Advantages of the private dental practice

Mimi Vanderhaven • July 8, 2026

As a private family dentist, Dr. Ian Fehring is free to offer his patients top-quality care, high-tech materials and equipment, and—most important—his time.

A stack of books sits on a wooden table, next to a lit candle and a warm cup of coffee or tea.

As more and more dentist-owned dental practices are being bought by corporations, Dr. Ian Fehring’s Fehring Family Dentistry remains fully autonomous. Discover the difference a real private dental practice can make.


For many decades, most dental offices were owned by the dentists who practiced there.


Increasingly, however, large corporations have been buying dental practices, which can compel patients to ask an important question: “Will my dentist still be there next year?”


One local dentist who will be there for years to come is Ian Fehring, D.D.S., of Fehring Family Dentistry. He purchased the practice 10 years ago, when it was known as Dependable Dental Services. Dr. Fehring changed the name a year ago to better align with the practice’s culture. 


“I love the autonomy of private practice,” Dr. Fehring says. “Dentists like me have complete autonomy, so all treatment decisions are mine. I have the flexibility to always do what is best for my patients. Rather than rushing treatment, I can say, “You know, we don’t need to do anything right away, but let’s keep an eye on that tooth.’ We’re always completely transparent with our patients.”. 


High-Quality Materials and Equipment

Another benefit of a private practice is the quality of care.


“One of the most important aspects of dentistry is the quality of materials and the dental lab you partner with. We use an extremely professional lab. They stand behind their work just like I do. And because we’re completely autonomous, we always use the best materials we can source. It may cost us a little more, but this is your oral health we’re talking about. And your oral health also affects your overall mental and physical health.”


In addition to quality materials, Dr. Fehring insists on using high-quality, leading-edge equipment. “With today’s digital 3D imaging, we can see things about 10 times better than when I started practicing 17 years ago. This means we can provide precise diagnostics and treatment.”


Dr. Fehring also offers same-day crowns, milling them himself with on-site equipment to fabricate beautiful, natural-looking teeth. “Being able to do a crown in one appointment is so important to my patients,” he says. “There is no need for a temporary crown or multiple visits.”


For other minimally invasive procedures—such as gum contouring and periodontal therapies—he has also invested in a soft-tissue laser, which causes less tissue damage and promotes faster healing.


A “No-Judgment Zone”

If you have been putting off the dentist, you are not alone. “Throughout my career I have cared for patients from all walks of life with every type of dental concern imaginable. My residency at a Level 1 trauma hospital gave me experience treating everything from serious infections to tramatic injuries. Whatever brings you through our doors today, our focus is on helping you move forward­—not on how you got here.”


Another benefit of a long-standing private dental practice is its connection to the community. “I live just a few miles down the road from my practice, and I’m part of this community,” Dr. Fehring shares. “I’ve treated multiple generations of the same family, and it’s not unusual for me to see 10-15 patients every time I go to Costco.”


Fehring Family Dentistry accepts all major insurances, and financing is available. The practice has earned more than 260 Google reviews with a perfect five-star average.


Fehring Family Dentistry 

29473 Lorain Road, North Olmsted

440-777-4444 

FehringFamilyDentistry.com  

  • Slide title

    The staff at Fehring Family Dentistry includes (left to right) Valerie, EFDA; Jenn, RDH; Melanie, EFDA; Dr. Fehring, DDS; Courtney,  Office Manager and  Brenda, RDH. 

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  • Slide title

    Using 3D imaging, Dr. Fehring provides precise diagnostics and treatment.

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  • Slide title

    With his trademark bright smile and full autonomy, Dr. Fehring can spend as much time with patients as is needed.

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  • Slide title

    Dr. Fehring offers same-day crowns, milling them on-site to fabricate beautiful, natural looking teeth.

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A Full-Service Dental Practice


Fehring Family Dentistry is a full-service, privately owned dental practice offering these services and more:

  • Cleanings and gum care
  • Dental Implants and dentures
  • Night guards and sports mouthguards
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Oral surgery
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Soft tissue laser therapy
  • TMJ treatment
  • Tooth colored fillings, crowns and bridges

The Covid-19 Delay


Many people stopped going to the dentist during the Covid-19 pandemic and, for one reason or another, have not returned. If you’ve “gotten off track” with your own oral health, now is the time to reach out to Dr. Fehring—no matter how long it’s been. To schedule your first appointment, call 440-777-4444 or visit FehringFamilyDentistry.com.

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