Just like a lot of people, I have previously intensely disliked visiting the dentist. I live out of state and Dr. Ratliff is my family’s dentist. I visit the area once or twice a year and when visiting many years ago I was due for a cleaning and decided to get a cleaning from Dr. Ratliff. Now, many years and visits later, I can’t say enough good things about the practice and his staff. Firstly, the staff is ridiculously warm and friendly and the attention is personalized with the individual when it’s needed. Secondly, as a patient what I really like is that the facility utilizes current state of the art cleaning tools using compressed air and baking soda like cleaners rather than the usual metal hooks we’ve all experienced and loathe. The cleaning is especially thorough, and is the GENTLEST cleanings I have ever had in my life. I can’t stress enough how gentle the staff is when cleaning my teeth. Seriously, no pain. Thirdly, Dr. Ratliff examines every aspect of your mouth’s health. Discussing at length any issues you have and any possible areas of current and future concern. I’ve visited other dentists(because I’m out of state) who have seen the same thing that Dr. Ratliff has seen as «let’s wait and see if/how it progresses» and all the other dentists want to do work where it’s not currently necessary. As a patient I absolutely love Dr. Ratliff’s «wait and see» approach to dentistry. In summary let’s face it, nobody likes to visit the dentist. But because we all have to do it, I find it an absolute pleasure to have my dental work done at Dr. Ratliff’s office.