“To guide our patients along a path of optimal health and wellness for life, with an emphasis on dental health. To non-judgmentally deliver the highest possible level of care with empathy and understanding. To continuously and relentlessly pursue excellence through continuing education, personal and team growth and mastering of leading-edge technology. To treat our patients and employees as individuals. To deliver this care with first class, five-star service. To respect our patients’ time. To accept our patients as partners in their wellness. To assume a leadership role as a resource – a body of information with concern for our patients’ overall well-being. To consistently deliver more than would reasonably be expected.” —Our Mission Statement
When most people think about their dental care, they think about the treatments that are provided to them. This is only one-half of the equation, however; the comfort, goals, and needs of a patient are also critical components to providing effective oral health care. Robert Chester, DDS offers patient-focused dentistry in Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, and all surrounding communities.
Working with Patients Closely
Dentistry is not just a bunch of procedures performed on you. You have parts to play in your own oral health care:
- Explain what your personal goals for your smile are.
- Help decide which treatment plan is right for you.
- Care for your smile at home with an effective oral hygiene routine.
Our Bellingham dentist, Dr. Robert Chester works with you to make sure you fully participate in your dental care. Dr. Chester lets you know of every option available in your case, the likelihood of success of each treatment, and the unique benefits each option provides. He gives you the tools necessary to make more informed decisions about your oral health care and your daily life habits.
Patient Education
Of course, the most useful of these tools is a patient’s knowledge of dentistry. You need to know the particulars of how each treatment impacts your smile, positively and negatively, and why your oral health concerns make that treatment necessary. Otherwise, it can be difficult for you to feel like you have a voice in decisions made about your health, which is a source of dental anxiety in many people.
At the office of Robert Chester, DDS, we understand the value of patient education. Dr. Chester takes every effort he can to inform you of your oral health situation. This is especially true regarding a process called co-diagnosis. The doctor works directly with you to carefully examine the diagnostic information gathered for your smile. Enlarged images produced by x-rays and intraoral cameras allow you to see exactly what Dr. Chester sees during the examination. Together, you can both develop an understanding of what is affecting your teeth and which treatments would be appropriate responses.
Getting to Know You
Dr. Chester believes the best way to provide the quality of care you need is by getting to know you as a person. Additionally, taking the time to listen to your goals and incorporating them into a treatment plan provides patients with customized, beneficial care. Simply put, our dentist is a very good listener. He makes sure to take who you are and what you are looking for into account.
Visit our Bellingham Dental Practice
Robert Chester, DDS, provides patient-focused dental care in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County. For more information about his approach to oral health care, call our office and schedule your next dental appointment today!