HealthPark Dentistry

2009-08-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

Got Dentures?

Dr. Smith spent 3 days in July in Chicago at an implant conference on the diagnosis and treatment of patients who need implants. Dr. Misch, who presented the program through his institute, heads the implant department in 2 dental colleges. He is the primary advisor for one of the implant manufactures and presents many lectures around the world for dentists. The week before his presentation to our group, he was placing implants for the King of Qatar.
He began by stating the obvious; even with all our preventive efforts some people over 55 still lose one or more teeth. In fact, 30 million Americans have an upper denture and 20 million have a lower denture. The average person with upper and lower dentures sees a dentist once every 14 years. This is a mistake. In fact, in 2008 Americans spent $150 million on denture adhesive. Denture wearers should at least be seen every 2 years to check for
1. Oral cancer
2. Watch for loss of bone around teeth. When the teeth are lost, the bone will dissolve away. Fosamax and other biophosphonates can reduce bone density.
3. Look for gum problems
4. Evaluate the TM joint
5. Look for tooth wear, chewing ability, etc.

Implants have been the best approach to replacing missing teeth, stabilizing loose appliances, and preventing bone loss since 2004. When you lose your teeth and get dentures, several bad things happen.
1. You lose bone (10 times more the first year after the extraction)
2. Muscles atrophy and the skin in the lower ½ of the face sags.
3. With the loss of the bone supporting the dentures, the nose and chin come closer together, and wrinkle lines develop at the corners of the mouth and the chin sticks out. Someone with teeth can chew with a force of 100 – 150 pounds/square inch. A new complete denture wearer can exert 50 pounds/square inch, but after 15 years it’s only 6.

A reline every 3 – 5 years can stabilize the dentures and compensate for this bone loss to maintain chewing ability, as well as appearance. One study showed that poor-fitting dentures reduced chewing ability enough to stop eating most natural fruits, vegetables, etc., with most denture wearers eating only processed foods – and this reduced life expectancy 10 years.
Not only are implants great to help denture wearers, they have become the accepted best approach to replace one or more missing teeth for people who plan to have their natural teeth all their lives.

Charles C. Smith, DDS

2009-07-30T15:45:00.000-04:00

Insurance and your college-bound student

It’s that time of year – summer is almost over and your young adult is heading off to college. Along with getting them ready for dorm life, you need to be thinking about their dental insurance.

Insurance companies are very strict about covering your children that are over the age of 18. They require proof that your young adult is now in college so they will continue their coverage. Most insurance companies are satisfied with a copy of their full-time class schedule but some insurance companies require additional information. Your insurance company will send out a letter detailing what they require after each visit to the dentist.

You may want to keep on hand a copy of their class schedule so that you can easily respond to the insurance companies requests.

Jamie Nadalsky...Insurance Coordinator

2009-07-23T16:57:00.001-04:00

Dietary Practices for kids!!

Dietary practices appear to be established early. Probably by 12 months of age development of eating habits and childhood food preferences start and are maintained throughout early childhood.
High-risk dietary practices such as frequent bottle feeding or nursing at night, extended and repetitive use of a no-spill training cup (sippy cup) are associated with early childhood caries. Frequent consumption of between-meal snacks and beverages containing sugar (juice, milk, formula, soda) increases the risk of caries due to prolonged contact between sugars in the consumed food or liquid and bacteria on the teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended children 1-6 years of age consume no more than 4-6 ounces of fruit juice per day, from a cup (not a bottle or covered cup) and as part of a meal or snack.

Dr. Eeman Dajani...Pediatric Dentist

2009-07-09T11:41:00.002-04:00

BRACES

There’s more than one way to straighten teeth

Today, there are several different ways to straighten your teeth.

Standard metal braces are the easiest to work with and the least costly. The newer brackets are very small which makes appearance generally acceptable and more comfortable. The average treatment length is 20-28 months.

Ceramic braces work like metal braces. Even though the brackets are a little larger than the metal brackets, they are less visible. These are generally recommended for older teens and adults since breakage and discoloration can occur. The fee and treatment length is the same as the standard metal braces.

Gold braces are also very easy to work with. The newer brackets are very small which makes appearance generally acceptable and more comfortable. The average treatment length is 20-28 months. However, the fee is a little more than the metal braces.

Invisalign are thin, clear removable appliances. Since they are clear, appearance is terrific. They are very comfortable to wear and easy to remove to eat and clean. The treatment length is dependent upon patient cooperation. If you don’t wear them, you teeth won’t straighten. This is the most expensive approach.

Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Khan and he will help you decide which choice is best for you.

Amber Morrett-Secretary/Orthodontic Co ordinator

2009-05-14T13:09:00.002-04:00

Sealants...

During the months of June, July, and August we will be running a special on sealants. Sealants are usually recommended to patients that have deep grooves and pits on their molars. Sealants are not fillings, they are a material that is applied to the grooves and pits to prevent decay. For the summer months there will be a discount of $15 off 4 or more sealants.

Tara Bensman, RDH--Dental Hygienist

2009-04-23T10:45:00.002-04:00

We now carry professional strength whitening strips!!

These strips are very similar to over-the-counter whitening strips, however, these strips have two to three times the strength, making them only available from a dental professional. The strip kit comes with a ten day supply of upper and lower strips to be worn for one hour a day over ten consecutive days. The cost is $63 dollars which is a low price and yields great results. Try a free sample after your next regular cleaning and exam appointment.

Nikea Bowar RDH--Hygiene Team Leader

2009-03-23T13:23:00.001-04:00

Want a straighter smile?

What do braces do?
Your teeth should fit together without crowding, spacing or a poor bite. Braces can correct these problems that can be embarrassing and lead to muscle, joint and teeth problems.

When do we start braces?
Although the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be examined for braces beginning at 7 years of age, this does not mean that children will begin braces at that age. Only some bites require early intervention.

After an initial no fee exam with Dr. Khan, children that are not ready for braces will be placed on a recall system at 6-12 month intervals. Timing is everything to take advantage of growth spurts. One of the best indicators for the start of treatment is the loss of baby teeth. Each child enters this growth spurt at different times. Although many are ready at age 12, some lose their baby teeth early and are ready for braces by age 10.

Adults, too!
Braces may be started at any age. Today 25% of Dr. Khan’s orthodontic patients are adults. He often hears: “I never had a chance for braces when I was younger” or “I have never liked my teeth and I didn’t know that adults could wear braces”. Teeth are teeth and will move no matter what your age. Most people plan to have their natural teeth all their life. Why not have a great smile? An attractive smile is one of the rare bargains that you’ll use the rest of your life.

Amber Morrett, Orthodontic Coordinator

2009-02-04T15:32:00.000-05:00

Dental Insurance Can Change Without Warning

What if your dental insurance company left you with a $215 bill you never expected? This happened to a family that lives in Troy and we wanted to share their experience to help other families avoid the same problem. Mom brought in her 8 year old daughter for a regular checkup and we recommended that she return for 4 sealants, 1 filling and a growth & development xray. Total fee of $392. We estimated the insurance (Delta Dental) to cover most of this amount. Mom felt good about this estimate because her daughter had a sealant before and the same size filling as well (both 3 years before).

When the insurance paid, they paid on everything – but at such low amounts that Mom ended up with about $215 that she did not expect. For example, our fee for a sealant is $42. The Delta dental insurance policy reads that they will pay 85% for sealants. Mom expected that insurance would cover $36 ($42 x 85%). However, their top fee for a sealant is $15 – so they ended up paying only $13!

This is a very sneaky way of reducing benefits. Nothing in the policy let this family know that the dental benefits had changed. Nobody in HR told them of any changes. The percentages of coverage did not change. The only thing that changed was the Delta top fee they would pay for each procedure.

My normal response is to encourage the family to talk with their HR person. In this case, the company is a supplier to the auto industry and has reduced their employee size from 350 to only 50 people left. The Mom I was working with said that she didn’t even know if the HR person still worked there!

So, it sounded like a situation where the company was having financial troubles and one of their decisions was to reduce the dental insurance plan benefits. However they did this in a way that none of the employees knew about – and so this family ended up with a large bill they never expected.

The Mom and I came to an agreement – she is appealing the Delta Dental insurance payment and to help out, we adjusted off half her bill ($107 value). Part of the letter she has submitted to Delta reads that Delta “does not make adequate information available to the service provider to obtain an accurate estimate. This is a serious disservice to the subscriber and patient.”

So – if you have dental insurance and your company is having financial trouble, please ask for a pre-treatment estimate for ANY visit. We are happy to send these requests to your dental insurance company on your behalf, free of charge – and if we can help you avoid a nasty surprise, like owing an extra $215, we will do everything we can to help. In fact, if you are in management for a company that is struggling to maintain a dental benefit, please call me – I can help a company to maintain dental benefits, while saving the company money and avoiding nasty surprises to employees.

Hope this was helpful.

Jill Nesbitt, Office Manager 937-667-2417

2008-12-23T15:34:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

To all our friends, old and new – Our staff take great pride in each of you giving us the opportunity to serve you. This has been a great growing year for us. With your help, we plan next year to be even more exciting.
May God bless you and yours, now and in the years to come. Our best to you for a healthy, happy, prosperous holiday season and New Year!

Potpourri of holiday gifts picked out at several meetings and journals over the last several months just for you:
** A mother recently asked me my opinion of her son using smokeless tobacco. Smoking is an obnoxious health hazard. Snuff and chewing tobacco are being marketed as the “lesser of two evils.” NOT SO! Smokeless tobacco users are four times more likely to get cancer and also are more likely to develop increased blood pressure, gum disease and discolored teeth.
** Are you planning to start a daily exercise program as one of your New Year’s resolutions? The golden rule is never push yourself so hard that you can’t talk with someone throughout your exercise; and 15 minutes 4-5 times a week is enough to improve your fitness!
** Watch out for children’s chewable vitamins! Don’t leave them on the table where a child could reach them! An overdose could lead to shock and severe damage to the liver and digestive system.

Here’s a variety of ideas that I picked up at the American Dental Association’s annual national meeting in November of this year:

Ø Five years after you stop smoking you’re only half as likely to die of lung cancer as a current smoker.
Ø Gum disease can be transmitted by kissing. Before you step under the mistletoe make sure we’ve checked out your smoocher.
Ø Stained, chipped teeth? Bleaching, plastic bonding, and porcelain veneers can give you the smile you deserve! The annual meeting had lots of new ideas to help you improve your appearance.
Ø Northwestern Medical School found that four hugs a day can reduce your blood pressure and increase the oxygen content of your blood.

Be sure to use your insurance benefits effectively this year! After all, you earned them. If your policy is on a calendar year, benefits not used by December 31 will be lost forever!

It’s not the GIVING
It’s not the RECEIVING
IT’S THE LOVING!

Live, love, laugh! Good friends good times, good health, good cheer, and happy days throughout the year!
FOR ALL PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, AUNTS AND UNCLES

If you reward my “goods” with candy, somehow I’ll equate
My times of happy confidence, with something sweet I ate.
The sweets will become more important, than they really are.
For I’ll mix your approval with a chewy candy bar.
If you reward “good” with attention, make loving words a treat.
Then I’ll not start confusing love with something sweet to eat!

2008-11-13T13:11:00.001-05:00

Going GREEN!!

We’re going green! Just thought you might be interested to know that HealthPark Dentistry is joining in the green movement. First, we have been replacing light bulbs from the old style to the new compact fluorescent – as you probably know, these take less energy to work and they last longer. Second, we added a recycling dumpster to our property and are now recycling shredded paper and delivery boxes. Third, we started to turn off our computers every night – again, hopefully reducing our energy usage. We are feeling good about our efforts and welcome suggestions and ideas from other small businesses about how they are successfully going green!

2008-11-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

American Dental Association National Meeting

Six of us went to San Antonio for this four day meeting. I thought you’d be interested in some highlights we found while touring the three football fields’ worth of space for the vendors in the convention center.
Tom Brokaw, the television journalist, was the opening speaker. He told us to be ready for a long economic recovery where common sense, thrift, and investing in the future will be very important. He also said that no matter how you feel about the war in Iraq, be sure to honor our American volunteer soldiers who serve there.
Novamin (calcium sodium phosphosilicate) was introduced to remineralize teeth with decay. It also raises the pH of saliva to increase protection from decay. Within one year Novamin plus fluoride may take the place of prescription fluoride and save you $10-$12 per tube.
We purchased a laser for soft tissue surgery. This will make much of our minor surgery bloodless and painless. We’ve been watching these develop for 3-4 years, but finally the technology is ready.
We found a new company that will sell xylitol to you. This is the non-sugar sweetener that is almost as effective as fluoride to reduce decay. We’ll add it to the handout at our front desk.
There’s a new bone fill to pack the socket after an extraction. When the socket heals, the bone won’t wash away. This leaves more ridge to support an implant or denture.
Diabetes, the fastest growing U.S. disease, has twice the death rate of those who don’t have the disease. They are also twice as likely to have gum disease and bone loss. People with diabetes and gum disease and gum disease have an eight times higher risk of premature death. Controlling the gum disease helps control blood sugar level and reduces these odds.
J and J has a new ultra thin Reach type floss for those with very tight contacts.
Nikea, our team leader hygienist, scoured the exhibitors looking for the ideal tooth brush to hand out to you at recall cleaning visits. She found it!
I looked for non-latex gloves. More people are allergic to latex, so its time for us to remove as much latex from HealthPark as possible.
I looked at less expensive appliance to control sleep apnea and snoring, but I didn’t like them as much as the brand we’ve currently been using.
We’ll be switching to a new fluoride varnish that is clear and four times stronger that we’ve been using. These old fluoride trays you held in your mouth for four minutes are outmoded now.
P & G introduced the Pulsonic, a less expensive electric toothbrush. I like the Sonicare better (ease of use, ability to clean), although a hand toothbrush works for most people.
A new prescription fluoride toothpaste from Arm & Hammer that is four times as effective as the Prevident 5000 we currently recommend. The new paste contains Novamin that I discussed earlier.

2008-10-09T16:46:00.001-04:00

Do you have a hole in your pocket?

If you had a hole in your pocket, you'd want to fix it before you lost your wallet or your money, right? Surprisingly, however, many of our patients with dental insurance "lose" hundreds (or thousands) of dollars a year because they fail to use or maximize their insurance benefits before year's end (December 31st).
Once these benefits are gone, they are lost forever . . . they don't apply to the next year. These are benefits "someone" has paid for.
So, if you are due for an exam and cleaning or need additional dentistry done, please give us a call before the end of the year to schedule an appointment.
Sew up that hole in your pocket now, before it's too late!
Thinking about Implants?
Dr. Smith recently attended the national conference for the International Academy of Oral Implantologists. He learned about current trends and technology and several ideas to improve the implants we provide for our clients.
So, if you are thinking about implants, just call and we would be happy to schedule a conference for you to talk with our doctors about them.
New Preventive-Only Dental InsuranceIf your company does not offer dental benefits, you might be interested in a new dental insurance plan being offered by Dental Care Plus. This plan covers all preventive care - your two cleanings and exams per year plus x-rays and even sealants for the kids! All this at a cost of about $10/month. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get dental benefits, just ask to talk to Jill Nesbitt, Office Manager and she will answer your questions. Call us at 937-667-2417

2008-09-25T17:07:00.001-04:00

Oral Cancer

Approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with this largely preventable type of cancer that affects the mouth and /or part of the throat. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco, alcohol use, or both. Oral cancer can spread quickly. On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.
See a dentist or physician if any of the following symptoms lasts for more than two weeks:
A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat
A white or red patch in your mouth
A feeling that something is caught in your throat
Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving your jaw or tongue
Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

Sarah Trosell, EFDA & Assistant Team Leader

2008-08-21T08:43:00.001-04:00

X-Rays

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An x-ray (radiograph) examination may reveal:
1) Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
2) Infections in the bone
3) Periodontal (gum) disease
4) Abscesses or cysts
5) Developmental abnormalities
6) Some types of tumors

Sarah, EFDA

2008-07-07T10:20:00.001-04:00

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Research shows that pregnant women who develop gum disease are at an increased risk for delivering preterm or low-birth-weight babies. There is a strong relationship between oral health and overall general health. Good oral hygiene is an indicator of good health, which is why dental health care providers play such an important role in healthcare.

Sarah Trosell...EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2008-06-10T11:58:00.000-04:00

Dentures

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak – things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

Sarah Trosell-Assistant Team Leader/EFDA

2008-05-29T13:09:00.002-04:00

Benefits of Mulitple Specialists In One Convenient Location

Our multi specialty practice is convenient for many people. A client from out of state was able to get a periodontal opinion that she had been putting off. Complete life time treatment is achieved with the specialist when needed. Even amongst the dentists, they can get multiple professional opinions quickly and after consulting with the patient, decide the best treatment This is one of the ways Health Park is unique.

Patty Wilt...Hygienist

2008-05-29T13:01:00.001-04:00

Mouth Guards

Many sports that people play involve some sort of safety equipment. Weather it be knee pads, shoulder pads, shin guards or face masks, the goal is to keep your body protected. People take a lot of time and effort to protect themselves, but what about protecting your mouth? Weather you know it or not many injuries can happen to your mouth causing much pain and discomfort. Fixing sports injuries to the mouth can be very expensive as well as very time consuming depending on the injury. People can suffer from broken or cracked teeth. One of the most severe injuries you can suffer is a broken palate which can only be fixed with surgery. You may ask “well with all the things that can happen to your mouth what can you do to protect your self”? The answer is simple… wear a mouth guard! Mouth guards are simple and relatively inexpensive way to protect yourself. Mouth guards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth, injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw. They also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. The most effective mouth guard should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should also fit properly, be durable, easy to clean, and not restrict your speech or breathing.

Tara, Dental Hygienist

2008-04-08T14:50:00.001-04:00

How to get the most out of your dental insurance

Content:
You have to know the rules of insurance in order to maximize your benefits. Here are some questions to understand about how dental insurance works:

Doesn’t my dental insurance cover everything?Dental insurance isn’t really insurance (defined as a payment to cover the cost of a loss) at all. It actually is a benefit, typically provided by an employer, that helps employees pay for routine dental treatment. The employer decides on the plan based on the amount of the benefit and how much the premium costs per month. Benefit plans are only designed to cover a portion of the total cost of treatment.

But my plan says that my exams and certain other procedures are covered 100 percent.
The key question is 100% of what? This means 100% of the schedule of benefits your employer has chosen. Usually these schedules are less than the fees that dentists actually charge. For example, the insurance company’s schedule of benefits states it pays 100% for cleanings up to the schedule maximum of $50. However, dentists actual fee is $70. The insurance company pays you $50 for the cleaning, and you pay the other $20. This means the actual coverage was 71% not 100%. Welcome to the real world of dental insurance.

So, the dental insurance company sets the payment they pay per procedure, and that’s the UCR.
Many carriers refer to their allowed payments as UCR, which stands for “usual, customary, and
reasonable.” However, as is usually the case with insurance, this does not mean exactly what it seems to mean. UCR is actually a list of payments for treatment set by the insurance company. This payment is related to the cost of the premiums and the geographical area where you live.

Again, these payments are usually meant to help pay for dental treatment, not to cover the entire cost, so this payment is not the recommended fee for all dentists in your area to charge.

You should know:

Deductible $________________
How much you will pay out of pocket before your dental insurance pays for treatment.

Maximum $_______________
How much your plan pays per person, per year.

In-Network vs. Out of Network
Will your plan pay out of network benefits to non-member dentists? What is the difference in payments?

Pre-existing conditions clause?
Some insurance companies use this missing tooth clause as an excuse to deny coverage. If your tooth was missing before you received dental insurance, then they will not pay to replace it.

Waiting periods?
Some plans require a one year wait before they will pay for treatment. This guarantees they will make money on your premium without having to pay out benefits.

Products & Cosmetics not included.
All insurance plans deny payment for electric toothbrushes, adult prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, whitening, and crowns/veneers for appearance improvement only. (You can use your flex or .HSA for this.)

Alternative benefits clause?
To reduce their expenses, most insurance companies will only approve payment for the least expensive treatment option available, even though it’s not the choice you would like. For example, you might like a crown, but your plan will only pay for a large filling. Or you might like a tooth-colored filling and they will pay for silver.

Secondary dental insurance: non-duplication of benefits clause?
The secondary insurance company says the amount they would have paid already has been paid by the first primary insurance company – so they won’t pay anything. If you are in this situation, complain to your employer and consider dropping your secondary insurance.

Pre-Treatment Estimates (PTE)
If you want to know how much your insurance company will pay, then ask us to send a PTE for you. Your insurance will return a written EOB (Estimate of Benefits) showing the payment for each treatment. Insurance takes 2-4 weeks to process this for you. Watch out though, this PTE is not a guarantee, your insurance reserves the right to reduce or deny coverage anyway.

If you have more questions about your dental insurance plan, just give us a call – ask to talk to Jamie, our reigning insurance expert!

JiLL Nesbitt--MBA, Office Manager

2008-04-08T09:59:00.000-04:00

Periodontal Disease

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” which means inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that are infected. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infections actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Sarah Trosell--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2008-03-06T12:23:00.002-05:00

Cavities...

Your mouth is a busy place. Bacteria are tiny colonies of living organisms that are constantly on the move on your teeth, gums, lips, and tongue. Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. While some of the bacteria can be harmful, most are not and some are even helpful. It’s important to see your dentist before a cavity forms so that the plaque you can’t reach with your toothbrush or floss can be removed.

Sarah Trosell--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2008-02-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Dr. Pierson!!!

Congratulations to Dr. Pierson and his wife, Kandi. They are the proud new parents to a healthy baby boy. Benjamin Joseph came into the world on January 30, 2008. Ben weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz., and was 22 in long. We wish Dr. Pierson and Kandi the best as they embark on this new journey!

Nikea Bowar--Hygienist

2008-01-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

Fluoride

Fluoride is obtained in two forms: Topical and systemic.

Topical Fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth making them more decay resistant. Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouthrinses, and professionally applied fluoride therapies
Systemic fluorides are those that are ingested into the body and become incorporated into the forming tooth structures. Systemic fluoride can also give topical protection because fluoride is present in saliva, which continually bathes the teeth. Systemic fluorides include water fluoridation, or dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges.

Sarah Trosell...Assistant Team Leader

2008-01-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year

Start the new year out right! Get your complete exam from one of our dentists. A complete series of x-rays will be taken and a thorough comprehensive exam will be completed. This is recommended every 5 years to identify any problems before they get too big.

Patty Wilt RDH...Hygiene Team Leader

2008-01-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

Basic Brushing Guidlines

Choose a brush soft, polished bristles and round ends, comfortable in size and shape and allows you to reach every tooth. Hard bristles can injure your gums.
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the each tooth.
Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brush at least twice a day.

Sara Trosell...EFDA/Assistant Team Leader

2007-11-19T12:51:00.001-05:00

Insurance Benefits

As the year comes to an end, so do most insurance benefits. We can help you optimize your insurance benefits for any remaining dental treatment you'd like to complete before the year ends. Call us to discuss your options.

Patty Wilt--RDH, Hygiene Team Leader

2007-11-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

Choosing a Dentist?

When finding a potentially new dentist, you can ask to meet him or her to ask questions, discuss your concerns, fears, etc. Consider the following:

Is appointment schedule convenient?
Is the office easy to get to?
Does the office appear clean, neat and orderly?
Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
Was you medical and dental history recorded?
Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems?

Sarah Trosell...Assistant Team Leader

2007-11-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

A Holiday Smile ;)

Gearing up for the holidays? Don't forget your smile. Brighten your smile with take home or our in-office whitening system. To help out your budget, HealthPark is extending a discount for the holidays. Call today to reserve your appointment.

Patty Wilt...Hygienist Team Leader

2007-10-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

Peer Review

At least once a year we hold a peer review for our doctors, hygienists and assistants. During this process we critique the work of our employees. This allows us to have top notch training and quality of our staff. We utilize a grading system that educates our staff and doctors to identify strengths and weakness that may need improvements.

Brigitte Edwards...Secretary

2007-10-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

Dental Hygiene

Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a thorough job of cleaning your teeth. Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults. Look for the ADA seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irragators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.

Sara Trosell...Assistant Team Leader

2007-09-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

OSHA Visits HealthPark

We are not only about our clients, but also our staff. OSHA was recently invited to tour our office to see if we needed to improve on any safety issues. We hold the highest standards for our staff and our clients, so we feel comfortable having our office evaluated.

Patty Wilt, RDH--Hygiene Team Leader

2007-09-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

Treating Gum Disease With Local Antibiotics

Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic used in adjunct to scaling and root planing for treating periodontal pockets. Your gums wrap around the neck of your tooth creating a "pocket" or space between the tooth and the gum. In a healthy patient, this pocket should be 3-4 mm deep. For Arestin use, the periodontal pockets should be 5mm or deeper and exhibit active infection. This treatment can reduce harmful bacteria before infection spreads and periodontal disease worsens. In 2006, our report revealed that 65% of the patients who received Arestin as treatment had a reduction in pocket depth at their following recare visit.

Nikea Bowar, RDH

2007-09-06T15:19:00.000-04:00

Good Dental Health

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is simply about having a great smile. It is easy to forget that the health of your teeth, gums and mouth play a major role in your overall health and well-being. Visit your dentist regularly for your dental cleanings and check ups so that problems are addressed before they become emergencies.

Sarah Trosell...EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2007-08-06T13:15:00.000-04:00

Dental Appointments the Internet Way

Many people today are using the internet for all their needs--paying bills, sending mail, or planning vacations. Why not schedule your dental appointment? Well, that is what you can do if you are an existing patient and have an e-mail address. We can send you a reminder by e-mail letting you know that you are due for your cleaning. You just e-mail us a date and time that works best for you in your busy schedule. It's as easy as that! Plus as a bonus, after your appointment you will receive an e-mail from us asking how your appointment went. We are always looking for new ideas on improving our practice. You can even send responses as anonymous.

Bobbe Baker...Secretary

2007-08-06T11:38:00.000-04:00

Care to Share?

We are now giving out to our current patients "Care to Share Cards". They are for the friends and family of our patients or anyone they know that does not currently have a dentist. They give these new patients a discount on their initial exam with the doctor and the full series of X-rays. Usually a great savings of up to $60 off...How cool is that???

Rhonda Smith...Secretary

2007-08-02T17:11:00.000-04:00

What I've Learned as a Secretary

As a new secretary with the HealthPark Team, I have already learned so much about the importance of dental hygiene because our dentists’ and hygienists’ enthusiasm for helping our patients look and feel better is so inspiring. I make sure that I pass on all that I have learned about dental hygiene to my 4 nieces and nephews. For example, I recently bought them all new toothbrushes, Listerine and flossers. They spent the night over at my house one weekend, and we had a “dental hygiene” lesson, expressing to them the importance of taking good care of their smile. Every time they see me now, they smile really big and say, “Look at my pretty smile, Aunt Mindy!”. I know that what I have learned just being an employee here at HealthPark will be invaluable to myself and my nieces and nephews – and for that I say, “Thank you HealthPark!”

Mindy Blankenship-Secretary

2007-05-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

Contracts With Your Kids

When you bring your children to see the pediatric dentist, you will notice that we make deals (or contracts) with them. These contracts are about their dental hygiene at home such as brushing and flossing and letting their parents help them. We explain the importance of each aspect of oral hygiene so that the child understands when we make the deal with them. The best thing we can do is to teach the kids and their parents how to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Laura Woods--Pediatric Team

2007-05-21T12:01:00.000-04:00

Flossing...

Making flossing a part of your daily routine seems to be a challenge for some patients but it is acutally an easy habit to get into. Flossing can be done anytime throughout the day, not necessarily at the same time of brushing. Flossing can be done while watching your favorite television show, reading the newspaper, or after a snack. The most important part of flossing is to remove plaque and debris daily because the longer the plaque and debris remain between the teeth and around the gums, the higher the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis), bone loss (periodontal disease), and decay. Daily flossing reduces these risks significantly Find the time and get into the habit of flossing for a healthier mouth and a healthier you!

Nichole, Dental Hygienist

2007-05-10T16:50:00.000-04:00

Focus on Prevention

Adults who go longer than a year or two without a dental cleaning may need to start from the basics and figure out how they can get control of their oral hygiene. During a preventative care (PC) appointment, a hygienist will address your chief concerns. Brushing and flossing techniques will be reviewed as well as establishing a routine to incorporate into a daily habit. The benefits of using flouride will be discussed. Eating habits and sugar intake will show the relationship of sugar and decay. Diet suggestions and modifications will be recommended by the dentist. Daily oral hygiene lays the groundwork for a healthy smile!

Patty Scott--Dental Assistant

2007-05-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

Payment Arrangements

HealthPark has several options for payment plans so our clients can avoid collections. Our clients have an option of paying in full and if you use check or cash you get a 5% discount off your bill--if using credit card you get 3% discount. You also have the option of paying half to schedule your appointment and the other half due the day of treatment. HealthPark also offers patient financing that is 90 days or 6 months interest free.

Heather Larck--Secretary Team Leader

2007-04-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

Hygienists to Administer Local Anesthesia

At HealthPark, we strive to be the best of the best. The Ohio State Dental Board passed legislation allowing dental hygienists to give local anesthesia. Our entire hygiene department tooth the intense 4 day course and will sit for the North East Regional Board to be licensed. This is exciting times for dental hygiene.

Patty Wilt...RDH, Hygiene Team Leader

2007-02-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

Congratulations!

National Dental Assistants Week is March 5th-9th. Our office will be celebrating our dental assistant team and showing them how much we appreciate all of their hard work throughout the year. We plan to finish off the week by providing them with a special luncheon for them to enjoy!

Nikea Bowar...Dental Hygienist

2007-02-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

Can a Hygienist Administer Local Anesthetic?

Dental Hygienists in the state of Ohio can now administer local anesthesia upon completing certain requirements. This law falls under House Bill 143 and went into effect May 12, 2006. Hygienists in Ohio must take a continuing education course approved by the Ohio Dental Board. In addition, a pre-approved examination must be taken. Our hygienists are eager to start the process. This will enable our hygienists to administer local anesthesia for additional comfort during certain gum treatments and help appointments to run more smoothly.

Nikea Bowar....Dental Hygienist

2007-02-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

Which Whitening Option is Right for You?

HealthPark offers 3 options for whitening. Since I personally have tried all 3, I thought I would give my insight.

The first optionis our professional whitening strips. These are the least expensive of the options. Strips are left on your teeth for 30 minutes, and you get a one week supply.

The second, and most popular option is our take home whitening. You come in for a 30 minute appointment as we custom fit a tray for your teeth. One to two weeks later you return for your trays and an explanation of how to use the gel. They come in different concentration strengths to achieve the white smile that you desire. In approximately 2 weeks you will have a whiter and brighter smile!

The third option is the combination of the custom fitted trays and the "One Visit Whitening". You will see results of this procedure within 2 hours...which is a great plus. So, if you are the person who likes to see immediate results, this option would be for you.

Bobbe Baker...Secretarial Team

2007-02-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

American Academy of Dental Group Practices....Florida

Jill Nesbitt, Healthpark’s office manager and I recently returned from the American Academy of Dental Group Practices annual meeting held in Orlando. We didn’t get much of a tan since the meetings started at 7:30 a.m. included a working lunch and finished at 7:00 p.m., but we learned enough to not feel bad about missing the sun.

One day of the meeting was presented by the Disney Institute, (which gives 2 degrees – a “duck torette” and a “mouseters”). Listening to the “Disney Way” of service applied to dentistry was worth the whole trip. Here are some of the Disney “secrets”:

1. Keep a small town atmosphere of warmth and friendliness. From answering the phone with a smile to explaining your treatment clearly – including any treatment choices.
2. Clearly understand what people value that we provide. People don’t want fillings or crowns, they want the benefits our services provide (improved smile, no pain, improved chewing).
3. Our major task is to make our patients feel good while they receive our services. Laughing gas, caring/competent staff, movies, on time appointments, etc.
4. “Brand” Healthpark and then deliver this level of quality every time. We are known for our comprehensive range of treatments, flexible schedules (including evenings and weekends), the best technology and the finest/best trained staff.
5. We must provide exceptional services, not usually available. For us, that’s pretty easy. Our orthodontist (4 in the area), periodontist (only 2 of them), and children’s dentist (the only 1 in our 3 county area) certainly set us apart but then I.V. implants sedation, TMJ treatments and help with snoring are only a few of the extra services available.
6. It’s not what we can do for our patients; it’s what our patients believe we do for them. It’s our responsibility to get the message out to the communities we serve – and then we’ve to live up to that service reputation. Please check out our web site (http://www.healthparkdentistry.com/), our yellow page ad, and our other blogs.
7. We must help our patients understand the value of the services we provide. It’s not enough for our patients to know we have these services; they also need to know how valuable they are. For example, emergencies are seen within 2 hours of calling us during office hours and one of us dentists accept calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Also, our evening and weekend hours help our patients to come in without missing work.
8. Patients determine our value by the size and variety of problems we solve for them. We can take the fear out of dentistry. No one gets decay if the follow our recommendations.

Disney uses these approaches to reach 3 goals:
Set an example for others to follow.
Create relationships for life.
Spark excitement and enthusiasm in others.

Dr. C. Smith

2007-02-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

Save Money While Wearing Braces

HealthPark Dentistry has a wonderful program for out orthodontic patients. It is called our Care to Share program. With this, all new patients who begin treatment will be given 2 care to share cards at a time...for every patient they refer to us that begins treatment you receive 1 month payment free toward their braces. When you have given out both cards, just contact our office and we will send you 2 more cards. We currently have a patient who has not had to make 5 patyments because of his referals!

Rhonda Smith...Secretary Team

2007-02-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

Payment Arrangements Made Affordable

HealthPark Dentistry is in the business of providing the lates advances available in dentistry today. We take pride in our practice and develop a close relationship with all of our patients. We discuss treatment with each patient and give them options in dentistry when they are available. If you practice good oral hygiene at home and stick with your regular professional cleaning schedule, then if a problem should arise we can address it before it becomes a big issue. This also means less cost for the patient. We make sure that each patient is aware of the cost of their treatment. We have several different ways to help our patients afford their dental treatment, including dental financing through All Care. Many our our patients take advantage of this financing and say it is a great way to make their treatment more affordable.

ReneeEisenhour...Secretary Team

2007-01-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

Why Quit Smoking?

Quit smoking and you will begin to notice improvement in your life and body almost immediately. Within 2 days, your carbon monoxide level returns to normal and you will breathe easier. Your sense of smell and tast recover in a week, and your lung capacity improves in 6 months.

Sarah I--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2006-11-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

The Team Leader Trip to Las Vegas

My first trip to the American Dental Association (ADA) meeting was very informative. There were several thousand vendors with information on new products and better services. Sorting though the maze of endless advertisments was no easy task. Alot of hard work and organization goes into attending the ADA, but definitely a worthwhile and career building experience.

Sarah Iglai...Assistant Team Leader, EFDA

2006-10-16T14:09:00.000-04:00

Staffing Update

All things change and we are not exempt from changes. Our staff is changing. We go through an elaborate process to find the right person for our team. It must be a good fit. After receiving resumes, each individual is called for a telephone interview. If we think it might work, they are scheduled for a 1/2 hour interview. At this time a series of questions are asked and candidates' questions are answered. Next, the candidate is scheduled for a 1/2 day observation. During the observation it is to their advantage to talk to everyone they can. All employees vote on who will be added to our team. It is a painstaking process but worth it to keep top employees for our exceptional practice.

Patty Wilt--Hygiene Team Leader

2006-10-10T12:14:00.000-04:00

Nervous when visiting the dentist?

Nitrous Oxide can help. It alows you to feel relaxed and comfortable while undergoing dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is completely safe and reliable. It is a mixture of pure oxygen and a mild relaxant inhaled through a comforable mask that sits over your nose. At the end of the dental appointment, the nitrous is turned off, and you leave the office feeling rested.

Sara Iglai--Assistant Team Leader

2006-09-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

Prefer To Contact Us By Email?

Email is a great communication tool. It can allow you to communicate back and forth with your doctor, even after hours. If you need a dental cleaning, you can email us to let us know, and we can schedule it and respond back to you without having to play phone tag. You will get a reminder when you are due for a cleaning and will also be confirmed for all your appointments through email. Email is definitely a bonus for those of use with busy schedules!

Heather Lark--Secretary Team Leader

2006-09-19T10:07:00.000-04:00

What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use?

We always recommend that our patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Anything harder is detrimental to the health of the oral cavity. Firm bristles may cause trauma to the roots of the teeth or the gum tissue and may cause recession. Early development of plaque and bacteria on the teeth is soft and does not require firm bristles to be thoroughly removed.

Nikea Bowar--Dental Hygienist

2006-09-13T15:17:00.000-04:00

Repairing Small Chips in Front Teeth

When making small changes to natural tooth structure, compostite resin in often the material of choice. Today's composites provide us wtih excellent esthetics because of the shading, opacity, and transluceny they possess. The strength and durability of current composite resins predict a long life for these type of restorations.

Sarah I--EFDA Dental Assistant Team Leader

2006-08-06T21:17:00.000-04:00

Burning Mouth Syndrome

This is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by altered sensation that may affect any area of the mouth, but most often is localized to the lips, roof of the mouth and tongue. While a burning sensation is the most common complaint, changes in taste and texture sensation are also reported.

Sarah Iglai--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2006-07-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

Crowns

The Captek Crown used at HealthPark are significantly improved from older cast metal restorations. These crowns have reduced inflammation and overall improved gum health.

Sarah I--Assistant Team Leader

2006-06-01T14:54:00.000-04:00

The Effect of Not Showing or Cancelling at the Last Minute

Like all healthcare offices, we are here to help people. It takes many people in all areas of the practice to do this. At Healthpark we are are available evening and weekend hours to accommodate our client's busy lifestyles. We will always see an emergency or a patient in pain the same day, and usually within 1-2 hours to get them out of pain.

Each monthly we send out reminder cards for patients who have been recommended 6 month cleanings in an effort to get them into the office in a timely manner. However, when people do not show up or call to cancel less than 24 hours in advance, it reduces the chance that we can contact another patient so that someone may benefit from our services . This now becomes lost time for another patient.

We understand with todays busy lifestyles, things will always occur at the last minute. It is always best, however, if clients could try to call at least 24 hours before their scheduled appointment to inform us that they will be unable to make it. This open communication allows us to contact other patients that could benefit from the new open time in the schedule, helps keep our staff productive, and keeps overall dental costs down.

Rhonda Smith--Secretary

2006-05-04T08:47:00.000-04:00

The Pediatric Dentist’s Guide to Healthy Snacks

Three out of ten children have cavities by the age of three. Nutrition plays a major role in the creation of cavities. There are three essential elements to cavities. There must be a tooth, the bacteria that causes cavities, and a sugary substance to feed the bacteria. Without that sugar, the cavity cannot and will not form.

Frequency is a factor in causing cavities as well. The more frequently your child has something sweet, the more likely he/she will get a cavity. The less they snack between meals, the better. The reality is that most children snack between meals. There are “good” snacks and “bad” snacks. “Good” snacks can usually be found in the refrigerator. These include cheese, yogurt, fresh fruits, and vegetables. “Bad” snacks are often found in the pantry like pretzels, crackers, chips, fruit snacks, raisins, and candy. Most parents fail to realize that pretzels and crackers are not good for teeth. These snacks are high in carbohydrates. Those carbs turn into sugar and then the sugar feeds the bacteria that cause the cavities. Other snacks that can be deceiving are raisins and fruit snacks. They are also high in cards, stay on the teeth longer, and tend to cause cavities.

Gatorade, soda, sports drinks, and juices tend to cause cavities as well. All of these are very high in sugars and acid. Both will eat away at the teeth. If the children like that sweet flavor, you can use a flavored water. Water with fluoride is the best (bottled or tap). So, when it is your turn to bring snacks after the game, bottled water, string cheese and yogurt are some great hits for the teeth.

Dr. John Gennantonio--Pediatric Dentist

2006-05-04T08:40:00.000-04:00

Bad Breath

There are several causes of bad breath: Spicy foods, dry mouth, smoking, periodontal disease and some medical conditions. Bad breath is caused by sulfur producing bacteria. It can ben reduced, and sometimes eliminated by daily flossing, throughly brushing the teeth, top of the tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth. You may even achieve greater reduction in bad breath by adding an antibacterial mouth rinse to your daily oral hygiene and getting regular professional dental cleanings.

Susie Dibo-Ngalle--Dental Hygienist

2006-04-03T16:18:00.000-04:00

Laser Cavity Finder

At HealthPark Dentistry we use a new technology that seeks hidden decay. The DIAGNODENT scans your teeth with a harmless laser light for early detection of cavities. This new technology is completely safe and pain free.

Sarah I--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2006-04-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

Juice Decay

Juice decay is an increasing problem in the community. A very concerned mother was in the office last week with her 3-year-old daughter. The child was having lots of pain with her teeth. We had diagnosed 10 cavities and her mother couldn’t understand how the cavities occurred.

I explained to her that fruit juice contains large amounts of sugars. Overexposing teeth to these sugars from fruit juices can often causes cavities just like Sprite, Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew would. Most pediatricians recommend limiting juice to 4-6 ounces per day. We recommend offering juice at meal times and then brushing afterwards.

Never allow your child to sip juice throughout the day and never put him/her to bed with juice or milk in a “sippy cup.”

Moderate amounts of 100% fruit juice can be a tasty way to meet some of your child’s daily fruit requirements. But too much juice can lead to tooth decay, diarrhea and even obesity in some cases.

Dr. John Gennantonio

2006-03-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

Dental Stains

Extrinsic stain is a problem for many adults and even children in some cases. This stain build up can vary in color from yellow to shades of brown to black. Some of the big offenders for stain are coffee, tea, tobacco, and wines. Extrinsic stain can also be caused by the reed from wind instruments and chlorine from swimming with your mouth open.

The best way to prevent these stains is to decide what's causing them and avoid it. The next best thing is to brush your teeth after coming in contact with the staining agent. You should brush thoroughly while concentrating on the backs of the front teeth. If you are unable to brush afterwards, at least swish with water really well. Also, make sure you schedule your recommended recare appointments so that your hygienist can periodically help you remove these stains.

Nikea Bowar-RDH

2006-03-16T23:31:00.001-05:00

Group Practice Meeting

Jill Nesbit, our office manager and I just returned from a 3 day national meeting for dental group practices. Although we were in sunny California (80 degrees every day and sunny), we worked too hard to really appreciate it.
We started every day in the vendor hall with breakfast at 7:30 am. The presentations started at 8:30 am and finished at 12:00 noon. Lunch was either a meeting or more time with vendors. 2:00-5:00 pm was more presentations. Then-- you guessed it--5:00 pm-7:00 pm was dinner with the vendors to learn more about their prducts/equipment/services.
Since Ohio is 3 hours later than California, 7:00 pm in California is 10:00 pm. So back to our rooms, clean up , go to bed and get ready for our next day.
The meeting was excellent. Jill was electedas the president-elect of the group manager's association and she ran their luncheon and 1/2 day of the education seminars. My name was placed in nomination to becomea member of the Academy's governing board. The number of dentists in group practice has almost doubled in less than 10 years.
The speakers focused on making a patient's visit smoother and more trouble free. Scheduling, financing, helping staff (And docs) listen better and make your visit as comfortable as possible. One lecture was on the future of technology in dentistry. We already apply about 80% of his significant ideas. More and more computers are the key to the future of dentistry. I was amazed that only 20% of dentists have digital x-rays, and 30% of the dental offices have computers in the operatories. This is the key to speedy, accurate treatment. Another presentationwas a company that surveys patients medicine and dentistry all over the U.S. He told us about the trendsin what patients want in dentistry and how we could help provide it.
While the lectures were helpful, there were 50-60 vendors selling the newest equipment, supplies, and services to us. This meeting is Jill and my most favorite of all the meetings we attend every year. There were only 200-250 dentists and office managers present, so we could have long, in depth discussions with the vendors. All the other conferences, there are so many attendees and vendors that you just walk by the vendor's booths. Five minutes is a long visit. At this meeting, Jill and I might have a meal with a vendor and talk with him in depth for a 1/2 hour. I'm always amazed at how much i can learn in this unhurried atmosphere.
As always, Jill and I will spend next month calling our contacts, placing orders, and implementing all the ideas we learned.
We'll make HealthPark a better place for you!

Jill Nesbitt, and Dr. Smith

2006-03-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

When a nerve in a tooth is injured by a blow to the tooth or decay, bacteria can set up an infection in the space in the center of the tooth (the pulp). When this happens, you have 2 options: 1) a root canal, or 2) extract the tooth.

Sarah I--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2006-02-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

Saturday Morning...

WOW!! I worked Saturday morning and I hardly had time to breathe. I had one set of appointments for me, and one set for my top assistant Sarah (who is college trained and certified to place fillings) and one set of appointments for Patty my hygienist and her assistant Jessica. Usually we'd have a cleaning/sterilization assistant alos, but our high school student decided to move from the treatment area to the front desk.

This is a fairly large staff, but we had seven emergencies that swamped us. I've always practiced with two rules:
1. Emergencies need to be seen within 2 hours of when they call
2. We see our clients within 5-10 minutes of their appointed time at the worst--and most of the time we should be on time. It's rude to make people wait.

Most dentists don't want to ruin part of their weekend by working Saturday morning, but at HealthPark, we realize that it's hard for lots of working couples to make appointments during 8-5 hours. I've had Saturday hours for 35 years and I've been glad to make dentistry more convenient for our clients.

Anyway, seven emergencies sank us and we ran almost a 1/2 hour behind. As hard as my whole staff worked, my clients that had appointments never complained. I love the Tipp/Troy area. The clients understand we were doing our best to care for them as well as all of the unscheduled people in pain. No one complained, and everyone got the treatment they needed.

Chuck Smith, DDS

2006-02-01T23:51:00.000-05:00

Did you know...Women averaged 34 nerve fibers per square centimeter of facial skin, while men only averaged 1 ! This actually indicates, that when it comes to toothaches, a woman's pain tolerance is physically less than a mans!!

Sara I...Assistant Team Leader

2006-01-25T21:15:00.000-05:00

Bridal Gala

The Bridal Gala is open to any bride-to-be. HealthPark set up a station and offered a free smile evaluation with one of our outstanding dentists and receive oral-B whitening strips. Everyone was able to enter our door prize drawing for a free whitening. We also offered an exam and a full set of x-rays and personal consultation to any new patient. Nearly 170 people stopped by our station. We had a great time!

Heather L--Secretary Team Leader

2006-01-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

Meet Our Hygiene Team

Patty is our hygiene Team Leader and has been in dentistry nearly all her life--her father is a retired dentist. She also has taught dental hygiene courses at Sinclair Community College and The University of Southern California. Her passions are non-surgical periodontal (gum) therapy and helping patients stay healthy.

Nikea is Patty's right hand, and is always there to lend a helping hand. Nikea has practically grown up at HealthPark since she began her career while in highschool and has blossomed into an awesome hygienist with high standards. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.

Susie brings a sense of flair to our team. She has two years of dental school in Germany and community service is just one of her strong points. Giving back to the community is a principle she holds close to her heart. With her background she is a fountain of knowledge.

-Patty W. RDH, Team Leader

2006-01-04T19:54:00.000-05:00

Did You Know...An athlete is 70 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard?

Sarah I--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2005-12-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

The HealthPark Dentists (clockwise): Dr. John Gennantonio (Pediatric Dentist), Dr. Charles Smith (Family Dentistry), Dr. Hady Saleh (Family Dentistry), Dr. Madiha Basit (Family Dentistry).

Other dentist in the office include: Dr. Jody Wright (Pediatric Dentist), Dr. Stuart Duchon (Orthodontist), Dr. Karl Spyridon (Implantologist), Dr. Rupa Hamal (Periodontist)

2005-11-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

What a great site!