Preventive Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry, Davenport dental care

Your Foundation for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Preventive Dentistry at Cornerstone Family Dentistry 

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we believe the best dental treatment is the kind you never need. That’s why preventive dentistry is at the heart of everything we do. By focusing on early detection, education, and proactive care, we help our patients in Davenport, Camanche, Morrison, and Erie avoid more complex and costly procedures down the road.

Preventive dentistry is about more than just cleanings and checkups. It includes a range of services and tools designed to protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health at every stage of life. From custom protective devices to advanced screenings and at-home care products, our team is here to support you in building a strong foundation for long-term wellness.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry refers to the proactive steps taken to maintain oral health and prevent problems before they start. This includes routine exams, professional cleanings, patient education, and specialized treatments that protect against decay, gum disease, injury, and other conditions.

Our goal is simple: to help you keep your natural teeth healthy for as long as possible. Whether you are visiting us for a regular checkup or exploring options to protect your smile from grinding or sports injuries, our Davenport dental care team is ready to provide the guidance and treatment you need.

Our Preventive Dentistry Services

We offer a comprehensive range of preventive dentistry services tailored to meet the needs of every patient. Here’s what we provide:

  • Custom Mouthguards: If you or your child plays contact sports, a custom mouthguard is essential for protecting teeth, gums, and soft tissues from injury. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your bite, offering superior comfort, protection, and durability. We recommend mouthguards for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
  • Occlusal Night Guards: Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause significant damage over time. Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it, leading to worn enamel, jaw pain, and headaches. Our custom occlusal night guards provide a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from excessive wear and reducing strain on your jaw muscles.
  • Oral Cancer Screenings: Early detection saves lives. During your routine dental exam, we perform a thorough oral cancer screening to check for signs of abnormal tissue, lesions, or other warning signs. These screenings are quick, painless, and an essential part of maintaining your overall health. We serve patients throughout the Quad Cities area, offering trusted Davenport dental care that goes beyond just your teeth.
  • Silver Diamine Fluoride: For patients at high risk of cavities or those who may not tolerate traditional fillings well, silver diamine fluoride offers a non-invasive treatment option. This topical solution helps stop the progression of decay and can be especially helpful for young children, patients with special needs, or individuals with dental anxiety. It’s a gentle, effective way to protect vulnerable teeth.
  • Oral B and Sonicare Toothbrushes: Good oral hygiene at home is a cornerstone of preventive dentistry. That’s why we offer high-quality electric toothbrushes from trusted brands like Oral B and Sonicare. These advanced toothbrushes provide superior plaque removal compared to manual brushing and are available for purchase at our office. Our team can also provide guidance on proper brushing techniques to help you get the most from your daily routine.

Why Preventive Care Matters

Investing in preventive dentistry now can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future. Regular checkups allow us to catch small problems before they become major ones. Protective devices like night guards and mouthguards prevent damage that would otherwise require restorative treatment. And patient education empowers you to take control of your oral health every day.

Prevention is especially important for children, whose developing teeth and habits set the stage for a lifetime of oral health. We encourage parents to bring their kids in early and often so we can monitor growth, provide fluoride treatments, and teach proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry

How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?

Most patients should schedule a checkup and cleaning every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or other concerns, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Are custom mouthguards really necessary for kids?

Yes. Custom mouthguards offer far better protection than store-bought versions. They fit securely, stay in place during activity, and provide the best defense against dental injuries during sports.

What is silver diamine fluoride used for?

Silver diamine fluoride is used to stop the progression of cavities, particularly in young children or patients who may not be ideal candidates for traditional fillings. It’s a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option.

Do electric toothbrushes really make a difference?

Absolutely. Studies show that electric toothbrushes like Oral B and Sonicare remove more plaque and improve gum health compared to manual brushing. We’re happy to recommend the best option for your needs.

Schedule Your Preventive Care Appointment Today

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, preventive dentistry is more than a service. It’s a commitment to helping you and your family maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for years to come. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a custom night guard, or guidance on the best at-home care products, our team in Davenport, Camanche, Morrison, and Erie is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next preventive care appointment. Together, we’ll keep your smile strong, healthy, and ready for whatever life brings.

Morrison Office

Davenport Office

Camanche Office

Morrison Office

Davenport Office

Camanche Office

Stephanie P.

Registered Dental Hygienist

I grew up in Davenport and graduated from Davenport West High School in 1996. I attended Kirkwood Community College and earned a degree in Dental Hygiene. I’m passionate about dentistry and helping my patients achieve and maintain their best oral health. 

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two adult children, and our dogs, Dutch and Dice. We love traveling across the country in our camper, exploring new places and visiting national parks. 

My favorite Cornerstone core value is Family First. I appreciate the way the practice encourages a healthy balance between caring for patients and cherishing time with loved ones. 

 

Alyssa J.

Marketing, BA in Fashion Merchandising

I grew up in a small, rural community in west central Illinois in a little town called Roseville. 
 
I graduated from Roseville High School in 1997. I participated in band, choir, the speech team, and volleyball. My main activity was cheerleading! 
After highschool I went to Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL and obtained a degree in fashion merchandising with a minor in management. 
 
I started working for Dr. Mindy and her family to help her with tasks at home and jumped on an opportunity to also work on some marketing opportunities for Cornerstone.
 
I’ve been married to my husband, Brian, since 2003. We have 5 kids born between 2007 and 2019It’s fun to see the kids in all different seasons and stages of childhood and we’re never, ever bored!

My favorite core value is Family First. I can attest first-hand to their Family First core value. We’ve dealth with family medical issues along with long hospital stays and unanswered issues. Cornerstone has been super supportive and understanding when I need to be away to help advocate.

Heather J.

Area Director, PhD in Health and Human Physiology

I grew up in Erie, IL and attended Erie High School.  I was involved in a variety of academic groups, sports and cheerleading. My love of sport and physical activity translated to my chosen area of study in college.  In addition, immediately following high school I became a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and eventually a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for a variety of recreational, collegiate and Olympic athlete populations. Fitness and training continues to be a big part of my own life, and I still do some consulting work in the fitness/wellness field today!

I attended Illinois State University for my B.S. and M.S. degrees, earning my Masters in Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology.  Following my Master’s degree I did a post-graduate fellowship in a biomechanics lab in Vail, CO and worked for an orthopedic surgeon in Breckenridge, CO.  After moving back to the midwest, I attended the University of Iowa, earning a PhD in Health and Human Physiology (2010) with a research focus on physical activity and bone health. I have spent the last 25 years in education and research, with the majority of my career spent as a professor of exercise science.

I learned about Cornerstone from a friend who felt my background and skills would be a good fit for a new administrative role Cornerstone had developed.  After learning about the values, positive business model and the caring nature of the owners and team, I knew I wanted to be part of the Cornerstone team, joining in 2025. Because of my educational background and passion for helping others achieve positive health and wellness outcomes, taking on a role in a clinical health field has been a natural transition.  While I have a great deal to learn about dentistry specifically, it has been an interesting and fun challenge!

 I live in Illinois with my husband, Brandon, and son, Colton (2016). We enjoy family movie nights, the outdoors, sports/hiking and an occasional Whitey’s ice cream run.  We also love sharing a meal or sitting around a bonfire with friends and family.   

My favorite Cornerstone Core Value is the Golden Rule because it is aligned with my Christian faith and Jesus’ second greatest command – to love your neighbor as yourself!

Dr. Foster

I grew up just outside of Rochelle, IL. I graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 2006. While in highschool I ran cross country and track, sang in choir and vocal jazz and worked. After highschool I completed my Bachelor’s and Masters degrees at Northern Illinois University. I graduated with my doctorate in 2017. 

I wanted to be a dentist from a fairly young age, despite not really knowing any dentists. 

I have one son, Elijah, born in 2009.

My favorite Cornerstone core value is Family First. I like this core value best because it reflects how I was raised and how I have always felt. I think some companies prefer to be the top priority, but that wouldn’t be realistic in my world.

Michelle R.

Business Assistant Float, BA in Public Relations

I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and in Dubuque, Iowa. I attended high school in Dubuque and stayed in town to attend college. I graduated from Loras College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations and a Minor in Psychology. After graduating, I moved to the Quad Cities Area, where I’ve been living since.

My interest in dentistry began in childhood. always looked forward to visiting the dentistand sometimes even reminded my Mom it was time to schedule our next appointmentsJoining the Cornerstone team in March 2019, with no prior clinical background, I quickly discovered I have a strong interest and enthusiasm for all things Dentistry.  Each day at Cornerstone brings a new opportunity to learn something new and make a positive difference in someone’s life.

My husband, Steve, and I have been married since 2018 and share two sons named Isaac, born in 2017, and Levi, born in 2023. We also have a Yellow Labrador Retriever named Tank.

All of Cornerstone’s Core Value aligns with my ethics and beliefs, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Family First. I’ve never been part of a team that shows such genuine support for both myself and my family. This type of unmatched commitment makes a world of difference for me in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Jordan B.

Registered Dental Hygienist

I was born and raised in Davenport, IA, and come from a family of four. While I don’t have kids of my own yet, my two energetic Boston Terriers keep life very entertaining and busy! Growing up I played basketball and softball and I still enjoy staying active through running, weightlifting, hiking, and playing pickleball.

My interest in dentistry began when I got braces as a kid—I loved seeing the transformation in my smile and the confidence it gave me. That experience stuck with me and inspired me to help others feel the same way. As a hygienist, my goal is to make every patient feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. I strive to create a positive experience where patients not only feel confident in their smile, but also supported in their overall oral health journey.

After earning my Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2025, I joined the Cornerstone team because of their welcoming atmosphere and shared commitment to patient care. My favorite Cornerstone core value is Willing to “Wash the Dishes” because it represents true teamwork – one where no task is beneath anyone and everyone is ready to step in, help out, and support each other no matter what. It creates a very motivating, uplifting, and inspiring team that I am proud to be part of. 

Donna S.

Registered Dental Assistant

I grew up in Rock Falls. I graduated from Rock FaIls High School in 2002. I was on the dance team all four years.
 
I’ve always been fascinated with teeth/smiles and wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Having that kind of confidence is huge.
 
I used to work with Dr. Monica. She let me know Cornerstone was hiring. I had heard what a great office Cornerstone was to work for so I decided to apply and the rest is history! 
I’ve been married to my husband, Shae, since 2007. We have two boys  (2003 and 2009), and our boxer, Lexi Lou. We love being outdoors, watching football, spending quality time with friends and traveling, 

Family First is my favorite core value. Being able to put your family first is amazing and knowing that I’m able to put them as a priority and be able to partake in school functions or important life opportunities means so much to me!

Megan D.

Registered Dental Hygienist

I grew up on Fenton, IL  and graduated from Erie High School in 2004.  While in high school I was a cheerleader all four years for football and basketball and was part of the competition cheer squad. I also enjoyed being in choir all four years. 
 
After high school I attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg IL and graduated in 2006. I knew as a little girl that I wanted to work in a dentist office. I enjoyed going to the dentist and was drawn to a person’s smile.  
 
I was fortunate to join the Cornerstone team when they bought the Erie office Dec. 2024.
 
I married my best friend and high school sweetheart in 2007. We have four children, Sydney born in 2010, Derek 2012, Josh 2013 and Lyla 2015. 
 
The Golden Rule is my favorite Cornerstone core value because it is what Jesus instructed in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”

Ethan R.

Hygientist, RDH

I grew up in Fulton, IL and graduated from Fulton High School in 2021. While in high school I participated in football, wrestling, and track. After graduation I attended Carl Sandburg college and graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2025. 

I got interested in dentistry because I had a great dentist growing up who was also my neighbor. 
 
I found out about Cornerstone through a coworker. I reached out and got called in for an interview. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and am grateful to have the opportunity to be on the team.  

My dad is a retired electrician, my mom is a nurse, and my brother is pursuing a career is Cyber Security. We love to do everything together, whether that be watching football, going on jeep rides, or visiting places. 

Family first has to be my favorite Cornerstone core value because in my opinion nothing is more important than family.

Tara R.

Business Assistant

I grew up in East Moline, IL and attended United Township High School and graduated in 2001. 

I had a job opportunity as a dental assistant and wanted to give it a try. After working 10 years as an assistant, I moved up to the front office. In December 2024 Cornerstone bought the office I was currently working for. 

My husband and I were married in 2008. We have a daughter (2003) and son (2011). Our daughter got married fall of 2024. We have a pit bull, Wrigley, that is a big part of our family (since 2018). We enjoy hiking, going on family vacations, and love watching the Chicago Bears play!

Family first is my favorite Cornerstone core value. I feel like it allows me to come to work and perform at my best.

Leea T.

Treatment Coordinator

I grew up in the Davenport/Bettendorf area. I’ve always loved the sense of community here. It’s been so nice to come full circle and be back in the place that feels most like home.

I graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 2020. I’m a Covid senior! I definitely learned how to roll with the punches during such a unique senior year experience.
 
After graduation, I went to Scott Community College with the intention of becoming an English professor. Writing has been a consistent passion of mine! But after a few semesters, I felt the urge for adventure and decided to move to Austin, Texas on a whim! It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 
 
While in Austin, I started working in Oral Surgery. Over time, I realized I wanted a better work/life balance while still being in a profession that helps people feel confident and cared for. When I moved back to the Quad Cities, I was lucky enough to find Cornerstone, where work/life balance is truly valued!
 
When I returned to Iowa, I quickly discovered how tough the job market could be! I spent plenty of time scrolling Indeed, hoping to find something that felt like “the one.” Once I met our COO, Alina, I knew Cornerstone could be that perfect fit. Since joining the team February 2025, I’ve been given the freedom to use my creativity and grow within my role. I love that this position continues to evolve as I do!
 
My husband and I are coming up on two years of marriage, but we just had our official wedding celebration in September of 2025! We had the best time celebrating with our families. We don’t have pets or kids yet, but we both hope for a big family someday. I get to visit my parents often, and my little sister whenever she comes home from college. Family is such a huge part of my life, and being close to them again means so much to me!
 
It’s hard to choose a favorite Cornerstone core value, because each one spoke to me from the start. If I had to pick, I’d say The Golden Rule resonates most. No matter our differences, the Cornerstone team shows up every day with compassion and understanding. It’s comforting to know I’m surrounded by people who treat both their teammates and patients with genuine kindness and respect.