Dr. William Dent, MD

Dr. William Dent, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at his clinic in Panama City, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to collaborating with patients to develop long-term health plans. Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Please call (850) 763-8680 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. William Dent, MD is a pulmonologist in Panama City, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Mississippi, Medical Center in 1980 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of Pulmonary conditions to his practice, collaborating with patients and their families to create a supportive and empowering environment. He is affiliated with Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. Dr. Dent provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. William Dent 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. William Dent 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. William Dent 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:

• Acute Bronchitis: Early detection of acute bronchitis symptoms allows for prompt treatment, reducing the duration and severity of illness, and minimizing the risk of long-term breathing problems.
• Asthma: Asthma's impact can be minimized by identifying and avoiding allergens or irritants that trigger your symptoms, ensuring you maintain better lung health.
• Bronchitis: While some cases of bronchitis are viral and unavoidable, good respiratory health practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding secondhand smoke, can still lessen the risk of acquiring the condition and its severity.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Protecting your heart and lungs from chronic diseases starts with understanding your risks and taking steps to reduce them – early diagnosis is key for better long-term outcomes.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Regular check-ups, especially if you're a smoker or have a family history of lung issues, can help detect COPD early, allowing for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia means your blood isn't getting enough oxygen, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage lung conditions early.
• Pleural Effusion: Pleural effusions, a collection of fluid around the lungs, often indicate an underlying problem; early diagnosis and treatment through preventative healthcare can help improve outcomes.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension can severely impact your breathing and overall health; therefore, proactive monitoring and treatment are essential for preventing life-threatening outcomes.
• Respiratory Failure: Respiratory failure means your lungs aren't getting enough oxygen into your blood, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like avoiding smoking and managing chronic lung conditions to prevent this serious complication.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can be effectively managed to prevent serious health problems like heart disease and stroke, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

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. William Dent offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management ensures you receive tailored treatment plans and guidance for managing and improving your breathing.
• Thoracentesis: To check for infections or cancer, a thoracentesis may be used to safely remove fluid from around your lungs, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Nebulizer Treatment: A nebulizer treatment delivers medication directly to your lungs, helping to proactively manage and prevent worsening of conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Polysomnography With CPAP Titration: Taking charge of your sleep health, a polysomnography with CPAP titration helps diagnose sleep apnea and find the ideal CPAP setting for uninterrupted breathing.
• Asthma Testing: Proactively manage your asthma with testing; it helps assess the severity of your condition and guide your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment to prevent exacerbations.
• Immunization: Staying up-to-date on immunizations is a proactive way to reduce your risk of respiratory illnesses and lung complications.
• Allergy Treatment: Proactive allergy management can significantly improve your breathing and overall quality of life by reducing allergic reactions.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. William Dent is dedicated to partnering with 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 recognizing early symptoms of acute bronchitis and promptly following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the duration and severity of their illness, avoiding potential long-term respiratory issues.
• By identifying and avoiding triggers, a patient proactively managed their asthma, enjoying a healthier and more active life. This proactive approach ensured better lung health and peace of mind.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. William Dent:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in conditions such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, and we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. William Dent to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. Dent can perform a thoracentesis to drain and test the fluid, helping determine the underlying cause, which could be anything from heart failure to infection.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. William Dent is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a series of breathing tests that measure lung function, similar to an EKG for your lungs. It helps Dr. Dent diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Many pulmonologists, like Dr. Dent, are also board-certified in Critical Care Medicine. They lead the ICU team in managing critically ill patients, specializing in life-support systems and treating complex conditions.

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, quitting smoking is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Dent can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and prescribing medications that can double or triple your chance of quitting successfully.

801 E 6th St Ste 201
Panama City FL 32401
Phone: (850) 763-8680

Dr. William Dent, MD 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): 1013941301

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. Pulmonology like Dr. William Dent 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.