Summer Newsletter 2010
"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."~ Russel Baker
OFFICE AND STAFF NEWS!
We would like to thank parents and patients for referrals, compliments and feedback we receive. It is important to us that our services are appreciated. The biggest compliment you can pay us is byrecommending us to others. Thank you!
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Moses Mwaura, a six-year-old boy from an economically depressed part of Nairobi, Kenya came to Minnesota in March to undergo eye surgery, courtesy of Rotarians and other generous donors. Moses is the face of Rotary’s “Safe Water Plus” projects. We were privileged to meet him and provide his dental care needs. We hope that he will continue to thrive with the opportunities provided to him through Rotary District 5950’s work. For the full story, go to: http://www.metromag.com/0p174a4194/the-moses-miracle/
We are going digital! Our staff will be available to help and guide you through changes that will include patient registration procedures.
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As our service to the community, Elissa Utes, RDH runs our ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM for schools and day care centers. If you would like her to come and speak to an audience of children, please let us know.
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Melissa “Missy” Herron , LDA, has a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Karina Leyana Bryant, born on July 14th, 2010. WELCOME TO OUR WORLD KARINA!
Welcome to Crystal Whiteaker. Crystal is a Licensed Dental Assistant, and a 2010 graduate of the Century College. She has volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission, “Give Kids a Smile” and mentors for aspiring dental assistants. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing volleyball, and exploring recipes and restaurants. Crystal brings exemplary professionalism and excellent care to our patients.
WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE CRYSTAL!
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Our office administrator Kay Khokhlova, became engaged on February 22, 2010. CONGRATULATIONS KAY!
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CONGRATULATIONS to Irina Raskin RDH, Communications Coordinator, who started the Argosy MBA program last year. We continue to benefit from Irina’s unique expertise in our business office.
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PATIENT HIGHLIGHTS
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Alena Z, our soccer star, plays forward on the Shakopee Sabers. They only lost one game this entire season, won district playoffs, and placed second in the state tournament. They also took part in the Schwann’s Cup tournament which included international teams! WAY TO GO, Alena!
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We would like to congratulate Bailey S. on winning the best tooth fairy costume for her age group at the Mall of America’s Tooth Fairy Day. GREAT JOB BAILEY!
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A TRIP TO AFRICA!
During June, Sydney A, and ten other classmates traveled to Africa. They stayed in Nairobi, Kenya and learned a little Swahili, the national language. After some sight-seeing in the city, Sydney’s group traveled by truck to Naivasha, destination “Light of Hope”, an all-girl’s school and orphanage. Most of the girls have a history of abuse or abandonment and range from 4 to 17 years old. There are 45 students of which 35 reside at the school. At Light of Hope, the girls have a second chance and an education with hopes for a bright future.
Sydney and her team took donated sports equipment, clothes, and books for the girls and spent time reading with the girls. They taught them about cross-cultural friendships and what it means to be a strong woman. They read all the girls a book about Prof. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, activist, environmentalist and American-educated native of Kenya. The girls planted 200 baby trees around the property of Light of Hope. After the tree planting, everyone gathered for a special meeting where the girls preformed a dance and thanked the students of Blake for coming to Light of Hope. The parting was bitter sweet and no one wanted to leave. There were tears shed but the trip was fun-filled and unforgettable.
The group had time to do “safaris” at Lake Nakuru and then to the famous Masai Mara.
Sydney and her classmates realize how much of a difference just a few people can make on someone’s life. Just playing with the girls and spending time with them was huge in their eyes. All of the students on the trip plan to keep in touch with the girls at Light of Hope and will hopefully go back one day.
“What an impressive group of girls. WE ARE SO PROUD OF SYDNEY. She and her classmates provided an invaluable experience for the girls at the orphanage. They were indeed a Light of Hope. Dr. Angela Wandera
EDUCATION CORNER
Care for Tooth Trauma
Trauma to the teeth is one of the most common dental emergencies, especially in the summer with increased activity with all children! The following information is provided to help you deal with such emergencies.
Primary (Baby) Teeth
Trauma to the front baby teeth can include loss of a tooth, fracturing a tooth, and loosening of the tooth. If a primary (baby) tooth is lost or knocked out, it should not be put back into the mouth. Under this primary tooth is a developing permanent tooth that can be damaged if the primary tooth is re-implanted. This type of emergency is best handled by a dentist.
A blow to the tooth that causes a fracture is another emergency that needs dental attention. The dentist will determine if there has been any damage to the nerve and can also replace any fractured part with dental materials.
A simple blow to a primary tooth occurs frequently, often without the parent’s knowledge. Frequently, this is followed with discoloration of the tooth. The tooth may turn grey, yellow, or pink. Discoloration does not indicate the tooth is dead or that it has to be removed. Well over 75% of discolored primary teeth will survive. Some even return to their normal color. Discolored teeth should be observed and can be checked at the child’s normal dental health care visit.
After any trauma to a child’s tooth the parent should expect some soreness. The child often avoids using the tooth preferring softer foods for several days. However, if this behavior lingers for more than a week, the area should be checked by your dentist. If any tooth develops a “pimple” on the gum or hurts at night or on eating hot and cold food, it should be evaluated by the dentist.
Permanent (Adult) Teeth
Trauma to a permanent front tooth requires a different treatment approach. If a permanent front
tooth is knocked out, it should be saved. Re-implantation, or returning the tooth
to its socket is important. The quicker this is done, the better the chances of tooth survival. If the parent/responsible adult cannot re-implant the tooth, they should retrieve it and place it in a glass of cold milk. The child and the tooth should be rushed to the dentist. With this type of injury, time is very important. The survival of the tooth is much higher if it can be re-implanted within an hour.
Fracture of a permanent front tooth is another emergency that requires immediate attention. Once the enamel, or hard outer layer of the tooth, has broken off, the nerve of the tooth may be exposed. Immediate protection should be provided. Immediate dental advice should be sought.
Discoloration of a permanent tooth means the nerve of the tooth has been damaged, and the life of the tooth is compromised. The tooth will not necessarily be lost, but it will require immediate attention.
Remember that any traumatic injury to the mouth may result in marked bleeding and
swelling. Place a cold-pack/ice on the injured area protecting the soft tissues, and seek emergency help immediately.
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INSURANCE POLICY
We would like to remind those with dental insurance coverage that their policy is a relationship between the insured (patient/parent) and the insurer. If the subscriber has questions regarding coverage, it should be directed to the insurance company. Neither the office nor staff members have any influence or authority on your policy and covered services.
As a courtesy to patients, the office submits pre-authorizations to determine coverage for patients. Please ask the staff for details of the pre-authorization process.
