When is a dental specialist needed?

Modern dental science now offers better solutions for many routine problems, and incredible new treatments (previously only imagined) for more complex conditions or special patient concerns.  Rapid changes in dental medicine have, unfortunately, also made it more difficult for patients to make an informed decision about how or where to best treat more involved oral problems.

While modern general dentists offer a broad range of professional skills, there are times when it is prudent to see a dental specialist for consultation, a second opinion, coordinated care with your general dentist, or continuation of care in the specialist's office.

Many conscientious general dentists refer patients with complex problems to Dr. Fox for specialty level care.  Some general dentists (because of  personal preference) don't provide every type of care, or would simply rather not manage certain conditions.

A special dentist for advanced care

As a dual specialist in prosthodontics and periodontics, Dr. Fox offers dentists and their adult patients unusual expertise in complex dental problems, temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders, craniofacial pain, occlusal (bite) pathology, restorative or prosthetic dentistry for patients with periodontal diseases, treatment of failure in the restored dentition, oral rehabilitation, diagnosis and treatment planning, cosmetic and implant dentistry.

Complex dental problems, particularly those requiring interdisciplinary specialty level knowledge or skills, are Dr. Fox's primary area of professional interest, expertise, and activity. His unusually extensive qualifications and experience as a consulting dentist have been called upon by the general public, many dental colleagues, medical professionals, state government, legal professionals, insurance carriers, and industry for many years.

Coordinated care with the general dentist

He is available for coordinated therapy with other dental professionals, private consultation with colleagues regarding their patients, second opinions, or management of referred patients - either for comprehensive care or isolated procedures.

The professional reputation and practice integrity of every referring colleague is always carefully preserved and faithfully supported.

Routine care with specialty expertise

But anyone who would like to explore the option of becoming his patient (either for routine conservative care, or for help with more complex problems) can do so without a dentist's referral.  Simply call our office to arrange an appointment for yourself or someone you care about.

Referred Patients & Professional Integrity

We welcome anyone who calls our office to join our family of patients for comprehensive care with Dr. Fox.

Please note, however,  that patients who are referred to Dr. Fox by another dentist are not eligible to receive all of their care with Dr. Fox, unless the referring dentist has granted his or her permission. 

We believe this policy is an expression of both our professional integrity as well as respect for professional colleagues.  Should you have any concerns or questions about this issue, please feel free to discuss them with us.