Continuously Improving -- For You

We've been serving the Greater MetroWest from Framingham since 1986! Thinking back to that time, it’s amazing how much has changed in Dentistry and how our practice has grown and changed. Throughout the years, I’ve tried to provide excellent care with the latest materials and techniques.

It’s incredible what we can do now relative to what was possible when I graduated from dental school. Whether its porcelain veneers to remake a smile, bleaching to lighten someone’s teeth or tooth-colored restorations for back teeth (see our articles on these topics from our newsletter The Inside Bite), the cosmetic options are fabulous and something that continues to be the most enjoyable thing I do.

When I make positive, noticeable changes in someone’s appearance, I feel great about it. Aside from cosmetic restoration we’ve had major improvements in just about all aspects of dentistry which dramatically improve your comfort during and after the process as well as the longevity of everything we do.

My philosophy always has been to treat people as if they were my own family members. My staff and I want you to know how much we appreciate your trust. Please accept our most sincere thanks. We look forward to serving you.

Office Hours

If you have an emergency -- please call (508) 872-9339

Dental Insurance Update

Managed care has infiltrated the dental insurance market. Although HMO and PPO plans are popular and providing good care in medical treatment, the dental equivalents typically are not as strong and quality oriented.

Recently we’ve had quite a few inquiries from people who have had their insurance plans automatically switched to PPO or HMO plans, or have the option of switching to one.

HMO and PPO plans often limit you to going to a dentist on an approved list. As a dentist, I’d love to be able to say, "Yes, I’m a provider on every plan." Unfortunately, so far, the only plans of this type that I’ve found to be workable are Delta Dental Plan and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

In all other cases, the fee schedules and other contract limitations would mean my having to compromise on the quality of materials I use and/or rush through procedures – neither of which I’m prepared to do.

Most of our patients who’ve experienced these dental plans have reported they were not pleased with the services, and have returned to our practice.

Fortunately, when you are presented with options for HMO or PPO plans, you are generally given a choice between those plans and a traditional fee-for-service dental plan.

Over the years, we’ve worked with every different type of dental insurance program. We’ve become quite knowledgeable, by virtue of our unique perspective, and can help you evaluate your options, if you’re given a choice.

Insurance companies may make the HMO or PPO plan sound particularly enticing. For example, they may offer 100% cover-age on some procedure for which you currently have only 80% coverage without it costing you more. What they’re not telling you is that many of these plans put limitations on dentists that are strong incentives to decrease quality of care.

Medical History Update

We’ve recently added a couple of items to our medical history forms. If any of these apply to you please let us know.

Question: Are you taking or have you taken appetite suppressants?

Reason: Some of these medications have been found to cause heart valve changes for which antibiotic premedication before dental appointments is advisable. If this applies to you, please call us before your next appointment and we’ll prescribe the recommended antibiotic.

Question: Have you ever had an allergic reaction or contact sensitivity to jewelry?

Reason: Fifty percent of women have had some reaction to the metals in jewelry. If you are one of those and you need dental restorations (crowns or fillings) we’d likely recommend using newer non-metallic restorative materials.

© 1994-2005 Mark Fried, DMD