New Patient Information

Comprehensive Examination: After Dr. Larson determines exactly what your concerns and needs are, the comprehensive examination is a process in which Dr. Larson takes necessary records to provide a thorough diagnosis, risk determination in four basic areas, prognosis, and treatment plan. This examination will include: gum and bone health examination, tooth structure health examination, bite and chewing health examination, smile examination, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health examination, and oral cancer screening examination. The records include: diagnostic impressions for making diagnostic study models, diagnostic photos, and necessary diagnostic x-rays.  Due to the complexity of most patients’ dental issues, a separate consultation appointment will be necessary to discuss the findings of the examination.

Consultation: At the consultation appointment the following will be discussed:  your concerns, problems/risks to your chewing system, treatment options to decrease the risk to your chewing system, fees, insurance, payment options and length of treatment.  Photos, x-rays, models, and visual aids of treatment options will be reviewed.

The consultation is usually scheduled as a separate appointment at Dr. Larson’s request. Our goal is to ensure that you understand your risks without treatment and receive the best possible information concerning your treatment options. Our time investment in patient education enables us to render the best possible outcome for your dental treatment.

 

Financial Options

Payment Options: Financial options are discussed during the consult visit.  Dr. Larson and his staff are committed to providing excellent dental care and guide patients in choosing the best payment option for their individual needs. We accept cash, check, Visa and MasterCard, and Care Credit (a dental credit card).

Dental Insurance: Your insurance is a contract between your employer and a dental insurance company. Benefits received are based on the terms of the contract negotiated between your employer and the dental insurance company, and not your dental office.

The goal of most dental insurance policies is to provide only the basic care for specific dental services. The benefits that you receive from the dental insurance company for your current insurance plan have nothing to do with your specific oral needs, or achieving a high-quality, complete result.

Your benefits are decided between your employer and the insurance company. Please note that many needed services may not be covered. Our office will do everything possible to help you understand and make the most of your dental insurance benefits. As a courtesy, our office will complete and submit your insurance forms to achieve the maximum reimbursement to which you are entitled. Please remember that you are ultimately responsible for all expenses incurred. We urge you to read your policy carefully so that you are fully aware of your coverage and any limitations of the benefits provided.

 

Protection & Comfort

In our office, your safety is our highest priority. Throughout the day, we continuously and thoroughly sterilize our equipment for your protection. Our protocol for sterilization includes the following:

  • Before and after each patient appointment, all treatment surfaces (e.g., countertops, chair surfaces, lights, x-ray machines, and trays) are disinfected with the most effective and safest products available.
  • To ensure your safety, we follow a number of standard sterilization procedures with all instruments and handpieces. First, they are brought into our sterilization room and placed in an ultrasonic cleaner to remove even microscopic debris. The instruments and handpieces are then rinses thoroughly before being sterilized in an autoclave, which runs for 20 minutes and reaches a temperature of 400-425 degrees, thereby destroying all bacteria and all viruses.
  • Our autoclave and dry heat sterilizer are monitored regularly to ensure their efficiency and safety.
  • Staff members use masks, safety glasses, and new gloves for each patient.

We take pride in making your dental experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. We will thoroughly present treatment options, explain our procedures, and educate you in the maintenance of your oral health. It is our goal to have you feel secure in the treatment of your dental needs.

Our office is conveniently located at 4104 10th Street SE., Puallup, WA. To help accommodate your busy schedule, we provide both early morning and late afternoon appointments. Our friendly and courteous staff will greet you and make you feel as comfortable as possible.

 

In Case of Emergency

We hope that you will never experience a dental emergency, but if you do, we want you to know that we are always available.

During office hours, of you are having pain or experience an emergency – such as bleeding, swelling, or trauma – please call us immediately so that we may schedule to the best available time for you. We will do everything possible to treat your problem immediately and attend to your needs.

If an emergency occurs after hours, we can be reached 24 hours a day. Dr. Larson can be reached through our office telephone number, at 253-841-1943. Please leave a message and Dr. Larson will respond to your call.

Incidentally, you will be happy to know that due to the thoroughness of our comprehensive examinations, our patients experience very few emergencies.