Defiance, Ohio · a private practice since 1967
Three general dentists, one building, and most insurance accepted. Cleanings through crowns, toddlers through grandparents.
245 Stadium Drive
It means the same three dentists have been here long enough that patients talk about years rather than visits. One reviewer counted a decade. Another stayed after his insurance network changed, and brought his family with him anyway.
It also means there is nobody above the three of them setting a quota. Your treatment gets planned around your teeth, and if your plan will not cover what your teeth need, you get told that plainly and then you decide.
The three chairs
Luke Walz, DDS
General dentistry. Named on the practice's own team page.
James Elchinger, DDS
General dentistry. Named on the practice's own team page.
Kirk McKibben, DDS
General dentistry. The dentist patients name most often in their reviews.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 79 Google reviews.
One building, in order
Every photograph below was taken inside 245 Stadium Drive. This is the building, the desk, the chair and the sterilization station you will actually see.
At the desk
The front desk is the first thing you meet, and it is where the insurance question gets answered rather than deferred. We bill electronically from this office, so your claim goes in from here instead of landing on your kitchen table. If you are new, the forms are available to fill out before you arrive.
In the chair
Treatment gets planned around what your mouth actually needs. Where that differs from what an insurance plan will pay, we say so out loud and give you the choice. Cleanings run on the quiet end of the scale here, which is the thing long-standing patients mention first.
During the work
Crowns, fillings, root canals and extractions are done in this building by the same three dentists you meet at the start. Parents stay alongside their children, and the assistant talks through each step of an examination and cleaning as it goes. Nobody has to guess what just happened to their tooth.
Between patients
Instruments go to the sterilization station, the surfaces get turned over, and the tray is laid out fresh for whoever is next. It is the least glamorous part of a dental practice and the part you would most want to watch.
What we treat
General family dentistry covers nearly everything that happens in this building. Cosmetic work is the other half. The practical business of insurance, billing and first visits has its own page rather than being buried in small print.
Most of what we do
Cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, root canals, extractions and Invisalign, for toddlers through grandparents. There is no need to run all over town to find a dentist for each member of your family.
Family dentistry details
Cosmetic dentistryWhitening and bleaching, veneers, implant crowns, and treatment for the gum disease, decay and night-time grinding that have to be sorted out first.Cosmetic dentistry
New patients, insurance and paymentWhat to bring to a first visit, how the electronic billing works, and the CareCredit plans available to approved patients for larger treatment.New patientsUnder their own sign
Word for word, and you can go and read them yourself. The staff in the photograph behind this text are the ones being written about.
“I had a crown done today with Dr. Kirk McKibben and Heather and they were awesome! I felt absolutely NO PAIN, not even when getting the shots for getting numb! I would highly recommend this team because Im so impressed with their work! My entire family goes here as a result and they are not even in my network and I still wouldn't go anywhere else.”
“Phenomenal work from McKibben. Has been my Dr for years now, and to be honest, I wouldn't have gone anywhere else. The staff is super helpful with understanding the procedures and billing. The cleanings have always been refreshing and relaxed. I've been to a few dentists in my 36 year travel and some were rough with just a cleaning, nope, gentle and effective hands over here! I also bring my kids here and we always leave feeling great.”
“Hands down one of the best dental offices I've ever been to! The staff is friendly, professional, knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything without pressure! I trust them completely with my dental care and would highly recommend this office to anyone!”
“Love Defiance Dental. Dr. McKibben is excellent and always has a great attitude. His assistant Heather is the best. She always makes sure that I'm taken care of and my needs are met. Super friendly environment. I always recommend them.”
Before your first visit
New patient forms can be filled out ahead of the appointment, which cuts down the time you spend standing at the desk.
Most insurance accepted, billed electronically from this office. Our staff will work out what your specific plan covers and help you get the most out of it before treatment starts.
Co-pays are due at the visit. Cash, check, MasterCard and Visa. For larger treatment we are a CareCredit provider, with no-interest and extended plans for approved patients.
We handle dental emergencies and consultations. Ring (419) 782-7950 and say it is urgent. A painful tooth today beats a worse one in three weeks.
We ask for 48 hours' notice so the slot can go to someone else. A fee applies to appointments missed without it. Call as soon as you know and we will move you instead.
Straight answers
If yours is not here, ring the office. Somebody who knows the answer picks up the phone.
245 Stadium Drive, Defiance
Open from 7:30 in the morning, Monday to Friday. Tell us whether it is a cleaning, a cracked tooth or a first visit for one of the children, and the staff will sort the rest.
Also published as (419) 782-DENT. Email loveyoursmile@defiancedentalgroup.com.