Our Dental Practice

Our dental practice is uniquely different from any dental practice you have ever experienced. Not simply because of the pleasant surroundings or the highly skilled professional staff, or even the high-quality technical work we do. Our practice is different because our mission is different. In today's world you are offered many choices for how dental health care will be delivered to you, the patient. You can choose a health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), or a capitation system. In all of these health delivery systems, you the patient do not have a choice with regard to your treatment plan—you are not able to choose the dentist who attends to you, and normally you do not develop a significant relationship with either the dentist or the staff. Our practice represents a small percentage of dentists in the United States who have made a commitment to practice in an independent environment. In this environment, we are able to choose the best treatment plan that is consistent with your needs, wants, and values. We also focus on empowering and educating patients to make sound, intelligent decisions regarding their long-term dental health. This is important because it is our mission to have our patients participate in the prevention and curative phases of their treatment. Prevention: We have centered our practice on prevention and health as opposed to one that simply emphasizes emergency and repair care. The supporting gum tissue and bone are just as vital as the teeth themselves. Unfortunately only lip service is paid to these important areas and prevention is often misunderstood and inadequately stressed. The best way to protect and maintain the crucial supporting structures of your mouth for life is to have a qualified hygienist clean your teeth regularly, at which time preventive procedures can be implemented to protect your dental health. While the responsibility for returning for periodic preventive treatment lies with you, we will provide an ongoing program of health maintenance with you.

Our Philosophy of Practice

For patients to choose a dental office appropriate to their needs there must exist a match between the services sought by the patient and the services provided by the office. If the value you posses for your teeth and health coincides with our beliefs in fine dentistry and prevention, a mutually rewarding relationship will evolve for both parties. As a form of welcoming you and sharing our belief about how we serve patients, the following information is provided. Briefly stated, our philosophy of practice is this: "Our goal is to provide you with quality dentistry to help you keep all of your teeth for the rest of your life in maximum health, comfort, function, and appearance at a minimum of stress, discomfort, and expense." A dental office is a small health-oriented team of professionals dedicated to serving patients. Our office maintains certain standards of skill and concern and we want an aura about us that unquestionably makes a statement of our quality care. To make this evident, we have committed to a particular kind of practice. In a philosophical sense, basically one is devoted to either quantity—do a little for a lot of people, or to quality—optimal care on a long-term basis for regular patients. We want to attract and keep people who share our values and beliefs in excellence or who can grow to this level of appreciation through education and motivation. We seek a patient population with high expectations of good health and happiness. Examination Process: Excellence in dentistry begins with a careful diagnosis and treatment plan to move us toward the goals we will establish together. We will perform an extensive and comprehensive examination of the teeth, gums, bite, joints, and soft tissues. When needed, and with your permission, we will utilize all appropriate x-rays, intra-oral photographs, and study models of your teeth and jaw to identify areas of concern. We believe this in-depth examination to be the cornerstone of quality dentistry. Maintenance of Traditional Values: With the government becoming more involved in health care; insurance companies trying to dictate treatment and fees; and some dental practices competing through advertising, extended hours, and pricing; the very foundation of dentistry is being tested. We believe there has never been a time when a practice dedicated to prevention, service, and excellence has been more highly rewarding to both our patients and to us in providing quality, long-term health care. We hope you agree and will join our practice.

Brian H. Williams, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., Ltd. Dentist Extraordinaire Embraces All Aspects of His Calling By Joan Holstein           Dr. Brian Williams' enthusiasm for dentistry doesn't stop at caring for patients who need preventive or reconstructive services at his new Scottsdale practice.           In fact, his zest for his chosen field includes lecturing at UCLA School of Dentistry-Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, Biomaterials and Hospital Dentistry for more than eight years, as well as conducting and publishing research. He also presents papers nationally and internationally on intra- and extra-oral implants and attachments as they relate to quality of life. Williams even creates facial prostheses for cancer and trauma survivors, plus serves as a valuable resource to fellow dentists who may need to refer a particular patient with specialized needs.           Williams, simpy put, is an expert. But far from being a typical reclusive researcher or ivory tower academician, he is a caring, personable professional driven by a deeply held philosophy. That philosophy is best summarized by three words on his business card: Function, Stability, Aesthetics.           "I believe you have to treat the whole patient, not just one component," Williams explains. "You can't just focus on making the teeth look great without addressing all aspects related to proper function and oral health. If the facial muscles are balanced, the bite is perfect, and the Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is working properly; if all those are in harmony and functioning as one, the result is great aesthetics and a stable restoration that will last the rest of the patient's lifetime." DOING DENTISTRY RIGHT           Guided by his holistic, comprehensive care philosophy, Williams is a staunch believer in "doing things the right way." At his practice, that means taking the time to provide patients with the best possible treatment. Dr. Williams' philosophy focuses on: Function, Stability, Aesthetics.            Toward this end, initial office visits may run at least an hour as Williams conducts an extensive interview to gather information and uncover any symptoms. Naturally, digital X-rays, which reduce a patient's exposure to radiation, are taken. A thorough evaluation of the muscles of mastication and TMJ is performed using Doppler technology and mounted study models are created. In addition, facial muscles are palpated, intra- and extra-oral photos are taken, and a thorough periodontal exam is done.            "It's like creating a blueprint. We can find out what problems exist, the cause of the problems, and present several solutions to the patient. We can reconstruct things in phases, taking care of the most important things first, and ultimately reach the desired outcome of function, stability and aesthetics," William says.            Along with being thorough and taking time to educate patients, Williams is adamant that patients aren't kept waiting and that any needed injections are painless. "Those are usually the two biggest complaints about seeing the dentist," he says. Another common objection—the expense of dentistry—can be eased thanks to today's affordable financing plans.            Additionally, Williams goes above and beyond to provide patients with a positive experience. "I want them treated the same way I'd want to be treated if it was me in the chair," he says. With this in mind, staff members take time to listen to patients' needs and play a role in their care. In addition to formal industry training, Williams' staff has more than 12 years of progressive experience in public health education and health care quality improvement. Williams' staff stands behind his comprehensive care philosophy and dedication to total patient care.           Williams is equally big on educating his patients about oral health as it relates to overall health throughout their lives. That can be a challenge when a patient has no dental pain and is tempted to buy that new plasma television or other wants rather than undergoing much needed dental work. Today's state-of-the-art technology can address that obstacle by providing patients with hands-on, computer generated images of their case, thus creating more opportunity for patient education.           "Technology is a real boon to patient education. Patients can hold their study models and see photos of their mouths instantly. They can see the decay and other potential problems and understand that various solutions exist to remedy these problems, even if it doesn't hurt at the moment," Williams says.           A proven practitioner, he sold his established Mesa practice in 2001 after 22 years and continued to work part time for the new owner. Unable to resist devoting himself to the profession he loves and the satisfaction of owning his own business, Williams opened a new practice in February at the foothills of the scenic McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale. Focused on preventive and restorative dentistry, his practice is located east of the Loop 101 near Bell Road and 98th Street in Scottsdale.           "Everything is state-of-the-art," he says. As example, the new practice has digital X-ray sensors, digital photography, computerized record keeping systems, and laser diagnostic instruments. Even with all this technology, Williams still enjoys doing much of his own lab work, even creating dentures.