ELGIN -- Getting someone to a dentist can be as hard as hard as, well, pulling teeth.

But two enterprising Elgin dentists hope to minimize the pain and angst associated with a visit to a dental office by providing amenities such as flat-panel television in treatment rooms, Internet access, warming blankets, music via headphones, movies and video games.

Or you may opt to sip a complimentary latte as you view before-and-after photos.

Dr. Sean Hariri and his partner, Dr. Vu Kong, opened doors to High Point Family Dentistry about a week ago. Hariri says locating at High Point Plaza, 1350 E. Chicago St., Suite 4, enables them to draw clientele from the plaza who may like the idea of one-stop shopping. "They are able to enter a nice plaza where they are able to obtain their dry cleaning, perhaps pick up some groceries or rent a movie, and also see the dentist if they need to," Hariri said.

He described the atmosphere of the practice as relaxed and casual, unlike at many practices that, according to Hariri, "scare the patient" as they await their turn in a "mundane and boring room."

He says the goal is to provide a comfortable atmosphere for the patient while using some of the technology and advancements in dentistry that the two partners learned in dental school.

Hariri says he and Kong consider themselves general dentists who will be providing dental care for the entire family from children to grandparents.

Hariri says they also plan an educational outreach by speaking and holding discussions at area schools on the importance of oral health care.

"People are very uneducated as to how important it is to keep the entire oral cavity clean," Hariri said. "It's pretty much the gateway to the whole body."

He noted that many diseases can be diagnosed strictly by a dental examination. "And it's our prerogative and our deed to be able to convey the message of keeping the teeth clean so you can provide yourself with a lifelong ability to chew food and have a more enjoyable lifestyle."

More information is available by calling 847-760-6100 or visiting www.highpointsmiles.com.