Douglas A. Deam, DMD

PRACTICE AUTOBIOGRAPHY and PHILOSOPHY

 

I graduated from the University of Florida in 1979 with a BS degree in Microbiology, and received my D.M.D. degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1983. I have been married for over 25 years to my lovely wife Ann and have two children, Elizabeth and TJ. I enjoy golf, tennis, and working out to stay fit.

 

I come from a medical background, as both my father and brother are family practice physicians. I grew up watching my Dad practice medicine in an era without managed care—a time when the most important thing was the welfare of the patient. It was a simpler time in which he had real relationships with his patients. I watched and learned from him a heart and desire of caring for people and giving your best. Combining this with my own desire for excellence and doing something right the first time, led me to develop a practice philosophy very different from today’s norm.

 

My practice philosophy is to provide the highest quality of dental care utilizing the latest, most up to date technologies in a personal, less hurried environment. In my dental practice, the patient always comes first. I work very hard to stay on schedule because I respect the patient’s personal time. My office staff and I strive to never let any patient feel like a number. I am a believer in education—my own and yours. I stay current on all the most up to date treatment modalities and always do what is in the best interest of the patient. I believe in educating patients so they have a full understanding of their conditions and the different treatment options available so they can make fully informed decisions regarding their dental treatment. I believe in taking the time to ask questions to get to know what my patients want and what they don’t want. I also provide adequate time to answer any of their questions. I explain to my patients how our practice operates so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings. I believe in being accessible to my patients and freely provide my home and cell phone numbers for after hour emergencies.

 

Because of my background and practice philosophy, I practice very differently from what you are probably used to. In most offices, you see the hygienist first for a cleaning and the doctor comes in at the end of the appointment for a quick look. In my practice, I personally do the initial comprehensive examination and spend a full hour with you. In that hour, you’ll receive probably the most thorough, comprehensive dental exam you’ve ever had, accomplishing the following:

 

  • a radiographic survey for cancer, pathology, to determine the periodontal health, and to determine the presence of cavities
  • a head, neck, and intra-oral cancer screening ( which we also do at each cleaning recall visit every six months)
  • an evaluation of the bite and how the teeth fit and work together
  • the need for night guards or other teeth protecting devices
  • a full periodontal examination and diagnosis
  • a determination of which type of dental cleaning is needed in your case
  • an evaluation of all existing dental restorations, ie: fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures
  • an evaluation for the different types of cavities utilizing radiographs, visual, bright light transillumination, and Diagnodent laser evaluation.
  • a smile analysis and discussion to determine any cosmetic needs or desires
  • an evaluation for the need of crowns, porcelain inlays, or onlays with the new CEREC technology
  • an evaluation for needed implants or bone grafting procedures

 

After that initial comprehensive examination, I do my homework by studying the data gathered and develop a comprehensive, personalized and thought-through treatment plan outlining the dental treatment needed, the sequence, and the fees involved. While some patients need little treatment at all, others require significant treatment. So in the cases where significant treatment is needed, sequencing is very important so we can maximize the amount of treatment accomplished while minimizing the number of visits required.

 

At the time of the initial comprehensive exam, we schedule you for a short, complementary visit to review the treatment plan, answer questions, and go over the financial information for your treatment. At that time you will receive a copy of the treatment plan. I believe in being very up front about all aspects of the dental treatment recommended and the fees involved so there are no misunderstandings. We then discuss which appointment times are convenient for you and proceed accordingly.

 

I love what I do and I’m proud of my work, my staff, and my practice. I look forward to establishing a relationship with you and taking care of your dental needs.

Douglas A. Deam, D.M.D.

 

                 EXCELLENCE

Many times the difference between failure and

    success is doing something nearly right...

                   or doing it exactly right.

 

  • American Dental Association
  • Florida Dental Association
  • South Florida District Dental Society
  • Academy of CAD CAM Dentistry
  • PerioProtect certified
  • CEREC certified