All Fees Discussed Prior To Treatment Acceptance
As with all our Patients, Dr. Elder Personally Examines and Performs All Needed Treatment
Welcome! I am happy you are reading this and hope I can answer some of your questions. I sincerely hope you decide to become a member of our dental practice family.
After graduating from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry (San Francisco) I chose to return home to the South Bay. I decided against buying an existing dental practice but rather to start one from scratch. I think my first patient was my Mom. We have grown over the last 26 years but we always welcome new patients.
Let me tell you a little bit about my practice and philosophy. First of all, I think a doctor is a teacher. My job is to let you know what I know. I need to look at your teeth as if they were mine, or a close family member. What would I suggest knowing what I know if these were my wife’s teeth. I will never propose a course of treatment that I would not pursue if the same set of symptoms presented in her mouth. If you do have treatment that needs to be addressed I will present you with all of the available options. I will take the time to discuss each of these options as well as the various materials used for the restoration. We also need to consider the option of doing nothing at the present time. Sometimes that is a great option and the one that I would choose for myself. You will be made aware of all of the fees for each of the treatment plans presented prior to you treatment acceptance. Once you have all of this information you can then make an intelligent and informed decision. Your body, your teeth, you get the final vote.
Please be aware that I think your time is just as valuable as mine. Toward that end you will always be seen at your appointed time. I have fired my own doctors, if they make me wait to long. My patients have learned that there little need to bring a book. You just won’t be in the waiting room that long.
I am available to my patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if they are having a dental emergency. If you are having pain please call me, you don’t get any bonus points for suffering. You have the option, after hours of phoning the office and paging me or calling me directly on my cell phone. My cell number is listed on my business card as well as this web site. Remember you are a part of the family and I would do the same for them.
My staff welcomes your calls to inquire about your insurance coverage and will help you navigate the murky world of your benefits. As a courtesy they will bill your insurance carrier and provide any documentation needed. We accept most P.P.O. and, they are happy to discuss and help you with any of your insurance questions.
I hope this information has been helpful and look forward to your call to make an appointment.
Steve Elder, D.D.S.
