Patient Information
Why Choose Our Practice?

When it comes to choosing an endodontist, we know that you have options. Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority. The founders of our practice, Drs. Ellen Oertel and Scott Gerard served the Southside, Virginia area’s endodontic needs for a combined over 50 years, and Dr. Harmon proudly joined them in 2021 in their mission of excellence and compassion in treating our patients. Dr. Birsch now joins our team and is dedicated to the same mission established by Drs. Oertel and Gerard many years ago.
Here are just a few things that make our practice unique:
fully locally- and woman-owned and operated
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
Our doctors attend well-beyond the annual continuing education requirements and are always striving to maintain current of the latest peer-reviewed research to best serve your endodontic needs. As such, we have invested in technologies which are scientifically proven to provide better endodontic care, specifically the GentleWave sytem which allows us to use minimally-invasive endodontic techniques, the latest CBCT imaging technology through J. Morita, and recently updated microscopes to see even better into your tooth. Additionally, our doctors volunteer their time lecturing to area dentists, and Dr. Harmon teaches at VCU School of Dentistry. She also has reached the highest level of clinical knowledge and competence in the profession by completing her board certification and is a Diplomate of the American Association of Endodontics. We are committed to you and are passionate about our role as savers of teeth and healers of endodontic disease.
CARE AND COMMITMENT
From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable, and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.
HONESTY AND AFFORDABILITY
We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We file to all private dental insurance plans and offer various forms of dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and our alternative payment options.
EASY ACCESS TO ENDODONTIC CARE AND INFORMATION
We know that your time is valuable to you, and that’s why we offer a quick turnaround time on calls and appointment requests. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns in the office, over the phone, or via email.
COMPREHENSIVE ENDODONTIC CARE IN ONE LOCATION
At Southside Endodontics, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your endodontic care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.
COMFORT
We respect and understand that many patients experience dental anxiety. At our office, we do everything we can to make sure that your experience is as enjoyable as possible. By communicating clearly what you can expect during your treatment, we are often able to alleviate dental fear. We encourage you to bring headphones and music to listen to during your treatment and to let us know if you experience any discomfort during your treatment so that we may modify to make you more comfortable. We also have earplugs and blankets available for your comfort.
PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Dr. Harmon's earliest start in general dentistry was in a small dental office in her hometown in South Mississippi. It was in this office where she learned the absolute importance of empathy and care for the human attached to the teeth. You're never a "case" or a tooth number in our office. We take an interest in you and your oral health needs. From your initial phone call or walk in with our office to the time your treatment is complete, we strive to put you at ease and treat you comfortably and effectively.
Give us a call today!
You’ll be happy you chose us for your endodontic needs!