Dr. Dexter Mattox shares why he created a new approach for patients across the Golden Isles
The Daily Reality I Witnessed
Picture this: Mrs. Johnson drives 45 minutes from St. Marys to Brunswick for her dental consultation. She waits 30 minutes. The doctor spends 10 minutes telling her she needs dental implants. She schedules another appointment for treatment. Another 45-minute drive home.
I watched this pattern repeat dozens of times in my previous practice. Patients wasted entire days for conversations that could happen anywhere.
The breaking point came when I realized something simple. We were making people travel for information, not treatment.
Why should a 70-year-old from Kingsland burn a vacation day just to hear “yes, you need implants“?
The Brunswick Challenge: Geography Meets Patient Needs
Brunswick sits at the heart of the Golden Isles region. We serve patients from St. Simons Island, Darien, Midway, Kingsland, Waycross, and Jesup.
Here’s the reality: most dental implant candidates are over 55. They value their time. They don’t enjoy unnecessary trips.
Consider the distances:
- Waycross to Brunswick: 35 miles
- Kingsland to Brunswick: 40 miles
- Jesup to Brunswick: 45 miles
Each consultation trip means two hours of driving. Time off work. Gas money. Parking fees.
Other practices don’t think about the patient journey. They focus on filling appointment slots.
I saw an opportunity to do better.
Following in My Father’s Footsteps
I’m a native of Glynn County. Born and raised on St. Simons Island. This area is home.
My father dedicated his career to providing outstanding healthcare to our community. I chose to follow his path.
My dual training as both DMD and MD taught me something important. Good healthcare isn’t just about clinical skills. It’s about removing barriers between patients and the care they need.
During my years in practice before starting Innova, I watched healthcare delivery create frustration instead of healing.
Patients from Hinesville would lose vacation days for “planning meetings.” Families from Blackshear would make multiple trips before any actual treatment happened.
I knew there had to be a better way.
The Experience That Changed Everything
Before opening Innova Dental Implant Institute, I worked in a traditional practice. I saw the same problems every week.
A working professional from Hinesville takes time off work. Drives to Brunswick. Sits in a waiting room. Learns they need dental implants. Books another appointment. Drives home frustrated.
The next week, an elderly couple from Darien repeats the same journey. Same outcome. Same frustration.
I started asking myself: what if we could eliminate the wasted trips?
What if patients could have the important conversations from home? What if they only came to Brunswick when we were ready to actually help them?
When I decided to start my own practice, I knew I would do things differently.
Creating the Solution: Virtual Care Coordination Sessions
I call it a Virtual Care Coordination Session. Not a consultation. Not a sales call. Care coordination.
The name matters. We’re coordinating your care, not just talking about it.
Here’s how I designed it:
30 minutes exactly. Long enough for real conversation. Short enough to respect your time.
Google Meet or phone. Whatever works best for you. No complicated technology.
Comprehensive discussion. Everything we would cover in person, we cover virtually.
The goal is simple. When you do drive to Brunswick, you’re coming for treatment, not planning.
How VCCS Actually Works at Innova
Before your session:
- Complete paperwork online at your own pace
- We review your dental history and X-rays if available
- You prepare questions about dental implants or oral surgery
During your 30-minute VCCS:
- We discuss your specific needs and goals
- You learn about treatment options like All-on-X or single implants that may significantly impact your overall health.
- We provide detailed cost estimates and financing options
- You ask questions about procedures and recovery
- We schedule your treatment if you’re ready
- You understand exactly what to expect on treatment day
After your VCCS:
- You receive follow-up information by email
- You have time to discuss with family members
- You schedule actual treatment with confidence
No pressure. No rush. No wasted trips.
Why This Changes Everything for Golden Isles Patients
Think about your current experience with dental care. How many appointments before anything meaningful happens?
VCCS eliminates the runaround:
Time savings: No more “consultation trips” from Waycross, Douglas, or St. Marys. One trip for actual treatment.
Comfort factor: Discuss major health decisions at home. No clinical environment pressure.
Family involvement: Adult children can join from anywhere. Multiple family members can participate easily.
Cost savings: Less gas money. Fewer days off work. No parking fees for planning meetings.
Reduced anxiety: Make important health decisions in familiar surroundings.
Better questions: Patients ask more thoughtful questions at home than in clinical settings.
Our Hybrid Approach: Virtual First, In-Person When It Matters
Let me be clear about our process:
VCCS is our standard initial consultation. It’s not a replacement for treatment. It’s preparation for treatment.
We still recommend in-person visits when clinical examination is necessary before treatment planning.
Traditional face-to-face consultations remain available if you prefer them.
All treatment appointments happen in person at our Brunswick facility.
We offer follow-up care coordination virtually when appropriate.
You get the best of both worlds. Convenience when possible. Personal care when necessary.
“Very professional staff and Dr. Staff explained as I went through the process, questions were answered and most impressive was that Dr. Mattox called me himself to follow up with me. Very state of the art facility!”
The Future of Dental Care in the Golden Isles
VCCS represents a shift in thinking. Technology should serve patients, not complicate their lives.
I believe this model can benefit other communities facing similar geographic challenges.
My commitment remains the same as my father’s: provide outstanding healthcare to the greater Brunswick area and beyond.
Virtual care doesn’t replace personal relationships. It makes them more meaningful.
When you do visit our Brunswick office, we spend time on treatment, not paperwork and planning.
Schedule Your VCCS: Taking the First Step
Ready to experience dental implant consultation without the wasted trips?
VCCS is available for patients throughout the Golden Isles region and surrounding Georgia communities.
Three ways to schedule:
- Online scheduling for VCCS appointments
- Call our Brunswick office for phone consultation setup
- Request traditional in-person consultation if you prefer face-to-face meetings
You’ll receive confirmation within 24 hours, pre-session paperwork electronically, and clear instructions for your 30-minute session.
Our Virtual Care Coordination Sessions reflect our commitment to accessible, patient-centered care that respects your time and comfort.
Proudly serving: Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Darien, Midway, Kingsland, Waycross, Jesup, Hinesville, Blackshear, Douglas, St. Marys, and surrounding Georgia communities.
