Welcome to Our Practice We understand that selecting a dental office can be difficult. In order that we may serve you better, we ask that you review this pamphlet. We feel that the more you know about us, our method of practice and policies, the more we can be of service to you. We think that you will find your experience with us to be pleasant and hope you will feel confident in recommending us to others. The majority of our new patients are by referral from our existing patients, and we greatly appreciate your confidence in us. Your First Visit Unless you have a specific dental problem that needs prompt attention, your first visit will entail filling out a complete medical and dental questionnaire and having an examination. The dentist will perform a thorough examination, oral cancer check, and detailed charting of your mouth. We will supplement this clinical data with any necessary dental radiographs. Usually this will conclude your first visit. If treatment is needed, the dentist will discuss his/her findings with you and the appropriate appointments will be scheduled. You will be presented with an ideal treatment plan, as well as any viable options to help you achieve optimum oral health. We will discuss all treatment options with you, so that you can make an informed, educated decision that is best for you, remembering that the final decision for all treatment is always yours. Estimates for treatment can be provided and submitted to your insurance company, at your request. An Ounce of Prevention Goes a Long Way We sincerely believe that one of our most important services is a plan for long term preventive dental care. We will determine on an individual basis the time interval between these preventive appointments, depending upon your susceptibility to cavities and gum disease. Emergency Care If you experience a dental emergency, please call the office and you will be seen as soon as possible. Our office is open fifty-two weeks of the year. For after hour emergencies, phone our office and you will be directed to the dentist on call who will provide emergency treatment. To Serve You Better When you schedule an appointment we reserve space, equipment, staff and doctor time to provide you with the very best care. It is important for us to schedule accurately to avoid schedule changes and to see you at your scheduled time. We ask all our patients to honour their appointment times. For your hygiene visits that are booked well in advance, our front desk administrator will contact you one to two weeks prior to ensure this appointment time is still convenient. If it is necessary to reschedule an appointment, we ask for 2 business days notice. For Your Safety Many patients have concerns about the sterilization process in dental offices. We want to assure you that our procedures meet all current standards. The RCDSO recognizes “Standard Precaution” as the guideline (see: www. rcdso.org). Of course we also wear masks and a new pair of gloves with every patient. We use modern dental equipment and sterilization methods. Our dentists and staff continuously attend courses and seminars to maintain the most current standards of practice. Dental Insurance Many of our patients have dental benefits. You will receive an insurance claim form as treatment is rendered. Please keep in mind, however that the responsibility of payment rests with you the patient. In order to allow you to be reimbursed by your insurance company as quickly as possible, we will be happy to fill out the necessary forms. We can also send your dental claim to your insurance company electronically, if your insurer is part of the E.D.I. (electronic data interchange) system. This means that the dental claim is in the insurance office the same day that your services are rendered. Your payment will then be sent to you usually within one to five days. Our fees are based on the current Ontario Dental Association fee schedule. Unusual circumstances are recognized and special financial arrangements may be made. Please feel free to discuss payment with our front desk administrators. Unless previous arrangements have been made, payment is expected at each visit. You may pay by cheque, cash, Visa, MasterCard or debit card. On more extensive treatment, we will be happy to assist you in making a suitable financial arrangement. Historical Site Our unique location is the site of the Old Town Fire Hall in beautiful downtown Oakville. The Fire Hall was built in 1912, and then renovated in 1985 into our modern dental facility of about 3500 square feet. Our open concept clinical areas are intended to give a feeling of brightness, airiness and easy movement. In this exceptional setting, we will provide you with gentle, quality dental care using up to date techniques.