I recently cleaned the teeth of a patient I have known for years.

As he stood up he asked me, “How long have we been together?” I laughed, as this patient has been with me since I started practicing, 19 years ago.

“Quite a while.” I answered.

Through the years I have been privileged to know many patients far beyond their dental health. We have shared life happenings, fun stories and have developed a deep sense of trust. It is that trust that allows me to help my patients choose the dental work they feel is best for them.

That is why I have been with this practice for 13 years- it has allowed me to develop and maintain lasting relationships.

Looking back at my patient, “Quite a while…” I answered- …”longer than either of our marriages!” We both laughed.

Mary

Many patients come to our office requiring dental gum treatment. To ensure patient comfort and allow me to be thorough, I commonly numb up the area I am working on. Many patients have a fear of the shot because of their previous experiences. They describe a horrible past experience that was very uncomfortable.

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I feel fortunate working at Donaldson & Guenther. From the time I interviewed I knew things were different. The staff interviewed me, which I thought was pretty cool. “This doctor actually cares about the team’s opinions!” It makes sense if they’re the ones who have to work with me.

As a result, we work well together. As I started with the practice, I realized it was the organized protocol that allows me to focus on providing excellence. I thought the doctor I worked for previously did good work until I saw the quality of work at Donaldson & Guenther.

My reward is when patients look in the mirror at the end of their appointment and all they can say is “Wow”. This is what puts us above the rest and I am honored to be a part of making that happen!

Irene

Normally, when I take a phone call from a patient who has a toothache I get as much information as possible. Just recently I took a brief phone call from a patient who was confident that she only needed the doctor’s advice about her situation and declined an emergency appointment. As for most patients who have a toothache, we would have tried to see her that day.

That evening I happened to see her at Meijer. We talked about her toothache and concluded that the Orajel she was about to purchase was not going to help her situation, but an anti-inflammatory she already had at home may be better to help her short term. She was thrilled and excited that I took the time to stop her and get more information. Sure enough, Aleve took care of her situation, temporarily. After the weekend she came to see us promptly as planned. She was happy that she was able to go to Mackinaw for the weekend and enjoy a five course dinner at the Grand Hotel, and still very happy that we going to help her fix her toothache, just in time.

Kara

“Pre-tax” savings accounts have become a powerful employee benefit. However, it is amazing how many people are unaware of this benefit or hesitate because of the paperwork. We have assisted many of our patients wit setting up and utilizing their “Pre-Tax” spending accounts by sharing our knowledge about their employers plan and by helping with the paperwork necessary for reimbursement. Many patients have thanked me and said,” No one ever told me about this!” (Including major executives and Deans). It is worth checking into.

Over the past 15 years, I have watched dental insurance companies pay less and less of the true cost of dental care. Patients are having to assume greater financial responsibility for their care and are planning their treatment more strategically. At D & G, our patients learn about their current, emerging, and optional dental issues. By prioritizing and dividing treatment into phases, I help patients plan their care for the next year so it optimizes their combined insurance and pre-tax plan benefits. This strategic approach to dental care often allows our patients to elect treatment options that are longer lasting and/or more beautiful than the typically lower levels of care encouraged by the insurance companies.