Office Policies
If you have any questions about our office policies, please call our office during business hours.
- Diagnosis Is Your Best Investment
- Office Hours
- Emergency Care
- Recall Visits
- Fees And Payments
- Insurance
- Financing
- Infection Control
Diagnosis Is Your Best Investment
Before dental disease can be treated, it must be recognized. We have to know exactly what conditions are present and what is happening in your mouth. Except in emergency cases, adult patients new to our practice are scheduled initially for a dental prophylaxis (tooth cleaning), oral examination, necessary x-rays, and other diagnostic procedures required to render a thorough diagnosis. The requirements for children vary according to age and condition. A complete medical and dental history will be necessary prior to treatment.
Based on the findings of the diagnostic procedures and an expression of your desires, we can counsel you in the treatment alternative which best meets your individual needs.
Office Hours
For your convenience, day, evening, and Saturday appointments are available. We try to see all patients on an appointment basis and request that you call in advance so that we can reserve time for you. The office telephone number is (412) 257-4250. We make every effort to honor all time commitments and request that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. We ask that you please give us 24 hours notice. This courtesy makes it possible to give your reserved time to another patient who desires to receive our professional care.
Emergency Care
We recognize that you can have an emergency situation arise and we will do our best to respond to your problem promptly. If you do have such a problem, please call us as early in the day as possible. If the problem arises when the office is closed, and you feel it requires immediate attention, you may call either doctor at home.
Recall Visits
We hope that you share in our belief that regular preventive dental health care is a sound investment. While the responsibility for returning for preventive care rests primarily with you, we will provide the service of sending a written reminder when it is time to return. Please telephone for an appointment when you receive the notice. At the time of your recall visit, please advise the receptionist of any change in the following items: (1) address, (2) telephone number, (3) health, (4) medication being taken, (5) marital status, (6) employment, (7) family members, and (8) insurance coverage.
Fees And Payments
We make every effort to keep down the cost of your dental care. You can help by paying at the time of your visit. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or check. If your treatment program requires several visits, you will be given an estimate and asked to discuss definite financial arrangements with a member of our business office staff. Please remember that insurance is considered a method of reimbursing you for fees you have paid to the doctor. It is not a substitute for payment.
Insurance
We participate in most United Concordia and Delta Dental plans and process all other insurance companies such as Aetna, Cigna, Met Life, Principal Insurance company as well as many others. Our goal is to get you the coverage that your plan provides.
Many of our patients have dental insurance. It is important to remember that your dental insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. Frequently, there is a balance not covered by insurance.
If you have any type of dental insurance, please bring a claim form with you at your initial visit with the "patient portion" of the form completed. To answer any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please bring your benefits booklet to the office. Our staff will be happy to review your coverage with you.
We follow a program which simplifies the preparation of insurance claim forms and thereby holds down the office costs which are unrelated to the delivery of good dental care. The form we give you at the end of each visit contains all the information needed from the dentist for your insurance company to process your claim. Predeterminations will be made for extensive treatments.
Most of our patients pay us in full the day that treatment is rendered. They are then reimbursed by their insurance carrier. If you prefer, we can give you a predetermination of all treatments you will require. After the insurance company has informed you of your benefits, you may assign the benefits to be paid directly to our office. You would then be responsible for paying the balance at each visit as the treatments are provided.
Financing
We offer CareCredit financing and accept Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. If you have any questions about our financing options, please call us at (412) 257-4250.
Infection Control
Sterilization has always been our highest priority. The health and well-being of our patients is our utmost concern. You can rest assured that we do everything possible to make your visits with us safe and comfortable.
Handpiece Sterilization
After each use all instruments and hand pieces are cleaned, bagged and pressure heat sterilized (autoclaved) to destroy disease causing organisms. Our autoclave is monitored regularly to ensure its effectiveness.
Disposable Items
Many of the items used in patient treatment are disposable. Saliva ejectors, gloves, vacuum tips and needles are discarded immediately after use.
Barrier Protection
We utilize "barrier techniques" as recommended by the ADA and CDC (Centers for Disease Control). We wear disposable gloves, face masks, and eye-wear to protect both clinician and patient from cross-contamination.
Surface Disinfection
Before and after every patient all surfaces are disinfected with an ADA (American Dental Association) approved disinfectant. All these precautions are taken in order to provide you professional services in a safe and clean environment. We want you to feel comfortable with every aspect of our office. If you have any questions, comments or would like to see our sterilization facilities please feel free to ask.