In this issue, we help our clients address or return to questions of values and purpose in a concrete and practical way. We believe that these questions are so fundamental to the success of a practice (and a life, for that matter) that they must be addressed, and not superficially. One way of translating core ideology into practical application is to ask yourself two fundamental questions:
What principles will guide my behavior?
What promises will I make to my patients?
Although every dentist and team must answer these questions for themselves, it sometimes helps to hear the thoughts of others as an example of the depth and concreteness of the intention. In order to help our Australian clients with these questions, we shared Core Principles and Promises for our ideal practice. Today, we share them with you.
Core Principles and Promises
Thoroughness
We will make the time to examine, diagnose and plan treatment with you
and we will do it comprehensively
Pain-Free Dentistry
If we can’t do your dentistry comfortably, we won’t do it here. We will make alternative arrangements for your care.
Quality of Care
We recommend and perform dentistry for you as we would for ourselves and our families and we commit to doing it right the first time.
Cause-oriented Treatment
We will not treat any disease or condition until the cause has been determined, addressed and (hopefully) brought under control.
Informed and Empowered Patients
You can expect no surprises concerning treatment, fees or financial arrangements. You will always be in control of what happens to you.
We provide dentistry for people who are serious about their health. We encourage timely action because the longer treatment is postponed the more complex, expensive, uncomfortable and uncertain it becomes.
Expertise
You are the expert on yourself, particularly on the outcomes which are important to you and the prices you are willing to pay for those outcomes. We are the experts on clinical dentistry. We will not get this distinction confused.