusting relationships. Many patients have been with us through multiple life stages. We've had the privilege of watching children grow up, start families of their own, and bring their kids back to us.

Dr. Wansten takes time to learn about your dental needs, then recommends treatment in your best interest. We use advanced technology like AI-enhanced imaging to catch problems early and explain them clearly.

The Benefits of Choosing One Dentist for Your Entire Family

Establishing a relationship with one trusted dental practice offers several advantages for your family's oral health.

Familiarity and Comfort

Anxiety decreases when your family knows they’ll see the same friendly faces at every visit. Our team knows your family's history, preferences, and concerns, so every appointment is efficient, comfortable, and productive.

Early Detection

When you see us regularly, we can spot potential problems before they become painful or expensive. We track your oral health changes over time and can step in with more conservative treatments that preserve your natural teeth.

Continuity of Care

Multiple dentists for different family members causes headaches and communication gaps. At GVFD, we coordinate treatments, track insurance benefits efficiently, and ensure your family's oral health plan works together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most families should schedule dental checkups and cleanings every six months, though individual needs can vary based on age and oral health status. This timing aligns perfectly with most dental insurance benefits, which typically cover two cleanings per year.

Dental Checkups: Age-Specific Recommendations

  • Children (ages three and up): Every six months to monitor development and establish healthy habits
  • Adults: Every six months for routine maintenance and early problem detection
  • Seniors: May benefit from more frequent visits due to medication effects and age-related changes

When You Might Need More Frequent Visits

Some patients need to see their family dentist in East Grand Rapids more often, typically every three to four months. This includes people with gum disease, diabetes, a history of cavities, or those who smoke. We'll work with you to determine the ideal schedule based on your family's unique needs.

At Gaslight Village Family Dentistry, we believe prevention is always easier and more comfortable than treatment. Our comprehensive 90-minute initial evaluations help us understand your family's oral health patterns and create personalized care schedules.

Ready to establish a dental home for your family? Call us at (616) 454-8228 to schedule your appointments. We proudly serve families throughout East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Ada, and the surrounding West Michigan communities.

Dental Care for All Ages

  • Children's Dental Care (Ages 3+) — Early dental visits help children develop positive associations with oral healthcare. We create a fun environment with stuffed animals, gentle explanations, and plenty of patience. Beyond cleanings and exams, we provide preventive services like fluoride and sealants, nutrition counseling, and parent education to set them up for lifelong healthy smiles.
  • Teen Dentistry — Teenagers face unique dental challenges, from orthodontic concerns to wisdom teeth and sports-related injuries. We’ll be here as your teen moves through these different stages, providing age-appropriate treatment and educating them about the importance of oral health.
  • Adult Dental Services — Dental needs evolve as we age. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning and exam, need a crown or bridge to restore your smile, or cosmetic dentistry for a refreshed appearance, we tailor our approach to fit your lifestyle and goals. We also address common adult concerns, such as TMJ disorders and teeth grinding.
  • Senior Smiles — Seniors’ age-related concerns include an increased risk for gum disease complications and worn, broken, or missing teeth. From tooth replacement to full mouth reconstruction, our gentle patient-centered care keeps senior smiles healthy and functioning comfortably.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Joshua Wansten

Education and Experience

Dr. Wansten earned his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan in 2004, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from U of M's School of Dentistry in 2009. He completed his General Practice Residency at Loyola University Chicago in 2010, providing him with advanced training in complex dental procedures. Dr. Wansten joined Gaslight Village Family Dentistry in 2022.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Wansten was drawn to dentistry because it combines his fascination with science with the opportunity to help people. He appreciates the blend of scientific knowledge, compassion, artistic vision, ...

Ready to Make Us Your Family's Dental Home?

Whether it's time for routine checkups or you've been putting off dental care for too long, we're here to help your family achieve optimal oral health in a comfortable, judgment-free environment. Call us at (616) 454-8228 to schedule appointments for everyone who needs care.

We proudly serve families throughout East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Ada, and the surrounding West Michigan communities, because every family deserves a dental practice they can trust completely.

Family Dentistry Technology

Digital X-Rays & Sensors

Our digital x-ray system captures detailed images of your teeth and bone structure instantly, using 90 percent less radiation than traditional film x-rays. These high-resolution images help us detect cavities, evaluate gum health, and plan treatments for all our dental services. You'll see your x-rays immediately on our chairside monitors, and we can easily share images with specialists when needed. The improved image quality helps us catch problems earlier while keeping you safer.

We Offer All the Dentistry Your Family Needs!
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