So what is value?  We believe it is not the lowest price, but instead providing a combination of information, service and quality.  We really strive to listen to our patients to find out what they want.  Then we give them options and our clinical expertise to help us come to a decision that is right for them.  We think that is valuable.  We have developed relationships with the labs we use and our dental suppliers to bring you the latest in proven materials.  We find that very valuable also.  Finally, value is about trust.  You have to know that your dentist is doing what is best for you.  We have many long-time patients that make practicing dentistry enjoyable. 

For those  that missed out on this event, we are still offering free whitening with completed exam, x-rays and cleaning.  Contact us as some restrictions may apply. 

Boise Downtown Dental is located at 398 S. 9th Street, Suite 230; in the Sycamore building of the Bodo complex downtown.  Come down to check out our massaging dental chairs and our newest technological advances.

I have a moderate intake of ocean fish, which can be a source of mercuy.  Dentally, I do not have any amalgam fillings in my mouth and replace, on average, 3-4 metal amalgam fillings a week.  This is almost exclusively done using a rubber dam to minimize exposure to our patients.  Using hair as a sample apparently shows the average mercury exposure of an individual over the last 3-4 months. 

So, what does this mean?  I am not sure.  I feel pretty good knowing that as a dentist who removes amalgams, I do not have high levels of exposure.  I also know that there are environmental exposures to mercury, including coal fire power plants and fish.  How much is environmental and am I exposed to mercury vapors in the office?  It is tough to tell, but it appears to be minimal at most. 

Disclaimer-  I cannot verify the methods or laboratory used to test my hair sample.  The ADA currently has the position that dental amalgam is safe to use as a restorative material.  I choose not to use it for other reasons such as esthetics and the bonding ability of composite and resin cements.   

Our offices take pride in using only laboratories operating in the United States, and we almost exclusively use dental labs in Idaho. Not only do we know these labs to be safe, but we also have a close working relationship with them and communicate the details of every crown or bridge that they fabricate for us. Does it cost a little more to have work done by someone in the same city or state you live in? Yes, it is a little more. Do we think it is worth it? Definitely. We believe dental care is more about trust and relationships. We want our patients to be able to trust us and we need to have good working relationship with our laboratories in order to trust their work.

• Our office uses digital radiography, which reduces harsh chemicals that need to be disposed of.  Digital radiographs also reduce the amount of radiation for our patients and appear instantly on the screen.
• Amalgam separators-  These devices remove amalgam from our water lines before it enters the treatment facilities.  Amalgam can be hazardous if burned or improperly disposed of, so while amalgam separators are not required, we think they are environmentally-friendly and worth the cost and maintenance.
• Office recycling-  Both our offices have voluntarily signed up for office recycling of paper products, cardboard and plastic.  We, our course, shred and properly dispose of all personal records.  We also recycle our ink printer cartridges.
• Electronic Records-  Our offices make use of electronic records and e-mail whenever possible to minimize paper usage.
• Responsible Energy Usage- Our offices have switched to energy-efficient light bulbs (compact fluorescent lights)

We hope that these steps will allow our office to leave less of a footprint on the environment.  Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.