Contact Old Town General Dentistry

Dr. Jeffrey C. Blair
542 N. Main Street,

Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Phone: (928) 634-8567

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday:
8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm

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HIPAA / Notice of Privacy Practices

Protecting your confidential health information is important to us. This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Promise

Old Town General Dentistry and Denture Laboratory is committed to preserving the privacy and confidentiality of your health information. This Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI), to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. This Notice has been revised to conform to HIPAA’s Final Rule referred to as the ‘Omnibus Rule’ published 1/25/2013. This notice replaces previous versions of the Notice and is effective 5/7/2015. You may access or obtain a copy according to the following options: 1) our website at www.otfgd.com 2) contact the office and request a copy to be sent to you by mail or email, 3) request a copy at the time of your next appointment.

1. USES & DISCLOSURES OF PHI: How we use your information

Your PHI may be used and disclosed by our Practice’s provider, administrative or clinical staff, and others outside of our Practice who are involved in your care and treatment for the purpose of providing healthcare services to you.

• A) Treatment: We will use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate or manage your care and any related services. We may disclose PHI to other providers who may be treating you such as a specialist.
• B) Payment: We will use your PHI to obtain payment for the services provided by this Practice. For example, if we are working with your insurance plan, we may verify eligibility or coverage for benefit determination. We may use or disclose your information so that a bill may be sent to you that may include services provided.
• C) Healthcare Operations: The Practice may use or disclose, as needed, your PHI in order to support its business activities such as quality performance reviews regarding our services or the performance of our staff.
• i) Business Associates: We may share your PHI with third party business associates such as answering services, transcriptionists, billing services, consultants, trainers and legal counsel. We obtain a written agreement with business associates to assure the protection and privacy of your PHI.

Other Permitted and Required Uses and Disclosures That May Be Made Without Your Authorization or Opportunity to Agree or Object: We may use of disclose your PHI in the following situations without your authorization or providing you the opportunity to agree or object as follows:

• D) Required or Permitted by Law: We may use or disclose your PHI as required by law. This may include public health activities such as controlling a communicable disease or compliance with health oversight agencies authorized by law. We may disclose PHI to a public health authority authorized to receive reports of child abuse or neglect. We may disclose PHI if we believe you have been a victim of abuse, neglect or domestic violence to a governmental agency authorized to receive such information in compliance with state and federal law. We may disclose your PHI to the Food and Drug Administration for the quality, safety or effectiveness of FDA-regulated products or activities. We may disclose your PHI in the course of a legal proceeding in response to a subpoena, discovery request or other lawful process. We may also disclose PHI to law enforcement providing applicable legal requirements are satisfied. We may disclose PHI to a coroner or medical examiner for identification purposes. We may disclose PHI to researchers when the information does not directly identify you as the source of the information and such research has been approved by an institutional review board to ensure the privacy of the PHI. We may disclose PHI as authorized to comply with workers’ compensation laws. We may use and disclose your PHI if you are an inmate of a correctional facility and this information is necessary for your care.

Authorization for Other Uses and Disclosures of PHI: Use and disclosure of your PHI not addressed in this Notice of Privacy Practices will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time. If you revoke this authorization, we will no longer use or disclose your PHI; however, we are unable to retrieve previous disclosures made with your prior authorization.

Other Permitted and Required Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Permission or Objection:

• E) Students: We may share PHI with students working in our practice to fulfill their educational requirements. If you do not wish a student to observe or participate in your care, please notify your provider.
• F) Appointment Reminders: We may contact you as a reminder of your appointment. Only limited information is provided on an answering machine or to an individual other than you answering the call. We may issue a post card or letter notifying you that it is time to make an appointment. You may provide a preferred means of contact such as a mobile telephone number or email address. Reasonable requests will be accommodated.
• G) Family, Close Friends, Personal Representatives & Care Givers: Our staff may disclose to persons involved in your care your PHI relevant to that person’s involvement in your care or payment of the services providing you identify these individual(s) and authorize the release of information. If you are unable to agree or object to such disclosure, we may disclose such information as necessary if we determine that it is in your best interest based on our professional judgment. If a young adult age eighteen (18) requests that his or her information not be released to a parent or guardian, we must comply with this request in compliance with state law. For minor children living in divided households, both parents (mother and father) have access to the PHI unless their parental rights have been terminated. Payment of services is addressed in your Final Divorce Decree; however, we obtain payment from the parent who brings the child in for treatment. We will provide you a statement to send to the other parent for your reimbursement.
• H) Disaster Relief: If applicable, we may use or disclose your PHI to an authorized public or private entity to assist in disaster relief efforts and to coordinate uses and disclosures to family or other individuals involved in your care.

2. YOUR RIGHTS

The following is a statement of your rights regarding PHI we gather about you:

• A) Copy of This Notice: You have the right to a copy of this notice, including a paper copy.
• B) Inspect and Copy PHI: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of PHI about you maintained by our Practice to include patient and billing records. You must submit a written request and indicate whether you prefer a paper or electronic copy. According to state and federal law, we may charge you a reasonable fee to copy your records. Our Practice does not transmit unsecure PHI via email. However, if you prefer this information be emailed to you with encryption or security measures, we will comply with your request and will verify your email address. We suggest sending our Practice an email and we will reply with the attachment. (Note: Under federal law, you may not inspect psychotherapy notes; information compiled in reasonable anticipation of, or use in, a civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding. Please contact the Privacy Office for more details).
• C) Amendment: You have the right to have your provider amend your PHI about you in a designated record set. Please consult with the Privacy Officer. We may deny this request and you may respond with a statement. We may include a rebuttal statement in your record. Reasons we may deny amending such information, but not limited to these reasons, is if we did not create the information, or if the individual who created the information is no longer available to make the amendment or it is not part of the information maintained at our Practice.
• D) Restrictions: You have the right to request a restriction of your PHI. If you paid out-of-pocket for a service or item, you have the right to request that information not be disclosed to a health plan for purposes of payment or health care operations and we are required to honor that request. You may request in writing to our Privacy Officer not to use or disclose any part of your PHI for the purposes of treatment, payment or health care operations such as to family members or friends involved in your care or for notification purposes as described in this Notice of Privacy Practices. However, your provider is not required to agree to this restriction. You may discuss restrictions with the Privacy Officer.
• E) Confidential Communications: You have the right to request to receive confidential communications from our Practice by alternative means or at an alternative location. For example, you may prefer our Practice to use your mobile telephone or email rather than a residential line. Please make this request in writing to the Privacy Officer. Our staff will not ask personal questions regarding your request.
• F) Disclosures: You have the right to request an accounting of disclosures of your PHI including those made through a Business Associate as set forth in CFR 45-164.528. The HITECH Act removed the accounting of disclosures exception to PHI to carry out treatment, payment and healthcare operations if such disclosures are made through the EHR. To request an accounting, submit your request in writing to the Privacy Officer.
• G) Breach Notification: According to the HITECH Act, you have the right to be notified following a breach of unsecured PHI that affects you. “Unsecured” is information that is not secured through the use of technology or methodology identified by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to render the PHI unusable, unreadable and undecipherable to unauthorized users. Breach notification applies to our Business Associates who are obligated to notify Practice if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs that affects you.
• H) Fundraising: If PHI is used for fundraising which is considered “healthcare operations,” basic requirements must be satisfied to include notice to you and a process for you to opt-out. If the individual consents, only specific parts of PHI may be used for fundraising. Note: Your PHI will not be used in this manner.

3. COMPLAINTS

You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights or that of another individuals’ have been violated. You may contact our Privacy Officer and your issue will be addressed. You may also file a complaint with the Secretary of Health and Human Services at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20201. Your complaint must be filed in writing, either on paper or electronically, by mail, fax or email; name the covered entity or business associate involved and describe the acts or omissions you believe violated the requirements of the Privacy, Security, or Breach Notification Rules; and be filed within 180 days of when you knew that the act occurred. Visit the Office of Civil Rights website at www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ for more information.

If you have any questions, would like additional information or want to report a problem regarding the handling of your PHI, you may contact the Privacy Officer at:

Old Town General Dentistry and Denture Lab
542 N. Main Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
TEL: 928-634-8567
FAX: 928-634-8646

You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Rev: 5/7/2015

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacteria build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or we can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

Q: What is a crown and why do I need one?
A: If your doctor has recommended a crown to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to large aging fillings or cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are porcelain baked onto a precious nickel-free and mercury-free metal sub-structure, full cast metal (gold and silver alloys), or the newer all-ceramic zirconia materials, and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long lasting smile.

Q: I know I need x-rays, but I’d prefer to not be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Do you offer digital x-rays?
A: Yes, we do offer digital x-rays. Digital x-rays use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film x-rays. We have found that the digital x-rays require only about 1/3 or less radiation that film x-rays required.

Q: How does fluoride help my teeth?

A: Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults by resisting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. When your dentist applies fluoride to your teeth, usually in the form of a varnish, gel or foam that is more concentrated than the fluoride contained in toothpaste or mouthwash. The ADA recommends that dental professionals use any of the professional strength fluoride varnishes, gels or foam products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Q: I just want my smile to look good. What are some options to help the appearance of my smile?
A: You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns or bridges; gum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of all these techniques. Dr. Blair will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health.

Q: I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
A: Dr. Blair has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of orthodontic treatment (braces). For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

Q: What are my options to replace a missing tooth?
A: By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist places a metal-reinforced porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking restoration. There are also options involving removable appliances.

Q: What can I expect from my first appointment?

A: During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical / dental health forms, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. x-rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth and malfunctioning restorations. We also have an intraoral camera to help us find and show you problems that may be present. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

Q: My teeth keep chipping and cracking. What causes this? What can I do about it?
A: Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a night guard. A custom fitted night guard protects your teeth from grinding & clenching in your sleep. Dr. Blair takes great care in making sure you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. Do you suffer from headaches? You may find that a side benefit of your night guard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a night guard custom created for you.

Q: I want and need a lot of dental work, but I’m afraid I can’t afford it. Do you offer monthly payment plans?
A: Yes, we do offer monthly payment plans with our financial partners, Care Credit™, Citi Financial and Wells Fargo. We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. Our team works with you to create the solution that accommodates you so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

Q: My gums bleed. Why is this?

A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often bleeding during brushing or flossing. This condition is called gingivitis. Timely treatment can reverse these problems. However, if these conditions are ignored, your periodontal disease can worsen, becoming a condition called periodontitis, in which bone is actually lost from around the teeth. Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat.

Periodontitis affects your gums, bone and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t diagnose and treat periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

According to Caesy Dental Education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart valves. Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the blood stream. These bacteria – Streptococcus sanguinis – may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”

Q: How do sealants protect teeth?

A: A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth-premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guarding against disease-causing bacteria.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.

Q: Sometimes when I chew I get a sharp pain. What can I do to correct this?
A: Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. The pain can be corrected by placing a crown, but sometimes requires even more advanced treatment (root canal therapy). You want to correct the pain as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Q: What is a Prosthodontist?
A: A prosthodontist is a dental specialist in the restoration and replacement of teeth. A prosthodontist has completed three years of post-graduate studies beyond that of a traditional dentist, further exploring dental aspects such as surgery, endodontics, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. Additionally, prosthodontists work closely with other dental specialists and are concerned with the function and long-term health of your teeth, in addition to their appearance.

Q: As an older adult, do I really need to worry about my dental care?

A: Yes. No matter what your age, you deserve to look and feel healthy. A strong, beautiful, and functioning smile plays a major role in the quality of your life as you age. You’ll appreciate a better diet, a younger appearance, and greater confidence. Perhaps you have put dental care off for so long that you believe it no longer matters. Not true! We can treat and improve virtually any dental condition. Some conditions are even reversible, even in mature adults!

Frequently, dry mouth can affect older adults, often as a side effect of various medications (blood pressure, heart and antidepressant medicines are high on the list). Without proper management of dry mouth, including a proper diet, the teeth can deteriorate very rapidly and even require extraction.

Even though there are few limitations on how old you can be to receive restorative dental care, it is always best to act sooner rather than later.

Afford Your Care

Nothing should stand between you and a gorgeous, healthy smile. Old Town General Dentistry offers a variety of payment options to get you started on your journey to satisfaction right away. If you don’t see the information you are looking for, please feel free to call us directly. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Payment Policy

We offer a variety of payment options; including CASH, CHECK, DISCOVER, VISA, MASTER CARD, and AMERICAN EXPRESS.

If further payment options are needed, our helpful front office staff will be happy to help make arrangements for financing through Care Credit. Our goal is to make the payment process as accommodating and hassle-free as possible.

Dental Insurance

If you are covered by a dental insurance plan, as a courtesy to you, we will file your insurance forms with an assignment of benefits to our office. You will be responsible for your co-payment (and any deductible) when treatment is performed. We will contact your insurance company and do our best to obtain the most accurate estimate prior to your appointment.

Office Tour

Cosmetic Care

The beautiful smile you have always desired is just a few treatments away! No matter what you want for your smile, Old Town General Dentistry can help. Whether you want to whiten stained teeth or fix chips, cracks or gaps, Dr. Blair and his team can help you achieve your unique smile goals.

Tooth Whitening – At Home

Nothing boosts your self-esteem like a bright, white smile. Even if you love the shape and alignment of your teeth, the finishing touch for your smile could be a dentist directed home whitening treatment from Old Town General Dentistry. Your home kit will include prescription whitening gel and a tray for application. The tray will be custom designed by Dr. Blair for a perfect fit. In just a few short weeks, your safe, long-lasting whitening treatment will give you a dazzling white smile. Ask an Old Town General Dentistry team member to learn more about home whitening treatments, how they work, and what results you can expect.

Restorative Care

Everyone’s smile goes through wear and tear. If your smile is in need of rejuvenation due to injury, poor care, or any other reason, Dr. Blair and his team can help improve the look and function of your teeth with restorative treatments. Don’t wait! The Old Town Dentistry team can change your life through restorative care and help you get your old smile back!

Implants (restoration)

If you are missing one or multiple teeth, or suffering from ill-fitting dentures, Dr. Blair may have a great solution in dental implant restorations. Dental implants are unique in that their design closely resembles the form and function of a healthy, natural bite. By fusing to your existing bone structure, dental implants effectively mimic your teeth’s roots, creating a solid foundation for dental prostheses like dentures. Say goodbye to the perils of ill-fitting dentures, like difficulty speaking or chewing, and painful mouth sores. Ask Dr. Blair today if you are a candidate.

Partial Dentures

If you have several teeth missing and a dental bridge is not an option, Dr. Blair and his team may be able to solve your problem with a partial denture. This removable dental prosthesis will be custom designed and manufactured in Old Town General Dentistry’s in-house denture lab, so it will fit comfortably and blend in with any remaining teeth. Not only will your partial denture blend in to your natural smile, it will help prevent the many complications that can result from having larger gaps in your bite.

General

Prevention is the best defense against problems in your smile, just as it is in the rest of your body. By seeing your dentist regularly for evaluations and cleanings, as well as practicing excellent home care, you can stop oral health problems before they start. Make a regular visit to Old Town General Dentistry a part of your routine to keep your smile healthy.

Perio Therapy

Periodontal disease – the leading cause of adult tooth loss – affects half of all adults in some form, often undetected. While everyone should be aware of the dangers of periodontal disease and its common symptoms, it is easily prevented with proper hygiene, home care and professional treatment at a dental practice like Old Town General Dentistry. If Dr. Blair diagnoses you with periodontal disease while it is still in its early stages, your treatment will be much more effective. With this in mind, your regular visits to Old Town General Dentistry include a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gum tissue for signs of periodontal disease.

In the meantime, you should always keep watch for the following symptoms and signs:

• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Pus around teeth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is diagnosed in 41,000 Americans per year, leading to 12,500 deaths. Your dentist is the only health care provider in a position to routinely evaluate your oral health and potentially catch this devastating disease. As with all forms of cancer, early diagnosis is paramount. A patient who does not seek regular continuous care from a dental professional is putting their health at risk by delaying a diagnosis in the early stages of oral cancer. Old Town General Dentistry is dedicated to providing this potentially life-saving procedure for you.

We now offer the Identafi ® system, a revolutionary new medical device that uses multi-spectral light technology to detect changes in the cells of the mouth, throat, tongue and tonsils. Subtle changes in tissue color under different wavelengths of light can be a sign of oral cancer and other diseases.

Oral Cancer Statistics:

• Deaths due to oral cancer equal 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day
• Death rate is high not due to difficulty of diagnosis but due to late diagnosis
• 90% success rate if detected early
• Three times more common than cervical cancer

Night guard

Do you wake up with unexplained tooth damage? What about headaches? Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack and even break. To protect your smile from the damage of nighttime grinding, Dr. Blair recommends a night guard. This custom-fit appliance is worn while you sleep at night to protect your smile. Ask your Old Town General Dentistry team about having a night guard made for you.

Technology

Quality dental care and modern technology go hand in hand. Old Town General Dentistry’s brand new office offers advanced tools, techniques and procedures for your comfort and convenience.

Meet the Team

Updates coming soon!

MEET THE DOCTOR

Meet Jeffrey C. Blair, DMD

Dr. Jeff Blair is a long-time resident of the Verde Valley. Originally from Ogden, Utah, he graduated from Ogden High School, and then Weber State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Chemistry. Dr. Blair went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree (DMD) from the University of Louisville in Kentucky in 1989.

Following graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency with the U.S. Army at Ft. Carson, Colorado before serving three years as an Army Dental Officer in Buedingen, Germany, supporting the U.S. Cavalry during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following his time overseas, he began serving the Cottonwood community in private practice at Hilltop Dental Center for over 20 years before creating Old Town General Dentistry and building his new office at 542 North Main Street, moving there in September, 2015.

Away from the office, Dr. Blair is an award-winning photographer and licensed pilot. He also drives an old VW bus that he restored himself, abuses innocent accordions and pianos, and dabbles in astronomy, coin collecting, electronics, and woodworking. He also loves to get away to nature with his wife Debbie and his cameras whenever he has the opportunity. All of the photographs displayed on the walls of his office are his, and he printed and framed them all himself.

MEET THE TEAM