Dr. George Schuetz, Prosthodontist

Woodstock resident Dr. George Schuetz is a man in a rare position. As a prosthodontist for over 35 years, he is one of an elite group of dental specialists that number fewer than 400 throughout the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In Vermont, the figure is even more striking: Schuetz is one of only two prosthodontists in the state, and with his practice in Wilder, is the only one in the Upper Valley. Schuetz said, “One of the drawbacks to being in a highly specialized field is that I know there are many more people I can help out there, but they just don't know about prosthodontic care.”

Despite the misconception that a prosthodontist's work is primarily about establishing an attractive smile, Schuetz says that the true focus is overall health, “To a great extent, if your mouth is unhealthy, then you’re going to have trouble keeping the rest of your body healthy,” he said.

The Vermont Department of Health in its Oral Health Plan states, “Poor oral health may contribute to a deterioration of overall general health, and can complicate many common chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

To Schuetz’s patients, the difference that prosthodontic care has made to them is much more than merely issues presented in government reports. “The difference he made in my life is practical as well as cosmetic,” said patient Beth Almond of Ludlow.

Another issue of quality is the difference between dentures and implants. “I often tell my patients, and anyone else concerned about the health of their jaw and mouth as a whole, that dentures are the poorest substitutes for teeth,” he said. The problem with dentures, Schuetz says, is that they lead to bone loss in the jaw. This, in turn, will eventually lead to the dentures fitting poorly, a loss of natural chewing function, and changes in the shape of the face. Implants, on the other hand, won’t cause bone loss and provide for more natural chewing and speaking function.

Vermont overall has a high rate of dental care utilization, which is a positive trend for the state's future; as the population continues to age, and as an increasing number of Vermonters reach older ages with their natural teeth, there will be an increased need for restorative work. But despite the high utilization rate of dental care, the Vermont Oral Health Plan notes that several barriers keep people from getting the dental care they need. The issues are all too familiar to most of us: fear, cost, lack of insurance, having no teeth, and the perception of having no dental problems.

Schuetz says he is working to overcome as many of these issues as he can in order to make sure he reaches people who can benefit from his services. “With a recession cutting through everyone’s spending power, I'm making sure we're flexible about payment,” he said. “We’ve got payment plans that are interest free, and some that spread payments out up to 60 months.”

Schuetz says, “I have a standing offer to residents of nursing homes, senior centers and other long-term care facilities in the Upper Valley to provide them with a free initial visit, including x-rays, to get a clear idea of how we can help.”

Dr. Schuetz had a prosthodontics practice in Woodstock for years dating back to 1973. In 1988, Schuetz opened a second office in Wilder. He then consolidated both offices in 1993 at 144 Palmer Court on Route 5 South in Wilder. Dr. Schuetz's office can be reached at 888.379.90586.