Introduction

Thank you for visiting the web site of Birch Street Dental Care. Our site provides important information that will help you become familiar with our practice. It also contains answers to frequently asked questions. Please feel free to call us anytime. We appreciate this opportunity to introduce ourselves and look forward to providing you with quality dental care.

We want you to know that in our office you can expect to be treated with respect at all times. We strive to deliver the best diagnosis and treatment that dentistry has to offer. We believe that these goals can be met through a continuous and open dialogue between you and our entire team.

We encourage you to involve yourself in your own treatment and to ask questions throughout our relationship. In our opinion, an informed and involved patient is most likely to achieve the highest level of health, and we look forward to working with you to achieve this goal.

First Visit

Your initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive oral examination and oral cancer examination, periodontal charting, and any necessary x-rays will be taken. For adults, we will have a consultation time to discuss treatment needed, including what “type” of cleaning you will need and how much time to reserve for you in our schedule (adults will not have their teeth cleaned this day).

Adults can expect to be here for approximately 90 minutes. We also will give you estimates on any determined treatment. Children and teens will have their teeth cleaned this day and can expect to be here from 60-90 minutes depending on age. A parent and/or guardian must accompany the child so we may go over any needed treatment. Please alert the office if you have ever had, or currently have, a heart murmur, rheumatic fever, mitral valve prolapse or artificial joints, you may need to be pre-medicated for any dental appointment.

Scheduling

Birch Street Dental is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Thursdays from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.

Please call 231-258-5395 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Financial Policy

For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, Care Credit and Discover. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered. Payment plans are available through Care Credit. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 231-258-5395. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fee charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.

Dental Insurance

Your dental plan is a form of compensation provided by your employer. You can expect the carrier (insurance company) to reimburse you for a portion of our fee. That portion is determined by the contract between your employer and the insurance company. The higher the premium paid by your company, the more generous the reimbursement.

As a convenience to you we will help you process your insurance claims in order for you to receive this maximum benefit. We will also gladly provide dental x-rays and a written diagnostic report should your insurance company have any questions about the services provided.

At all times, you can be confident that we will always provide you with our best services without regard to the limitations imposed by your insurance coverage. To do otherwise would violate our contract with you — a contract we feel morally obliged to honor.

Infection Control

Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Doctors and receive a straightforward answer.

Dr. Soenen, Dr. Selega and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:


	Disinfectant hand soap Gloves, eyewear and face masks Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces Sterilization of all equipment before every use Disposable materials

We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.

The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.