July 11, 2025
When Does Education Feel Like an Upsell? A Word on Our Treatment Philosophy
We hear it all the time: "I left my last dentist because I felt like I was constantly being upsold." And we get it. No one wants to feel like they’re being sold to, especially when it comes to their health.
At Epic, our goal is never to "sell" you on anything. Our job is to help you understand what’s going on in your mouth, how it connects to your overall health, and what your options are. From there, you decide what’s right for you.
So Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like Upselling?
Dentistry today can do so much more than just fix cavities and clean teeth. We’re continually learning more about how oral health connects to sleep, airway, jaw development, chronic pain, inflammation, and more. So when we talk with patients about things like sleep-disordered breathing, tongue posture, myofunctional therapy, or jaw alignment, it’s not because we’re trying to add on extra services—it’s because we’re seeing the bigger picture.
But we know that to someone who came in for a filling, hearing about airway or TMJ might feel like a curveball. That’s why we always try to explain why we’re mentioning something—and what your options are.
Our Promise: Transparency, Education, and Prioritization
Here’s how we approach treatment planning:
- We give you the full picture. It’s important for you to understand everything we observe—from the immediate issues to the underlying root causes that might affect your long-term wellbeing.
- We explain your options. There’s rarely just one path forward. We’ll walk through the possibilities with you—covering pros, cons, costs, and even referrals to other providers when that’s the best fit.
- We help you prioritize. We know budget, time, and personal goals all matter. If something can wait, we’ll tell you. If something needs attention now, we’ll explain why.
You’ll always get the full time reserved with Dr. Caulfield based on the appointment made at the time of booking. Our goal is to be thorough, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident in your care plan. If more time is needed to process options or talk things through, we’re happy to follow up or continue the conversation at your next visit.
We’re Here to Partner With You
At the end of the day, we’re here to collaborate, not to convince. We care deeply about helping you make informed choices that align with your goals, your timeline, and your health priorities.
If you ever have questions—whether you’re a new patient or have been with us for years—please know: our door (and inbox) is always open.
