We see all patients on an appointment basis so that we can provide the proper amount of time for each person. The number to call for an appointment is:
Sedro-Woolley: 360.856.6358
Bellingham: 360.738.9791

Office Philosophy

We strive for excellence in every aspect of your dental care, and we will always do our best.

We respect your appointed time, and make every effort to stay on schedule ourselves. Since we rarely are late, please understand if we are delayed because of an unusual dental emergency.

If you have an emergency dental problem, we will make every effort to see you the same day you call.

48-Hour Notice Appointment Policy

We understand that on occasion last minute schedule changes are unavoidable. It is important to understand that when you make an appointment, you have engaged the services of at least three professionals. When a patient misses an appointment, they often think that the Doctor has other patients to see. Usually that is not true. When an appointment is missed on short notice, or a patient simply fails to keep the appointment, three things happen:

1. Treatment is delayed, which in some cases can further complicate the condition.
2. The Doctor and Staff must wait for the next scheduled patient to arrive before they can resume work.
3. Another patient who needed treatment could not be seen, because we did not have enough time to make appointment arrangements.
   

Our number one concern is our patients’ dental health. Providing services in a timely manner is critical to accomplish that goal. We appreciate your understanding and consideration regarding our appointment policy and hope this information will be helpful.

At your first visit, we would appreciate you arriving fifteen minutes early to fill out the necessary forms (medical history and insurance information), unless otherwise directed.

If for any reason you cannot keep your appointment, call
Sedro-Woolley: 360.856.6358
Bellingham: 360.738.9791
to notify us immediately. We need at least a 48 hour advance notice so that this time may be given to another patient.

Please assist us by bringing the following information to your consultation appointment:

• Copies of any recent X-rays, if applicable

• A list of medications you are presently taking.

• If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary filled out forms and/or your card. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 during the consultation visit.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves or joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you take any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) If you are required to pre-medicate before a visit to the dentist, please inform us.

CE Family Dental will conduct a complete dental examination which will include the following:
(1) a soft tissue examination
(2) a screening and examination for periodontal diseases
(3) a detailed charting of cavities, existing restorations (fillings and crowns), and other tooth conditions.

The purpose of the soft tissue examination is to detect pathological changes in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth. While the vast majority of pathology in the mouth is benign, pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the oral tissues may be found. It is best if detected at an early stage when it can be successfully treated. Tobacco and heavy alcohol use are major risk factors for oral cancer.

A thorough soft tissue examination will include a visual inspection and finger exploration of the tongue, floor of the mouth (under the tongue), palate (roof of the mouth), salivary glands, insides of the cheek, and the back of the throat. The tongue will be moved to allow for the inspection of its sides and base; the face, head, and neck will also be examined, and any enlarged lymph nodes identified.

In an examination for periodontal diseases, your dentist or hygienist will use a periodontal probe to measure the band of gum tissue that surrounds the tooth. The purpose of this examination is to detect gum disease at the early stages when prevention is most effective.

The third aspect of a complete dental examination is the inspection of every tooth surface for the presence of new decay and the status of existing restorations.

Dental radiographs (x-rays) may be part of your routine dental visit and will assist the dentist in locating disease that cannot be seen by the eye, such as cavities that develop between the teeth or bone loss that occurs beneath the gums.

If you wish to inquire about an appointment, please contact our office.

We make every effort to keep the cost of your dental care down. One way we do this is by requesting the patient's portion of the fees to be paid at the time of your treatment.

If your treatment requires several visits, you will be given an estimate and asked to make financial arrangements with a member of our business office staff .

Dental insurance is intended to cover some, but not all, of the cost of your dental care. Most plans include co-insurance, a deductible, and other expenses which must be paid by the patient.

If you have dental insurance, please bring your plan information and insurance card with you to your first visit. We will work with you to assure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.

If you have any questions regarding your coverage, give us a call,

Sedro-Woolley: 360.856.6358
Bellingham: 360.738.9791
or contact the office and a member of our business office staff will work with you to find the answer.