Dr. William Dent, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Pulmonary care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Panama City, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex lung conditions like COPD, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and sleep apnea common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Prospective patients should call (850) 763-8680 to confirm if Dr. Dent is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. William Dent, MD is a pulmonologist in Panama City, FL and has 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 by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with medical facilities Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. Dr. Dent's approach to care prioritizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. William Dent provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. William Dent is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. William Dent is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive pulmonary care with a focus on understanding each patient's unique needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide expert diagnosis and management of lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea, always prioritizing the patient's comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. William Dent can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. William Dent provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, making it harder to breathe, but with proper rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, many individuals find relief and can quickly return to their normal activities.
- Asthma: Living with asthma doesn't mean life has to be limited. Medications and lifestyle adjustments can help seniors control symptoms and stay independent.
- Bronchitis: Managing bronchitis often involves rest, plenty of fluids, and sometimes medication to ease coughing and clear congestion, helping you breathe easier and feel better.
- Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic lung diseases can sometimes lead to heart problems called chronic pulmonary heart diseases. Fortunately, a doctor can create a care plan that includes medications and other therapies to alleviate symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD affects your ability to breathe easily, but with proper medical care, including medications and oxygen therapy if needed, you can breathe easier and enjoy a fulfilling life.
- Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia means your blood isn't getting enough oxygen, which can leave you feeling short of breath and tired, but with proper treatment, like oxygen therapy, you can breathe easier and enjoy more energy.
- Lung Nodule: Lung nodules are small, round spots found in the lungs and may be benign (harmless) or cancerous; your healthcare team will help you understand what your nodule means and how it should be managed.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: With proper treatment for pulmonary hypertension, many seniors can maintain a better quality of life, reducing shortness of breath and fatigue and enabling them to enjoy their favorite things.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often leading to daytime sleepiness and impacting overall health and well-being.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can impact the lungs and other organs, but with the right medical care and a consistent treatment plan, many people make a full recovery and maintain their independence.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. William Dent offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supportive therapy that helps seniors with respiratory issues learn how to better manage their symptoms and improve their daily activities.
- Respiratory Management: Through careful assessment and monitoring, respiratory management helps seniors avoid serious complications from lung diseases like pneumonia.
- Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the chest to remove excess fluid from around the lungs, helping seniors breathe easier and diagnose the cause of the fluid buildup.
- Interventional Bronchoscopy and/or Esophagoscopy: This procedure helps diagnose and treat lung or esophageal conditions such as lung cancer or narrowing of the airways. It offers a less invasive way to address certain respiratory or swallowing problems in seniors.
- Spirometry: As part of a routine checkup, spirometry helps identify early signs of lung problems, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve your quality of life.
- Airway Stenting: Airway stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that can help seniors manage symptoms of certain lung diseases, improving their quality of life.
- Breathing Treatment: A breathing treatment can help diagnose the severity of a respiratory illness, guiding healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan for seniors.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
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 older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After a consultation with a pulmonologist, a senior citizen found relief from their acute bronchitis symptoms, enabling them to resume their beloved hobby of playing the piano.
- A senior with asthma found relief from wheezing and shortness of breath, allowing her to enjoy her daily walks in the park again without discomfort. Her family felt a sense of peace knowing she could comfortably pursue her favorite activities.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary Disease)
Here are answers to some common questions about Pulmonary care with Dr. William Dent:
- What is a Pulmonologist?
- A pulmonologist is a doctor specializing in lung and respiratory health. They are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions like COPD and asthma, and help manage infections and sleep disorders to improve overall well-being.
- I have a cough that won't go away. When should I see a pulmonologist?
- If your cough lasts more than a few weeks, especially with shortness of breath, wheezing, or mucus, please contact Dr. Dent's office. He can perform tests to identify the cause, from asthma to more serious conditions, and develop a treatment plan.
- I'm a former smoker. Am I still at risk for lung problems?
- It's wonderful that you quit smoking; that was the best decision for your health. While the risk of lung problems decreases significantly after quitting, a history of smoking remains a factor in conditions like COPD and lung cancer. Regular check-ups and, if eligible, low-dose CT screening for lung cancer are important preventive steps.
- A spot was found on my chest X-ray. What does that mean?
- A spot or lung nodule on a chest X-ray is quite common, especially in older adults, and often not cancerous. Dr. Dent will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include follow-up scans or a biopsy if needed to determine the nature of the spot. Proactive evaluation is important to ensure appropriate management and peace of mind.
- What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?
- A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a non-invasive breathing test that measures how well your lungs are working. It involves breathing into a machine called a spirometer. This test is a key diagnostic tool to help Dr. Dent diagnose and monitor conditions like asthma and COPD.
- How is asthma different in older adults?
- Asthma can develop at any age and sometimes presents in older adults as simply shortness of breath, which may be overlooked. Managing asthma in older adults requires careful consideration of other health conditions and medications. Dr. Dent specializes in creating safe and effective asthma action plans for seniors.
- What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that includes exercise training, health education, and breathing techniques. It's a vital part of care for chronic lung diseases, helping improve breathing, increase stamina, and enhance overall quality of life.
- What is a bronchoscopy?
- A bronchoscopy is a procedure where Dr. Dent uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly into the airways of your lungs. It's used to investigate issues like a persistent cough or abnormal chest X-rays, and can also collect small tissue samples (biopsies). It's performed with sedation to ensure your comfort.
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 infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Pulmonology like Dr. William Dent are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.