Why We Do What We Do

I recently had the honor of having a really nice article written about my office and published in the November issue of the Wenatchee Valley Business World. Anytime something is written for publication there is always the wonder of will they get it right? Will my words be changed?, or will they get what I am trying to say?

After reading the article I sat back and took a moment to reflect on it. I was actually pretty amazed. It summed up for me what I have worked so hard all these years to create: a business with a heart for giving and innovation.

I love children. I love they way they laugh, the joy they bring into the room, their smiles. They have given me more belly laughs in the last fourteen years than I can count. I can never repay the gifts they have given me. So I say thank you to all of you who have supported me, and the wonderful team at Children’s Dentistry of Wenatchee. It was really nice to see that it is understood ……..why we do what we do……..

Make Work Play

Fun is contagious. You learn that from children. One giggles and laughs and it has a ripple effect on the other kids and pretty soon EVERYONE is laughing. One of our Core Values is: Make Work Play. Work is work and takes up a lot of our lives, but work and play don’t have to be mutually exclusive. If you are having fun and creating positive moments, it’s not so much like work – it’s more like play. Play allows you to find pockets of joy in the day. It also brings out a sense of fun and creativity. Our fun and positivity spill over to our patients and parents. We often hear, “You ladies have a lot of fun here” or “I wish my office was like this.”

I’m really thankful to have a supportive staff who, even on hard days, manage to laugh and smile. I’m also appreciative of the fact that my patients make me laugh out loud on a daily basis by something they say, do, or just by being themselves.

Who wants to look forward to full time drudgery? We sure don’t and neither should you. Today is Wacky Wednesday Costume Day at the office and as you can see by the photos we are “Making Work Play” in an over the top way with Halloween coming up. I encourage you bring some “play” to your day. Start with a Smile.

Dr. Cara

Hygienist's Role

What is the role of the dental hygienist in a children’s dental office?

Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals focusing on preventative oral health. Traditionally the role of the dental hygienist is to evaluate and gather information about each patient through x-rays and exams. Next, it usually involves a plan for treating any periodontal (gum and bone) condition, by cleaning the teeth and helping the patient maintain good oral habits. The hygienist’s most important role is patient education, teaching patients and parents how to prevent cavities and other dental diseases.

In many children’s dental offices the hygienist is often counted on to help out with restorative procedures. This usually includes giving local anesthetic and placing fillings. One difference between an adult and children’s practice is the hygienist may be more involved with the restorative treatment of children. This varies based on the state, but hygienists in Washington are trained in expanded duties.

Becoming a hygienist requires about 4 years of school, including 2 years in dental hygiene school. In Washington State, additional training is given beyond the scope of traditional dental hygiene. Hygienists are taught how to administer local anesthesia and to place and carve restorations (fillings). Clinical and written board examinations are required to demonstrate competency in these areas.

At Children’s Dentistry of Wenatchee the hygienist spends a good portion of the day administering anesthesia for patients and placing the fillings after Dr. Cara has prepared a tooth for restoration. Your child will typically get a “hygiene check” during a cleaning visit to scale off any calculus (a.k.a. tartar) as well as get oral health recommendations. During this time the hygienist will evaluate each child’s mouth for areas that need improvement, and always make sure to praise good work. The assistants are very involved in patient education and checkups. Working closely with the assistants to make sure that each child has an enjoyable experience is key to the success of your child’s visit.

Above all else the hygienist is a coach helping to instill lifelong healthy habits. By connecting with children at a young age dental problems cannot only be treated, but kids will be given knowledge as a preventative tool. Hygienists are a great resource on oral health. So bring your smile and questions to your next visit!

Morgan

Related articles

• The American Dental Hygienists' Association Emphasizes Making Time for Good Oral Health This National Dental Hygiene Month (prnewswire.com)

Dark Tooth

One of my toddlers teeth is changing color, is the tooth dead?

No, the tooth isn’t dead. Parents often express concern because one of their toddler’s teeth has darkened in color. It is a very common thing to see a dark baby tooth because kids are bumping their teeth all the time. That is why they call them toddlers! The color change generally happens two to three weeks after an accident. It's usually a grayish color, sometimes turning almost black and even often lightening back up. Whether the tooth turns dark or not doesn't always depend on the severity of the injury. If it doesn't turn dark after a month, generally you won't have any further problems. It will likely lighten back up. If it doesn't, there still may be no treatment needed other than observation.

If your child does have an accident and bumps their tooth it is always a good idea to have it checked by your dentist rather than waiting for a color change to occur. By doing so, even if nothing is wrong at the time your dentist will have a baseline to go from if the health of the tooth changes in the future. Rarely, a baby tooth that has been traumatized will abscess and need removal. The primary concern is the protection of the health of the developing permanent tooth and not allowing any infection to spread.

To Seal or Not to Seal?

My dentist suggested sealants on my child’s teeth. What are they & are they really necessary?

Great question! As a mom and dentist I believe that all options that will help prevent cavities are worth learning more about. The chewing surface of your child’s permanent teeth are covered with deep grooves (referred to as pits and fissures). Food particles accumulate in these grooves, come in contact with bacteria and lactic acid is released. This lactic acid destroys tooth enamel which leads to cavities.

A sealant is a protective coating between the lactic acids and the tooth enamel.
Sealants themselves are a polymer resin brushed on the chewing surface of your child’s teeth. They are bonded to the surface of teeth with an ultra violet light. Sealants are preventive dentistry for the biting surfaces of teeth. They are painless and easy to apply.

Are sealants necessary? Let me put it this way. Removing an appendix is necessary. Sealants are a choice. However, I strongly I they are a benefit. I chose to place them on all four of my own children’s teeth. I have seen too many unprotected teeth come in without sealants and in place are big cavities!