What To Expect
Respect for Your Time
I recognize that your time is just as important as mine, and I strive to avoid delays whenever possible. Although it happens only rarely, if an emergency creates a delay in your appointment time, I will make every effort to notify you in advance and minimize your inconvenience. If you are unable to keep an appointment, I ask that you kindly notify us by phone 48 hours in advance.
Patient Coordinator
For as long as you are a patient, you will have one very special person looking after your needs. That special person is a carefully trained Patient Coordinator, whose main duty is to make your time with us as pleasant as possible in every way.
I encourage you to take advantage of this unique service. Please feel free to ask your Patient Coordinator to clarify any issue causing confusion or concern. The better you understand your dental needs, the better equipped you will be to respond to them.
The Initial Phone Call
Once you call to arrange for an initial periodontal, cosmetic, or implant examination, we will schedule an appointment at the office, with the doctor for a consultation. Following this initial phone call, a letter will be sent to your family dentist acknowledging the date of the scheduled examination. My Patient Coordinator will contact your family dentist so that we can gather additional information, such as specific dental experiences, time constraints, and treatment objectives, among other special concerns. This information is extremely helpful as we develop appropriate solutions for your unique problems.
We ask you to bring your dental insurance claim to your first appointment so that we can assist you in determining your periodontal or implant benefits.
We know all too well that emergencies do arise, and we are always eager to help you through emergency situations. All emergency patients are cared for the day that they call, and we perform whatever treatment is necessary to alleviate your discomfort during the emergency visit. When necessary, we may ask you to return for a periodontal evaluation at a later date.
The Initial Periodontal Examination
After you complete medical/dental history forms, I review them with you in detail. I also discuss your specific needs and concerns. These conversations give us guidance in developing your personalized treatment plan.
Unless otherwise indicated, the initial periodontal, cosmetic, or implant examination consists of an oral cancer screening evaluation and complete periodontal charting. A thorough and comfortable examination enables me to identify your problems and begin the development of realistic treatment objectives. Using a team approach, (you, me, and your family dentist) need and concern driven treatment options are formulated. If you do not have a recent complete radiographic survey, X-rays will be taken and duplicates sent to your general dentist for his or her records.
The Consultation
During the periodontal, cosmetic, or implant consultation, I will meet with you in a comfortable consultation room. I welcome family members or your family dentist to accompany you if you so choose. Because I recognize the importance of patient involvement in the decision making process, I use interactive computer video imaging to explain your problems and discuss treatment objectives. I then provide you with a written treatment plan. Please tell me if any issues require further discussion or clarification. My goal is to educate you about your periodontal situation and provide solutions with which you feel comfortable as you proceed toward optimal oral health.
Patient Protection
I am committed to providing every patient with a safe environment. Sterilization is one of my foremost priorities, and I adhere to standards of infection control set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each treatment room is equipped with the most current technology to ensure complete patient protection. All of the equipment is sterilized for you prior to each visit and is carefully and regularly monitored. Each of the instruments and hand pieces undergoes thorough chemical steam sterilization in state-of-the-art equipment that is tested weekly.
Conforming to the maximum standards of patient protection is just part of my dedication to serving you. I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and guide you through my sterilization area.