Four Levels of Care

We understand that choosing a new dentist can be difficult. To help in this process, this section will assist you in understanding how our society and people in general, approaches healthcare. This may help you better determine which model of healthcare you are most comfortable with.

A final thought first. This true story was shared by a dental colleague. It is humorous – but it preaches a sermon about our values!

“A patient asked me if I would give his father, who lived in a nursing home, a cleaning. Of course, I said sure. On the day of the appointment this patient wheels his father into my office in a wheelchair. The father is wearing his pajamas, slippers, and a bathrobe. "He didn't feel like getting dressed" says the son. "No problem" I reply. The hygienist gives him the cleaning and reports to me that home care is completely non-existent. I take the son aside and explain to him that he needs to follow-up with the nursing home regarding his father's oral health. Thinking he would help me, the son goes into the hygiene room and yells "Dad, you better start brushing your teeth and taking better care of them or else the dentist is going to have to pull out all of your teeth and give you dentures... and they cost $25,000 each!!!" The father looks up at both of us and says "That's O.K., I've got the money!"

A beginning philosophy for health

We believe that most people want teeth that look good, feel good, and will last a long time. Knowledgeable dentists using modern dental materials and current science & technology can make this happen for people who want it and haven't already allowed irreversible damage to occur.

In our office the traditional health model of "disease medicine" is replaced with the "wellness model" concept. Our focus is upon desired outcomes and upon how well and healthy we can become. Therefore, we will start our relationship by asking lots of questions to learn what is important to you. Instead of telling you how healthy you ought to be, or telling you what you "need," we will help you understand your choices and then "give space" for you to make a free and informed choice to seek health (or disease) as dictated by your values. Our focus is on how healthy you want to be 20 or 30 years from now, and what you will be glad you did then, looking back.

There are four levels or categories of health care:

Level 1 - Urgent Care:
This is for people who live in crisis or who have an emergency problem such as pain and swelling which drives them to seek care. Often these people have serious or immediate financial limitations, which limit their ability to seek treatment. Our only goal in this level is to relieve suffering and then transition into a higher level of care for long-term therapy if possible.

Level 2 - Remedial Care:
People who choose this level of care desire treatment only when something breaks or hurts. People at this level prefer short-term abbreviated care. They usually want to correct immediate problems with as little effort and cost as possible. Treatment may be temporary, and usually is not a long-term solution. Folks at this level are not yet ready for long-term planning or comprehensive treatment. Controlling the forces of nature, on-going wear and tear, and bacterial action are not of primary importance. These people have a motto something like "If it doesn't hurt or if it isn't broke, why worry?" They may be counting on fate and luck to see them through, at least for the present. Again, the goal is to stabilize more urgent problems and then transition to higher quality and more thoughtful care.

Level 3 - Intermediate Care:
People who choose this level of care are not ready to pursue "Complete Dental Care," as outlined below. Dental solutions chosen allow them to do piecemeal or phased dentistry beginning with higher priority concerns related to comfort or esthetics. People in this category may not see the need to deal with their dental conditions in a comprehensive manner, or feel limited in their choices due to health, family/social, or economic factors. Disproportionate emphasis is given to immediate economic factors and fears, which seem to largely determine the course of treatment.

Level 4 - Complete Dental Care:
People at this level use a comprehensive evaluation to plan long-term goals and objectives for their oral health. Wellness and longevity are primary goals. Developing and maintaining an attractive smile may parallel these objectives. These people want to understand and control the causative agents of dental disease. They choose to have their teeth cleaned two to four times per year, with at least annual exams by the dentist. These people practice highly effective levels of oral hygiene home care and seek coaching and feedback to constantly improve upon their results. These people are ready to begin treatment right away and they want to maintain their own bacteria at healthy levels.

Now, about the biggest objection to pursuing dental wellness...

The Issue of Money
Because in the first place dental health is optional (you don't after all, have to have teeth to stay alive or enjoy your grandchildren), many people allow economic concerns to paralyze themselves into inaction. Often they justify their poor health and lack of motivation on not being able to afford it. However, in the end we know that we all spend money on those things that are important to us - we buy those things that we value. It is unfortunate when people find themselves choosing between vacations, stereos, Christmas purchases, boats - and dental health. Life is always about choices! And what we choose to spend our discretionary income on is truly a reflection upon our value system and what we find important in life. Where purchasing healthcare truly takes bread off the table after all one can do, there are usually avenues that can be pursued if only one is courageous enough to ask the right questions.

You can rest assured that we will do our best to help you receive the best value for your investment in your health. Investing in quality dental care is actually the least expensive strategy since it doesn't have to be retreated, and will last a long time. In addition, there is the peace of mind that comes through receiving good care.

We believe that the decision to pursue dental treatment is usually more about time than money. Much can be accomplished if there is a disciplined and thoughtful strategic plan. An honest and frank discussion of these issues with the dentist is often necessary and important to reach understanding, or these issues will forever stand in the way as a barrier to receiving desired care.

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