|
Levels of Care
We understand that there are many factors which influence the level
of care that dentists offer or that
patients want. That level should be a choice for the individual
patient to make. In order to give each
patient the information they need, we have established a six-way
test for quality care. By doing this,
we feel that each person can then choose the best level of care
that’s right for them.
The test for quality of care
1) are all of the factors that cause disease addressed in every
patient?
2) are organized plans made to eliminate the causes and correct the
effects of disease?
3) are preventive measures that allow the patients to become
independently healthy used?
4) are the patients in or moving toward stable optimum health?
5) are methods and techniques of treatment used which will achieve
long term, stable function and
esthetic results?
6) is the dentist a continuous student?
The levels of care in our office are ultimately directed toward
fulfilling these requirements.
Circumstances always play a role in achievement of these goals. Our
goal is to help people who will
also help themselves. Fundamental to this is to form relationships
in which we can help people to
think about what a healthy mouth is worth. Most people have not
thought about the real prospect of
losing their teeth. If we can make them aware of the implication of
losing some or all of their
teeth,then test #1 is fulfilled. If the value of a healthy mouth is
recognized, and moving away from
disease is a stated goal, then test #2 can be fulfilled. If the
patient is moved to act then tests #3 and
4 are fulfilled. If the level of care available is directed at
providing optimum results then test #5 and 6
are fulfilled.
The levels of care are matched to the expected levels of health
below. Signs or symptoms can be
present in one or all four areas of wellness |
|
Signs of Disease
Level 1 Urgent Care
We see people in crisis immediately when possible. We will relieve
their pain or refer them when necessary.
This is not the primary focus of our practice.
Level 2 Remedial Care
Patients who desire this level of care desire treatment only when
something breaks or becomes uncomfortable.
Generally, patients at this level prefer short-term cursory
examinations and screening for more obvious
problems. They usually want to correct immediate problems with as
little effort as possible. Folks at his level
are not yet ready for either thorough or preventive treatment.
Level 3 Maintenance Care
The people who choose this level of care want to take an active part
in the prevention of present and future
disease problems, but choose repair solutions that are more
shot-range in duration. Usually they choose a 2-5
year reparative of corrective treatment, knowing full well that the
dental treatment performed today will be
repeated in the near future.
Level 2 or Level 3 dentistry is the highest level that is provided
in most conventional dental practices.
Level 4 Optimal Care
Patients at this level are similar to the people described in Level
3. They choose to have a comprehensive
examination , and formulate a long-term treatment plan for health
and repair to achieve a future based on choice
not chance. Unlike the maintenance care patient, these people want
all treatment to be completed in the most
lasting fashion possible. They are happy to take an active role in
their achievement of optimum oral health.
Our practice is primarily positioned for Levels 3 and 4. |
