Dr. Michael Barnard, DDS

Dr. Michael Barnard, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 763-3358 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Barnard, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Fort Lauderdale, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Iowa / College of Dentistry in 1984, and with over 40 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his extensive continuing education, exceeding 1600 hours since graduation. Dr. Barnard has been practicing dentistry in Fort Lauderdale for 30 years, is a member of several prestigious dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, The Florida Dental Association, the Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, one of less than 300 dentists in the United States to achieve this distinction. Dr. Barnard is also a dedicated volunteer, providing free dental care in numerous communities overseas, including India, Brazil, Colombia, and various local churches and organizations. He offers consultations in Creole.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michael DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Michael DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Michael DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Broken Tooth: A broken tooth is a sign that preventive measures might need to be adjusted, perhaps strengthening your teeth with improved nutrition or reducing habits that put them at risk.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing many dental disorders, significantly reducing your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other complications.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a preventable infection that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth, and early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the gradual loss of minerals from your tooth enamel, increasing your susceptibility to cavities; maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can stop this process.
• Tooth Damage: Tooth damage, like cavities or cracks, can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, reducing the need for costly and extensive repairs later.
• Tooth Discoloration: Early intervention for tooth discoloration can help prevent the need for more extensive and costly treatments down the line, saving you both time and money.
• Toothache: Toothaches often signal underlying dental problems; addressing them early helps prevent complications and preserves your oral health, impacting overall well-being.
• Grinding of Teeth: If you clench or grind your teeth, you're at increased risk for gum disease and tooth loss; addressing this habit early can significantly improve your long-term oral health.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Tooth Attrition: Tooth attrition, or the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you maintain a healthy smile for life.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Michael DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Root Planing: Root planing helps prevent gum disease by targeting and removing infection, effectively reducing inflammation and preserving your natural teeth for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling is a simple yet effective way to detect and address early signs of periodontal disease, improving your overall health.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are a proactive way to repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile's long-term health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Protecting your oral health starts with proactive steps like simple tooth extractions, which eliminate problematic teeth and improve your long-term oral health.
• Dental Implant: Investing in a dental implant is a proactive step in preserving your facial structure and preventing the common issues related to missing teeth.
• Dental Bridge: Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge helps improve chewing function and prevents the remaining teeth from drifting out of alignment.
• Dental Inlays: As a preventive measure against larger dental problems, inlays help to reinforce weakened areas of your teeth and maintain oral health.
• Porcelain Veneers: Enhance your smile and protect your teeth from future decay with porcelain veneers, a proactive step in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing further damage.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Protect your gum health and overall well-being by scheduling a non-surgical gum treatment; it's a crucial step in early detection and management of gum disease.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple, effective way to address minor cosmetic flaws and protect your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile as part of your overall health routine.
• Denture Repair: Don't let broken dentures compromise your chewing and speaking abilities – repair ensures optimal oral function and overall quality of life.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Michael DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By addressing potential tooth-damaging habits and improving their diet, a family significantly reduced their risk of broken teeth, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.
• By attending regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient avoided the pain and complications of a tooth abscess, enjoying a healthy smile and a worry-free future.
• By diligently practicing excellent oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing dental disorders, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Michael DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Michael DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This crucial preventative step helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't eliminate, allows us to identify cavities early, and screens for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Michael DDS can help with snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. For some patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night can effectively keep the airway open, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We'll discuss your specific needs during your consultation.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Michael DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Michael DDS to see issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth, which aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Michael DDS. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

1209 W Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale FL 33312
Phone: (954) 763-3358

Dr. Michael Barnard, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1487752861

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Michael DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.