A Different "First Experience"
Our Office
When you come to us for the first time, we'd like it to be a special and enjoyable experience (as much as a visit to a dental office can be enjoyable!).
You can feel the difference even before you step inside. Our building has a southwestern feel and is enriched with plants and a bubbling fountain as you enter the small entry courtyard.
Across the threshold into our reception area (we don't ever want it to be a "waiting" room!) you'll experience to feel of entering a home in Santa Fe. Bright with light but warm with earth tone colors, the reception area is roomy and welcoming. With a kava fireplace aglow in cooler months and comfortable leather chairs, you can enjoy the brief time before your appointment and those who join you can watch entertainment videos on the large plasma TV and perhaps have some tea or a cool drink at the beverage center nestled in an alcove.
There is also access from the reception area to a lovely large patio where friends or relatives can sit and enjoy the Sonoma County sunshine or in the shade of the arbor.
The open reception counter is the first hint of being in a professional office. A receptionist will welcome you and ask you to complete all health and insurance information forms that will allow us to begin your periodontal treatment. We will ask you to fill out several forms that will get you acquainted with our office.
A registered dental assistant (RDA) will then bring through into the treatment area and into the treatment suite. The initial comprehensive exam of your teeth and gums generally lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. We'll get to know you a little better by chatting a bit and explaining about your visit. We'll then review your medical history, take your blood pressure, gently take a range of measurements around your teeth and gums, and take digital pictures (photographs not x-rays) of your teeth that we use to communicate with your dentist, help us plan treatment, allow us to identify improvement throughout treatment and serve as teaching aids when we instruct other dentists and students. We will prepare a letter that we'll send to your dentist so he or she stays well informed of our findings and any anticipated treatment. After the initial exam, we will be able to diagnosis your current periodontal condition and suggest the treatment options for you. Together, we can decide on the treatment that best suits your needs and wishes. Please be sure to let us know how well our suggestions and care match your expectations!
Once the examination is complete and a treatment plan is suggested, you'll be guided to the front desk where any administrative needs are met and appointment made. You may discuss finance options and even have the plan submitted to your insurance company for preauthorization (should you have insurance). When you leave the office you should know what we found and any treatment we've suggested along with any fees associated with the treatment.
We expect that you will feel well cared for right from the start. Of course we want to hear of any special concerns you have as well as any service we can provide to make the experience better.