A Word about my dental philosophy…….. What is my dental philosophy, anyway? It’s what I believe, what I do, who I do it for, and how I do it. No easy task to spell it out in 150 words or less, but I’ll try.
As a dentist, I have come to believe when I replace or repair God-made teeth that have failed in our imperfect world I’d best provide nothing but my best, because it’s a distant second to Perfection. I also feel I should provide the best because, quite simply, you deserve it!
That being said, I get no satisfaction in pressuring people to make dental health care decisions for treatment. Two conditions MUST be satisfied: 1. A complete understanding of existing conditions and all options for treatment, and 2. A method of affording these options that are completely understood. I don’t want you to spend too much, but I’m just as concerned if you spend too little!
I, along with my dental team, call our practice a “health-centered” dental practice because it means you, the patient, have the locus of control over what goes on in your mouth. That means we’ll be a team, you and I, working together to provide a preferred dental future as defined by you, personally. Treatment will need to be “appropriate” for your particular and unique circumstances, temperament, and objectives. Quality is the constant; time is the variable. Health-centered also implies a high degree of personal accountability on your part for caring for your dental investment, and we love participating in your discovery of methods to prevent future dental breakdown.
We want our services to be comprehensive, individualized and personalized, addressing the uniqueness of each person who presents themselves for care.
What’s the process? Early in our relationship, as is comfortable for you, we like to engage in the process of what we call a comprehensive evaluation. During this appointment, both you and I will learn about the unique conditions present and active in the oral environment. The oral environment as we define it also includes the surrounding structures of bone, muscles and jaw joints which have a direct effect on conditions I observe in the mouth itself. Nobody likes surprises, least of all you as a patient, so we’ll seek to uncover both short-term and long-term concerns together. We also make it a point to celebrate those things that are right and healthy in your mouth!!
Services: The services on which I direct my energies have evolved over 40+ years in practice. We are mainly an adult (18 and over) restorative and preventive practice. One caveat: Since I see a lot of TMJ/TMD problems in my adult population, I get great satisfaction from rendering early orthodontic opinions to help you select an orthodontist for your children, of all ages, which will prevent head and neck problems and develop beautiful smiles and faces in the future! I don’t want to minimize the fact we do a lot of traditional “general dentistry” too. We recognize that there are many people who function at a level that only requires simply good, solid maintenance–type care.)
I focus my post-graduate learning in the following areas: Esthetic, cosmetic, and restorative (beyond just reparative) dentistry, TMJ/TMD issues, occlusion (how teeth fit and function) implants, snoring and sleep apnea, comprehensive complex restorative problems to include implants and periodontal issues (surrounding structures of the teeth) , minor orthodontics (Invisalign), preventive dentistry, general dentistry, nutrition and health.
Restorative dentistry vs. reparative has to do with longevity. Sometimes reparative is appropriate until disease is brought under control. Once disease processes are being managed, the future begins to look more certain for both doctor and patient alike. There is nothing that brings me more satisfaction than to see disease processes brought under control, in our patient’s mouths, through the joint effort of the patient and my entire dental team. I’m passionate about “Practicing on Purpose!”
Exceptional service can only come from exceptional people. I admire your commitment.
hey man I like it. I’m off to write more articles and put your ideas to the test. After all, we always have something new to learn and being humble, I came here to learn. Bookmarked.
- Andre
I just came upon this quote: “From a single drop of water, a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other. So all life is a great chain, the nature of which is known whenever we are shown a single link of it. Like all other arts, the Science of Deduction and Analysis is one which can only be acquired by long and patient study, nor is life long enough to allow any mortal to attain the highest possible perfection in it. ” –Sherlock Holmes, in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, A study in Scarlet
My sentiments exactly, having spent going on 47 years studying the links in the chain!! Thanks for your comment!!
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What a nice compliment–thanks!!
Lots more to come!! Check back again, and thanks!!
Took me time to read the whole article, the article is great but the comments bring more brainstorm ideas, thanks.
- Johnson
Thanks for taking the time to read the article! I’m learning that brevity is better!! Future posts will address that. It’s a busy world!!
good!it’ s very useful!thx!
Thanks! What would be useful to hear about from a dental consumer’s point of view??
Well, I think that clears up a couple of issues for me personally. How about anyone else?
Glad to hear it!! Any other topics areas of interest?? THR
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in the Feature also.
Thanks for your post. Anything else you would like to see in this blog? THR
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Thanks for your comment. Remember this A philosophy, not THE philosophy!! It made perfect sense to me the first time I heard my mentor speak about it. Glad it resonates with you, too! THR
Glad it was helpful–come back again!! THR
Excellent post, I will be checking back regularly to look for updates.
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Thanks
Thanks! What a compliment! THR
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Thanks for your heart-warming post! I hope you have been able to find someone with a set of values that resonate with yours!! THR
I have to say yours is the most heart-warming comment ever received on this blog. You made my day! Please refer your like-minded friends! Thank you!! THR
Bookmark us, and then do come back!! Thanks!! THR