Gary Latham, DDS

I know I have said this before but all dentists and dental offices are not "created equal" . It takes great attention to detail to create an environment that is safe for our patients and their families . This photo is an example of just a few of the steps we take to protect our patients from cross contamination . At the top is the new suction tips with anti back flow built in , below that is the old type ( no anti back flow ) . Next in the photo is the new extended prophy... angles with new motors. Below that is the old type ( short, with no barrier ). This newer prophy angle also protects our patients from cross contamination. To the left is the sterilization straws that go into our independent water source bottles in room . These make sure what is sprayed in your mouth is bacteria free . These steps add time and cost to your care but they are NOT optional !! It is now state law that you and your family be protected in this way . As a consumer you have every right to ask your dentist if they are taking these steps to protect you and your family . If you do not feel comfortable with the answer you are given then maybe it is time for a change . Our office is always accepting new patients and we would be happy to see your friends and family in our office where we adhere to the highest standards in patient's care ! PLEASE , share this with all your Facebook friends See more

I hope this posting finds you all well . On Sunday March 15 at 10:00 pm the California Dental Association sent an email to all its member dentists advising us to close our offices until further notice . Our directive is for us to only see patients with LIFE THREATENING dental conditions. As inconvenient as that is we just need to all get through this together. I do not believe any of us could have predict that SIX WEEKS LATER that we would still be waiting for that all cle...ar to reopen . At this point I hope we have the green light to reopen by June . As difficult this closure is on you (our patients) , our employees , and Rose and me it truly is the right decision. What we face in Covid 19 will change the way we approach even the most simple visit to our office not just on a temporary basis but forever . The California Dental Association is working diligently to establish entire systems for us to follow in making sure we have strict guidelines to observe to keep us all as safe as possible. That takes time and a great deal of effort to gather all the PPEs and equipment necessary to reopen . Almost all and any available PPEs are rightfully being given to our first line defenders in this terrible pandemic . I have heard disturbing rumors that some dental offices are choosing to reopen in spite of the mandated closure by our CDA and California DH . I cannot emphasize , at this point with the lack of proper PPEs and guidelines in place , how irresponsible and dangerous that is . Think about what transpires in a dental office with each and every interaction we have with our patients.One Covid positive patient could be the starting point of transmission for countless others if the office is not properly equipped and educated to handle our new normal of delivering your dental care . In the name of protecting all of your friends and family I hope you share this posting to keep them safe and out of any dental offices that are considering reopening before we have approval to do so . Thank you to ALL of our patients for understanding and waiting for us to come back and serve your dental needs with safety and responsibility. PLEASE stay safe and thank you again for your patience and loyalty. Gary Latham See more

Giving back a little This Thanksgiving.

I know I have said this before but all dentists and dental offices are not "created equal" . It takes great attention to detail to create an environment that is safe for our patients and their families . This photo is an example of just a few of the steps we take to protect our patients from cross contamination . At the top is the new suction tips with anti back flow built in , below that is the old type ( no anti back flow ) . Next in the photo is the new extended prophy... angles with new motors. Below that is the old type ( short, with no barrier ). This newer prophy angle also protects our patients from cross contamination. To the left is the sterilization straws that go into our independent water source bottles in room . These make sure what is sprayed in your mouth is bacteria free . These steps add time and cost to your care but they are NOT optional !! It is now state law that you and your family be protected in this way . As a consumer you have every right to ask your dentist if they are taking these steps to protect you and your family . If you do not feel comfortable with the answer you are given then maybe it is time for a change . Our office is always accepting new patients and we would be happy to see your friends and family in our office where we adhere to the highest standards in patient's care ! PLEASE , share this with all your Facebook friends See more

Ok .. here is the before of the new crown I posted yesterday.She was HAPPY with the result

Can you tell which one of these four teeth is her new crown? I say no and that’s the point . Matching one front crown to natural teeth is a very real challenge for me and my lab . I think we both did an excellent job . This patient was thrilled with the result . Tomorrow I’ll post the before so you can see why . ( and also see which is the crown .)

Well , this shows we are human too ! Brush and floss . Christmas thank you ‘s from our specialist friends . Not shown ( as in gone ) one dozen cupcakes from Dr . Fraser’s office , What’s left of JW Rosen’s cheese cake from Dr.s Simonds and Uemura, bundt cake from Dr. Steigerwald and last but not least ... 5 lb of See’s candy from Dr. Tiernan . Thank you all for making me just a little more round than I already was

It’s always a special day when you can give someone a smile they have been waiting their whole life for ! This patient is 70 and always had something removable. Today these stay in for good ! This is a 5 tooth implant bridge .

It’s always a great day when you can make someone this happy !!

Before /After . Patient was SOOO HAPPY! It makes us happy to do this for our patients!

Difficult but we carry on . I am amazed at how our patients that have lost almost everything continue to call and make appointments to see us. In a way I guess we bring stability to their lives that have been so disrupted.These are cases we just finished last week.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone but especially with our patients who have lost their homes during the horrific events of the last few weeks. At this point in time we have 32 families that have suffered that very loss . We can only imagine the grief and pain that they are feeling but we would be doing them a great injustice to say that we understand , because we cannot . We did not suffer the loss of years of memories and traditions in the blink of an eye . But we will be here to listen , and support you all. Respectfully , Gary Latham