Convenient Access from Rice Military
Three minutes up Shepherd Dr: that is the usual trip from Rice Military to SMYL Dentistry. Our Houston practice sits just north of I-10, so a dentist near Rice Military is closer than most errands in the neighborhood. We see patients for checkups, chipped teeth, fillings and root canals, and we make room for dental emergencies whenever we can.
From Nellie Keyes Park at 801 Lester St, the drive is 1.3 miles and takes about 3 minutes. Head north on Lester St to Washington Ave, turn east, then turn left onto Shepherd Dr and ride it north over I-10. A right on W 6th St brings you to 600 N Shepherd Dr Ste. 164, Houston, TX 77007, on the east side of Shepherd. The Shepherd crossings at Washington Ave and I-10 are the slow spots at rush hour, so build in a few extra minutes then.
Rice Military's eastern boundary is Shepherd Dr itself, which makes the route about as direct as a drive can be. Neighbors on the rest of the corridor along Washington Avenue and just across the freeway in Cottage Grove are just as close.
Why Rice Military Neighbors Choose a Practice Up the Street
Rice Military carries two names in one. It honors Camp Logan, a World War I Army training camp whose grounds later became Memorial Park, and the Rice family, who owned the land; William Marsh Rice founded Rice University. The neighborhood is bounded by Washington Ave to the north, Buffalo Bayou to the south, Shepherd Dr to the east and Westcott St to the west.
The houses tell the story of its change. Small bungalows and shotgun houses came first, artists arrived in the 1990s, and by 2003 young professionals were moving in. Today two- and three-story townhouses and condominiums stand beside the remaining older homes. A block of eight early houses on and around Blossom St became the Brunner-Harmonium Historic District in 2022.
People who live here tend to be on the move, with Memorial Park's trails just to the west and the bayou to the south. That pace calls for a dental office that answers the phone, explains things plainly and fits around a schedule. The 7:00 AM start on Tuesdays and Thursdays is there for exactly that kind of week.
Dental Know-How for an Active Rice Military Lifestyle
Runners, cyclists and pickup-game players know a chipped or cracked tooth can happen without warning. When one does, call us right away; we offer same-day appointments for emergencies whenever possible. A short drive matters in those moments, and from Rice Military the office is only a few blocks past the freeway.
Not every problem is sudden. Small cavities grow quietly, and an untreated one can eventually reach the nerve and call for a root canal. Regular exams with digital x-rays help our dentists catch decay while a simple tooth-colored filling will still fix it.
Laser dentistry gives the team another tool for certain procedures. Ceiling-mounted TVs let you watch a Netflix show during treatment, and nitrous oxide helps if you feel tense in the chair. Every plan comes without upselling: our dentists explain the options, and you decide.
Families with children in the neighborhood are zoned to Houston ISD's Memorial Elementary, Hogg Middle and Lamar High. Rice Military lies in Harris County, close to River Oaks and Crestwood, and the folk-art Beer Can House, covered in flattened beer cans, stands on one of its streets. The City keeps a list of local parks, including Nellie Keyes Park, on its Houston Parks and Recreation park sites page.
Services from a Dentist Near Rice Military
Emergency Treatment
Toothaches, broken teeth and lost crowns get priority. We aim to see emergencies the same day whenever possible, and the drive from Lester St takes about 3 minutes.
Restorative Dentistry
Damaged teeth can be rebuilt with crowns, bridges and composite fillings that blend with your natural enamel. Our dentists start with the most conservative repair that will hold up.
Root Canal Treatment
When decay or a crack reaches the nerve, a root canal can save the tooth instead of removing it. Sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious about the procedure.
Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers are part of the technology our dentists use. During your exam, the team will tell you whether a laser suits your treatment.
Preventative Dentistry
Cleanings and exams twice a year keep busy schedules from turning into big repairs. Early starts on Tuesdays and Thursdays make them easy to fit in.
Meet Your Houston Dental Team
Dr. Mac, the practice's Cosmetic & Implant Dentist, grew up in Houston and earned his dental degree at the University of Texas. Fitness is a big part of his life outside the office. Dr. Christina Vu, DMD, rounds out the doctor team, and office manager Nathalie, who assisted Dr. Mac for three years before co-founding the practice, runs the office.
Insurance, SMYL Club & Financing
Our team works with a multitude of insurance providers and files your claims for you. You see a cost breakdown before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises. Paying out of pocket? The SMYL Club membership, all major credit cards, cash, checks and Cherry financing are all options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is SMYL Dentistry from Rice Military, and how do I get there?
The office is 1.3 miles from Nellie Keyes Park, about a 3-minute drive. Take Lester St north, Washington Ave east and Shepherd Dr north across I-10, then turn right on W 6th St. Shepherd Dr is the neighborhood's own eastern edge, so a dentist near Rice Military could hardly be more direct to reach.
Can you see me quickly for a dental emergency?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies whenever possible. Call as soon as a tooth breaks, a crown comes off or pain starts, and the front desk will find the earliest opening. Rice Military patients are only about 3 minutes away, so you can usually be on your way as soon as a time is confirmed.
Do you offer laser dentistry?
Yes. Laser dentistry is part of the technology at SMYL Dentistry, and our dentists use it for certain procedures when it suits the treatment. It is one of several tools the practice has invested in. During your exam they will explain whether a laser is a good fit for your situation and what the visit will involve.
Will I know the cost before treatment starts?
Yes. Before any treatment, we give you a cost breakdown that shows what your insurance is expected to cover and what you will owe. We work with a multitude of insurance providers and file the claims ourselves. If the balance is large, Cherry financing can divide it into payments, and nothing proceeds until you approve the plan.
What is included in the $79 new-patient special?
The $79 offer covers a cleaning, an exam and x-rays for new patients. It is meant for people without dental insurance who do not have periodontal, or gum, disease. If your exam shows gum disease, our dentists will explain the treatment you need and its cost before any further care, so you can decide how to proceed.
Schedule Your Visit from Rice Military
Your dentist near Rice Military is a 3-minute drive up Shepherd Dr. Call 281-823-7943 to book, or choose a time with the Book Now button on our site. Find the rest of the neighborhoods we serve on our Areas We Serve page, and learn more about the practice on the Dentist Houston, TX homepage.