Meet Dominique - Front Office Administration

Dominique is one of our newest team members at Artistic Dental. She started working at the practice in March. She looks after the front office and helps ensure our day-to-day is running smoothly. You may frequently hear her voice when she makes appointment confirmation calls, she will also help with forms and paper work needed as we focus on the continuing care of our patients. Dominique is a native Arizonan that was born in Phoenix.

Q1. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

A1. I am Friendly, outgoing and compassionate.

Q2. What made you pursue a career in the dental industry?

A2. I did some volunteer work a long time ago gaining some experience in the dental industry and received some medical billing training. I really enjoyed learning the industry and more about people’s health and decided to pursue a career in medical billing.

Q3.What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?

A3. I enjoy playing softball, and I play outfield or catcher. We’re big into softball at our house, my
husband and kids play too. I’m a mom of three and love to watch my kids play sports. My kids keep me very busy when I’m not at the office!

Q4. If you could have any talent what would it be?

A4. I’d love to be able to sing. My kids like to give me a hard time about my singing voice!

How do I know if I need orthodontia?

One of the first things people will see is your smile, which explains why so many turn to orthodontia. Orthodontia is a very effective treatment to achieve a beautiful smile, but it is not only utilized for its cosmetic benefits. Proper oral alignment will also help improve overall health by guiding correct jaw growth, realigning one's bite, protecting teeth from wear, and preventing jaw pain and problems with one's teeth later on.

Understanding orthodontia benefits may be reason enough to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. Before making any decisions, however, it's important to first seek guidance from a trained professional in orthodontia to see how orthodontic treatment would help your smile and bite.

The first step is an exam and discussion with your dentist; then the dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. In the case of Artistic Dental, we are trained and certified in orthodontics and able to provide treatments as needed.

For children, it is recommended that they be evaluated for orthodontics by age seven; this is when dentists and orthodontists can start to tell if emerging teeth will be misaligned or there are complications with jaw growth. In some cases, they may find that everything is acceptable and that orthodontia is not necessary. If treatment is recommended, it will usually begin between the ages of 9 and 14.

Although most people who have orthodontia are young, braces aren't just for tweens and teens. In fact, of the more than four million people in the U.S. that wear braces, 25% are adults, proving that it's never too late to get that perfect smile!

Braces have come a long way since the old metal brackets. Now there are a variety of options, including clear, invisible and ceramic. After the course of orthodontic treatment, which can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, patients will usually wear retainers in order to maintain the position of the teeth and the surrounding bone.

If you are thinking about orthodontia for you or your child, contact Artistic Dental for a complimentary consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, tell you if treatment is something worth pursuing, and discuss your options. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Dr. D – Our Healthcare Hero

A big congratulations to our very own Dr. Dougherty! He was recently selected as a Health Care Hero finalist among 165 nominees for Phoenix Business Journal’s 2015 awards. He is one of three finalists in the dental category.

Phoenix Business Journal along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Abrazo Health Care and Delta Dental will present awards and recognize finalists at a breakfast held on August 20 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The event open to the public, will recognize the outstanding contributions that healthcare professionals make to our community.

Dr. Dougherty’s dedication to providing the best patient care possible begins with his commitment to continued education. He along with Dr. Adhikari and the rest of our staff frequently attend classes to learn the latest treatments, techniques and tools available. His dedication to patient care goes even further with his commitment and investment in new technology. In November of last year Artistic Dental was the first practice in Phoenix to introduce the Solea laser from Convergent Dental. This laser device allows Dr. Dougherty to fill cavities shot and drill-free and has many different capabilities for treating other issues related to oral health.

Dr. Dougherty has been dedicated to the advancement of Arizona dental healthcare since moving to the Valley in 1991. Early on he worked with Onsite Dental, traveling throughout Arizona to provide dental care to underprivileged children and families living on Indian reservations. In addition, he donates his time and services to Arizonans in need through organizations like St. Vincent de Paul and directly to Veterans. His goal as a dentist is to focus on educating patients and providing treatments that will help them achieve optimal overall health by integrating oral care with systemic health.

Dr. Dougherty goes that extra mile and his enthusiasm for dentistry and patient care is contagious. We are a strong team at Artistic Dental and we feed off his passion for patient care.

On Thursday, August 20th at the awards breakfast, we will be cheering for Dr. D when the Phoenix Business Journal presents the finalists their honors. As far as we are concerned, you are already a healthcare hero and we think your patients would agree.

How to Make Veneers Last

Veneers typically have a life span of around 10 to 15 years, depending on the exact specification (whether they are porcelain dental veneers, such as those offered by Artistic Dental).  With exceptional care and attention to cleaning, the veneers can and will last longer.

While they make your smile brighter and more uniform, veneers will also react to substances in much the same way as your teeth. It’s no surprise to learn that avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth, as well as abstaining from smoking and chewing tobacco, will lengthen the cosmetic life of your veneers. Even though the face of the veneer itself is resistant to many stains that natural teeth are more vulnerable to, the cement that binds the veneer is very susceptible to staining.

 To prolong the life of your veneers, you also need to continue good brushing and flossing habits. Care for veneers should mirror the care you need to commit to   your permanent teeth. Proper brushing is also great prevention against gum recession, which can lead to the need to replace a veneer down the road. Keeping scheduled dental visits, at least once a year and preferably twice, will help ensure proper cleanings are maintained and will help prevent future problems that can be costly when ignored.

It is also best to protect veneers from activities that can be jarring to the mouth (such as contact or combat sports) by wearing an appropriate mouth guard or mask, and that potential cracks or wear are addressed promptly with your dentist. Remember – anything that can break a tooth can break a veneer. If anything, the porcelain is more fragile to forces that involve major pressure like grinding and heavy biting.

If you are looking to improve your smile, veneers may be the answer. Artistic Dental currently has a special offer  that includes a complimentary cosmetic exam and consultation – that allows you an opportunity to discuss your options with one of dentists and determine the best treatment plan to a healthy new smile. Please be sure to mention the offer when you call to schedule an appointment.