We understand that choosing a new dentist and a dental health team can be a challenge, leaving you with some uncertain feelings. We are writing this to welcome you and to share more specifically our beliefs concerning the types of services we offer and why.
Some time ago we wrote a mission statement which clarifies the purpose of our practice.
Our mission is to provide an environment for optimal oral health. We are committed to creating health rather than reacting to the crippling effects of oral disease. All who serve here are dedicated to developing a relationship with you based on your values, needs and desires. We trust that through individualized dentistry, we will improve your life.
Your first decision in this regard is how you would like to begin your relationship with us. There are FOUR LEVELS in which people may choose to be treated in our practice.
LEVEL 1 – URGENT CARE
People in crisis or with an emergency or accident need immediate help. We see emergencies immediately, whenever possible. This is not the primary focus of our practice. We are happy to see emergencies, but do not maintain patients in a long-term emergency or crisis-only status.
LEVEL 2 – REMEDIAL CARE
Patients who choose this level of care desire treatment only when something breaks or becomes uncomfortable. They usually want to correct immediate problems with as little effort and cost as possible, contrary to the doctor’s recommended treatment.
LEVEL 3 – MAINTENANCE CARE
Patients who choose this level of care want to take an active part in the prevention of present and future disease problems, but choose repair solutions that are more short range in duration. Usually a 2-5 year repairative or corrective treatment, knowing full well that the dental treatment performed today will have to be repeated again in the near future.
This level of patient participates in dedicated preventive efforts to prevent problems in the future, but takes care of today’s needs in less than an optimum manner.
LEVEL 4 – OPTIMUM CARE
Patients at this level are similar to people described in Level 3, however, they choose to have a comprehensive examination and a MASTER PLAN to formulate a long-term treatment plan for health and repair. They wish to achieve a future based on choice not chance. Unlike the MAINTENANCE CARE PATIENT, these patients are ready to start treatment. These patients want all dental treatment provided to be completed in the most lasting fashion possible.
We hope this clarification makes sense to you. It is not uncommon for people to begin at one level and progress to a higher level over time. All Insurance Plans, Capitation Plans, HMN Plans, and Government plans focus on URGENT CARE (Crisis Care) and REMEDIAL CARE. Both of which, in our judgment, are not preventive or curative in nature. The INSURANCE SYSTEM and the people involved in the system provide little effort in preventing disease from occurring or, if it has occurred, in treating the problem in a long-term manner.
Patients With Insurance
We are pleased that you have a dental insurance policy. We will do what we can to help you maximize your insurance benefits on a yearly basis.
We ask that you understand that we neither work for insurance companies, nor do we wish to. Our relationship is with you. We work 100% for you. We want to help you maximize your benefits, but also, we do not want to be controlled by insurance companies nor the benefit packages they offer.
We believe that a cooperative effort between you and our office will result in a dental service that we are proud to render and you are pleased to receive. We want to meet your needs in a way that adds significant value to your life.
Please be comfortable in asking us any questions that come to mind. We want you to share your thoughts and ideas with us in an open, comfortable manner. You deserve to have the standard of dental care that is consistent with your value for health. When communication and concern for each other’s welfare is high, successful results are more likely to occur.
Our Specialized Services
Excellence in dentistry begins with a thorough evaluation and diagnosis and a MASTER PLAN. Every patient will receive a comprehensive examination of gums, teeth, bite, joints, muscles and soft tissues. This is a process of discovering your RISK ASSESSMENT of gum disease, tooth decay, TMJ or jaw joint, and tooth wear.
Each person has specific needs, and thus, we provide a high level of personalized dentistry. Our patient services are specifically tailored to an individualized, long-term plan created to improve your quality of life. This approach inspires us to continually educate our patients toward meeting their goals for their chosen level of health, comfort and beauty.