General & Family Dentistry in Missoula, MT — Rick Hoaglin, DMD
Maintaining a healthy smile is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall health and wellbeing — and it begins with consistent, high-quality general and family dental care. At the dental office of Dr. Rick Hoaglin in Missoula, Montana, we provide comprehensive general and family dentistry services for patients of all ages, from young children experiencing their first dental visit to adults and seniors managing the evolving dental health needs that come with each stage of life. Our goal is to be the dental home that your entire family can rely on — year after year, for the long term.
Dr. Rick Hoaglin has been practicing general dentistry in Missoula since 2001. His Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship Award — earned by fewer than 5% of all general dentists in the United States — reflects the exceptional depth of clinical knowledge and continuing education he brings to every patient appointment. Our team has been together for 15 years or more, providing the consistency and familiarity that make every visit feel comfortable and familiar. We welcome new patients and new families, and we look forward to building the kind of lasting relationship that makes a real difference in your family's dental health.
Schedule Your Family's Appointments — Call (406) 728-0200 | rickhoaglin.com
Preventive Dental Care — The Foundation of a Healthy Smile
Prevention is always preferable to treatment — and consistent preventive care is the single most effective strategy for protecting your family's dental health over the long term. At Rick Hoaglin, DMD, our preventive care services form the foundation of every patient relationship, helping patients of all ages maintain healthy teeth and gums while catching any developing issues early — when they are simplest and least expensive to address.
Routine Cleanings & Examinations
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot fully eliminate — particularly from between teeth, below the gumline, and in the harder-to-reach areas of the mouth. During your cleaning, our skilled hygienists — Bruce and Katie, both committed to delivering thorough, comfortable cleanings — will remove buildup, polish your teeth, and educate you on any areas that may need extra attention at home.
Following your cleaning, Dr. Hoaglin conducts a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums, reviewing your digital X-rays, checking for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other concerns, and discussing any recommended treatments. Most patients benefit from cleanings and examinations every six months, though Dr. Hoaglin may recommend a different schedule based on your individual oral health needs.
Digital X-Rays
We use digital X-rays at our Missoula office — a technology that provides clearer, more detailed diagnostic images than traditional film X-rays while exposing patients to significantly less radiation. Digital X-rays are taken quickly and comfortably, and Dr. Hoaglin reviews them with you directly, explaining what he sees and answering any questions you have. They allow us to detect problems that are not visible during a clinical examination — including decay between teeth, bone changes, and issues below the gumline — ensuring nothing important is missed.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. We offer professional fluoride treatments for children and adults at elevated cavity risk, applied quickly and comfortably at the end of a cleaning appointment. Fluoride treatments are particularly beneficial for children whose teeth are still developing, patients with a history of frequent cavities, and anyone experiencing dry mouth from medications or other conditions.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the molars and premolars — where the majority of childhood cavities develop. The pits and grooves of these teeth are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, making them vulnerable to decay. Sealants create a smooth, easy-to-clean barrier that significantly reduces the risk of cavities in these areas. We recommend sealants for children as their permanent molars come in, and they can also benefit some adults.
General Dental Treatments for the Whole Family
When dental problems do develop — despite the best preventive care — Dr. Hoaglin provides a full range of general dental treatments to restore your teeth to health and full function:
Tooth-Colored Fillings
When a tooth develops a cavity, prompt treatment with a filling prevents the decay from progressing and protects the tooth's structure and function. At Rick Hoaglin, DMD, we use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend naturally with your existing teeth, providing a durable restoration that is virtually invisible in the smile. Composite fillings also bond directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth material than traditional amalgam fillings.
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common dental conditions — and one of the most important to address promptly. Early gum disease (gingivitis) is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, and is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) involves loss of the bone and tissue supporting the teeth and requires more intensive treatment. Our hygienists and Dr. Hoaglin monitor your gum health at every visit and provide scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) when indicated, along with personalized guidance on home care to support your periodontal health.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is most successfully treated when detected early — and a visual oral cancer screening is a standard component of every comprehensive examination at our Missoula office. Dr. Hoaglin examines the soft tissues of your mouth, throat, and neck for any unusual changes, lesions, or abnormalities that may warrant further evaluation. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, making regular examinations an important part of your overall health care.
Family Dentistry for Every Age
One of the practical advantages of having a trusted family dentist is that patients at every stage of life — from young children having their first dental experiences to grandparents managing complex dental needs — can be seen by the same caring, experienced team. At Rick Hoaglin, DMD, we genuinely enjoy caring for patients across the full spectrum of ages and we tailor our approach to the specific needs and comfort level of each individual.
Children
Early dental experiences shape attitudes toward dental care for a lifetime. We work hard to make every child's visit to our Missoula office a positive one — taking time to explain what we are doing in age-appropriate terms, moving at a pace the child is comfortable with, and celebrating their cooperation and bravery. We recommend that children have their first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits allow us to monitor development, apply preventive treatments, and educate parents on how to support their child's dental health at home.
Teens
Adolescence brings specific dental health considerations — including the eruption of wisdom teeth, the heightened cavity risk that can accompany a diet higher in sugary foods and drinks, and for many teens, the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Dr. Hoaglin monitors these developments at every routine visit and provides guidance and treatment to support healthy dental development through the teen years.
Adults
For adult patients, our focus expands to include the full range of restorative and cosmetic treatments that address the dental health challenges that accumulate over time — worn enamel, gum recession, fillings that need replacement, and the cosmetic changes that affect confidence and self-image. We also help adult patients who have developed dental anxiety through negative past experiences find a comfortable, trustworthy dental home where they feel genuinely cared for.
Seniors
Older adults face a distinct set of dental health challenges — including dry mouth from medications, accelerated gum recession, root cavities, and the ongoing management of existing restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dr. Hoaglin and the team provide attentive, personalized care that addresses the full complexity of senior dental health needs with the patience and respect that every patient deserves.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We understand that visiting a new dentist can feel uncertain — and we work hard to make your first visit to our Missoula office as welcoming and comfortable as possible. During your first appointment, we will take digital X-rays of your teeth and conduct a complete, comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. Dr. Hoaglin will review your X-rays with you, identify and discuss any concerns, and make recommendations for any treatments that may be appropriate.
Your first visit typically takes approximately one hour. We make sure all of your questions and concerns are fully addressed before you leave — no question is too small, and we want you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your care. Our front office team — Jo Ann and Malinda — will assist you with any insurance questions and help schedule any follow-up appointments you need.
General & Family Dentistry FAQs
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Early visits allow Dr. Hoaglin to monitor your child's dental development, apply preventive treatments such as fluoride, and establish a positive relationship with dental care from a young age. Early experiences with the dentist set the tone for a lifetime of dental health habits.
How often do I really need a dental cleaning and checkup?
For most patients, a professional cleaning and comprehensive examination every six months is the standard recommendation — and it is a schedule that provides significant preventive benefit. Regular professional cleanings remove tartar that cannot be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone, and regular examinations allow Dr. Hoaglin to catch developing issues early, when they are most easily and affordably treated. Some patients — particularly those with a history of gum disease, a higher cavity risk, or certain medical conditions — may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Hoaglin will recommend the visit frequency that is appropriate for your individual oral health needs.
What should I do if I have dental anxiety?
You are not alone — dental anxiety is extremely common, and it should never prevent you from getting the care your teeth and gums need. At Rick Hoaglin, DMD, we create an environment that is as comfortable and low-pressure as possible. We encourage patients to communicate openly about their anxiety, their concerns, and any past negative experiences. Dr. Hoaglin and the team take the time to explain what we are doing at every step, work at a pace you are comfortable with, and provide gentle care that prioritizes your comfort. If you have significant dental anxiety, please mention it when you call to schedule — we will make sure your visit is planned with your comfort in mind.
Schedule Your Appointment — Call (406) 728-0200 | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm | rickhoaglin.com