NEW PATIENT EXPERIENCE
 We are unconventional in the way we welcome new patients into our patient family. Our practice is a throw back to the days when the relationship between patient and doctor centered around genuine concern – when the doctor listened. We believe that only when our patients are heard can they be helped. Dentistry is not primarily about teeth – it’s about relationships. Many dentists miss this important point, because they fail to slow down and truly listen to the patient. We believe that people do not come to us wanting dentistry alone – they want what dentistry can do to improve the quality of their lives. Whether that be the elimination of pain, the restoration of an aged smile, or simply having the peace of mind that everything is healthy…we are focused on meeting our patients' needs in this way. Centering the relationship around trust and respect is where it all begins, and to develop trust takes time. This is how our New Patient Experience was brought about.
What To Expect
The process of creating a lasting and meaningful relationship with our patients begins with the first phone call. Specific information is gathered about your preferences and expectations in an effort to properly serve you. We ask for the standard information, but also for less tangible information such as past experiences and current problems that you'd like to address.
If time permits, you will receive a package in the mail prior to the first appointment containing registration and health history forms for you to complete and bring to your first visit. Click here to download the forms if that is more convenient.
First Visit
We have found this next step to be the most important and meaningful for our patients. Our Health Relationship Coordinator will sit with you and LISTEN. Almost everyone has a story to tell about his or her health history and past dental experiences. The more we know about you as a person, the more we can serve. You will then meet Dr. Taylor or Dr. Strickland to review and discuss any issues you feel are important. When the initial interview is complete, we move to the clinic where records are taken; these include x-rays, models of your teeth, intraoral and digital photographs where indicated.
Second Visit
This visit begins by reviewing the x-rays, models, and photos of your mouth with Dr. Taylor or Dr. Strickland and the Health Relationship Coordinator. Any conditions are noted and explained in detail. We strongly believe in educating our patients about dental disease prior to the actual examination so that they more fully understand the findings. This process is called co-diagnosis, meaning the patient is an active and informed participant in planning his or her own health care. The clinical exam includes examination of the teeth and gums, evaluation of the bite and TMJ, an oral cancer screening, and an esthetic evaluation where indicated. If treatment needs are not complex, we recommend solutions, and ask the patient if they are ready to proceed. If the treatment recommendations are more complex, we ask the patient to return for a consultation appointment (at no charge) with our Health Relationship Coordinator.
It was a pleasure being seen today by people who care so much about the livelihood of their patients. It is a difficult process to first find a great dental team, then to trust them with something so personal and so private. I feel the hardest part is behind me. Thank you on many different levels for making my experience today a feeling of a new beginning. I really feel great things are going to happen, and I know for certain I am in a great place.
~ Patty |
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