Eicher Melissa J DDS

Overview

Eicher Melissa J DDS is a dental practice located in Shillington, Pennsylvania, serving patients in Berks County and the surrounding communities of the Reading metropolitan area. The practice operates from a professional office suite at 122 West Lancaster Avenue, positioned along one of the main commercial corridors that runs through this small borough of approximately 5,000 residents.

As a general dental practice, the office provides oral health services to patients seeking routine care, preventive treatments, and dental procedures. The practice operates under the direction of Dr. Melissa J. Eicher, a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery who maintains the office as a primary care dental provider for the local community.

Location and Setting

Shillington is a compact residential borough situated immediately southwest of the city of Reading in southeastern Pennsylvania. The community developed primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a residential suburb connected to Reading's industrial economy. Today, Shillington maintains its character as a walkable, family-oriented community with a mix of historic homes and local businesses.

West Lancaster Avenue serves as one of the primary east-west routes through the borough, connecting Shillington to neighboring communities including Mohnton to the west and Reading to the east. The street features a mix of commercial establishments, professional offices, and residential properties. The dental practice occupies Suite 105 within a multi-tenant professional building, sharing the address with other service providers typical of suburban medical and professional complexes.

The location provides convenient access for residents of Shillington as well as patients traveling from nearby communities such as Wyomissing, West Reading, Sinking Spring, and other Berks County municipalities. The office is accessible via several major roadways including Route 724 and is within reasonable driving distance of Route 222 and the US-422 bypass that serves the greater Reading area.

Practice Information

The dental practice operates on an appointment-based scheduling system, with the office recommending that patients schedule visits in advance rather than arriving for walk-in services. This approach is standard among dental practices and allows for appropriate time allocation for various procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex treatments.

Patients can reach the office by telephone at 610-777-2600 to schedule appointments, inquire about services, or address questions about their dental care. The 610 area code covers Berks County and portions of surrounding southeastern Pennsylvania, reflecting the practice's regional service area.

Facility Accessibility

The dental office maintains accessibility features that accommodate patients with mobility limitations. The facility includes wheelchair accessible parking within the lot, allowing patients who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to park in designated spaces near the building entrance. The interior of the office includes a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that patients with disabilities can utilize facilities during their appointments.

These accessibility provisions reflect compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for healthcare facilities and demonstrate consideration for patients who may have difficulty navigating spaces without such accommodations. For elderly patients, those recovering from injuries or surgeries, or individuals with permanent mobility impairments, these features can be significant factors when selecting a dental provider.

General Dentistry Services

As a general dental practice, the office typically provides the range of services associated with primary dental care. While specific service offerings should be confirmed directly with the practice, general dentistry commonly encompasses several categories of treatment.

Preventive care forms the foundation of general dental practice and typically includes:

• Routine dental examinations and oral health assessments
• Professional teeth cleaning and scaling
• Dental X-rays and diagnostic imaging
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants for cavity prevention
• Oral cancer screenings
• Patient education on home care and hygiene practices

Restorative procedures address damage or decay that has already occurred and may include:

• Dental fillings for cavities
• Crown and bridge work
• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extractions
• Denture fittings and adjustments

Many general dental practices also offer cosmetic services such as teeth whitening, bonding, and veneer placement, though the availability of specific procedures varies by practice. Patients interested in particular treatments should contact the office directly to confirm what services are provided on-site versus those that may require referral to specialists.

The Role of General Dentistry

General dentists serve as the primary point of contact for most patients' oral health needs. Unlike dental specialists who focus on specific areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery, general dentists provide comprehensive care across multiple domains. They are trained to diagnose a wide range of oral conditions, perform common procedures, and coordinate care with specialists when more complex treatment is required.

The American Dental Association recommends that most patients visit a dentist at least once per year, with many dental professionals suggesting twice-yearly visits for optimal preventive care. Regular dental visits allow for early detection of problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers, when treatment is typically less invasive and more successful.

General dental practices like this one serve an important public health function by providing accessible oral healthcare to community members. Dental health is increasingly recognized as interconnected with overall physical health, with research linking oral conditions to cardiovascular disease, diabetes management, and other systemic health concerns.

Berks County Dental Care Context

Berks County, with a population of approximately 420,000 residents, supports a substantial dental care infrastructure. The county seat of Reading serves as the regional hub for healthcare services, including dental specialties and oral surgery practices. Smaller communities like Shillington provide neighborhood-level access to general dental care, reducing travel requirements for routine services.

The presence of dental practices in suburban and small-town settings like Shillington contributes to healthcare accessibility for residents who may face transportation challenges or prefer to receive care close to home. This is particularly relevant for families with children, elderly patients, and individuals managing chronic conditions that require regular dental monitoring.

Scheduling and Contact

Prospective patients seeking to establish care or schedule appointments can contact the practice during business hours at 610-777-2600. As with most dental offices, new patients should expect to complete health history forms and may need to provide information about dental insurance coverage if applicable.

The practice's recommendation for appointments rather than walk-in visits suggests a structured scheduling approach. Patients experiencing dental emergencies should contact the office by phone to discuss their situation and determine appropriate next steps, as emergency protocols vary among dental practices.