No dental insurance, no worries

If you’ve been reading our blog posts or received our monthly newsletters, you may have heard about our ArtisticD Cares Plan.

We realize that many of our people do not have access to dental insurance, and we want to make sure that no insurance, does not lead to no longer taking good care of your teeth. The ArtisticD Cares Plan is designed to help our patients maintain dental care and keep costs down. Insurance can sometimes require costly premiums and non-covered procedures.

The ArtisticD Cares Plan is not an insurance program, it is our own in-office patient membership plan that provides the following benefits:

•          Bi-annual preventive dental appointments, including x-rays
•          Reduced fees on all other dental procedures, including cosmetic dentistry, braces and implants
•          No exclusions on offered procedures

There is also no waiting period or a third party dictating what can and cannot be done. The only requirement is registering for the plan and payment of an annual membership fee.

Our team believes that preventive dental care not only maintains oral health and enhances overall health and well-being, but saves money in the long run if small concerns are addressed early, rather than waiting for toothaches to indicate a problem. Most people think that if they don’t have insurance, they can’t afford to see the dentist.  We would say that you can’t afford not to.

If you are interesting in registering for the ArtisticD Cares Plan, both new and existing patients can request an enrollment form from the front office. To provide great convenience, the plan does not require a waiting period or deductibles.

Maximize care, minimize costs

With all the recent talk of The Affordable Healthcare Act and changes to insurance, the American public may be a little less spirited during the upcoming holidays, when trying to understand and navigate the new healthcare plans for 2014. Fortunately, we are a resilient bunch that will lose ourselves in family gatherings and office parties soon enough.

Before year-end, it is wise to check your current insurance plan and flexible spending accounts to see what remaining benefits you still have available to use; and to make sure you get a clean bill of health. It may give you a little peace of mind when faced with the healthcare unknowns of 2014.

Use it or lose it 
If you have dental insurance you know it provides coverage for yearly exams and reduces costs on dental procedures. What you may not realize is most insurance plans have a yearly maximum on the amount of money they are willing to pay for dental coverage. The coverage amount depends on the policy, but typically it is around $1,000 to $1500. If you have treatment your dentist or hygienist has been telling you have needed for years, now may be the time to act and use those remaining benefits.

Deductibles
Deductibles typically begin anew each year, and if you have already paid it this year, maximize that payment by getting other needed treatment completed. Also by delaying care, a small cavity can become a major toothache and a major expense. If you don’t have any other treatment to do other than your cleanings and exams, you’re in good shape for next year.

Flexible spending accounts or HSA
If your flexible spending account does not roll over and there is unused money in the account, it could be lost at the start of next year if you don’t use it. That’s like giving money away, and at this time of year the only giving you should be doing is for those you love and yes, yourself. Check your account and your FSA eligible expenditures list to learn what you can expense. Then, call your dentist to see if you have any outstanding or necessary treatments.

Keeping costs down 
If dental insurance is unavailable to you, ask your dental office if they have any other options. Our office created a membership plan, ArtisticD Cares Plan (ADCP), to help offset the cost of dental treatment and provide coverage for preventive services for patients who have to pay out-of-pocket. Your dentist may have something similar or they may have some other options, so it is always good to ask.

Preparing for the New Year 
Before you begin drafting your New Year’s resolutions, sit down with your dentist to discuss a dental healthcare plan for upcoming year. Depending on what you need or want, it can potentially be done in phases. By phasing treatment, dental fees are minimized and, in the end, you still arrive at the same finished product - a healthier you.

Meet Mary D -Office Manager

If you are a patient, vendor or friend of Artistic Dental it is more than likely that you have met and spoken with Mary. Mary is the friendly face in our front office that often greets you and checks you out, and helps keep the office running. You can also sometimes find her in our exam rooms helping patients, assisting Dr. Dougherty or Dr. Adhikari.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in a small southern Alberta town in Canada. 

How long have you worked at Artistic Dental and what do you do? 

I’ve worked with Dr. Dougherty for 13 years. He started seeing patients on Nov 6, 2000 and I started working here just a few days before that. I work in the front office, and when they need extra help, I work in the clinical area, which I enjoy quite a bit!

What do you like most about your job?

 There is nothing like being across from a patient at my front desk and seeing them smile the smile they have always wanted. They are beaming–and you beam back, because you know it’s a life changer. I know what it is like to feel like you need to hide your teeth behind closed lips, to cover your smile with your hands, or not want to smile for a family photograph. I know how it changes you when you can smile freely. Helping to enhance smiles, whether as a dental assistant or a financial coordinator, keeps me passionate about my job.

When did you first know you wanted to work in dentistry?

  I didn’t initially intend to build my career in the dental field. I enrolled in in a dental assisting course way back in 1988 after a suggestion from a friend. It was only an eight month course, so I thought it was something I could do “in the meantime,” before doing what I really thought I wanted to do. Marriage and kids kept me in the business over the years, and I have been fortunate enough to work in both the clinical and administrative areas. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful dentists and team members, making it a career I am grateful to have.

Tell about some of your interests or hobbies outside of work? 

What’s something most people may not know about you?  I love to hike. Hiking was the thing that made me realize that Arizona is where I want to be. Dr. Dougherty actually got me hooked when he asked all of us at the office if we wanted to do the R2R Grand Canyon Hike with him back in 2004. I’ve been hiking and going on the annual trip ever since. 

What or who inspires you? 

 Nature and good music. Both “what’s” were instilled in me by the “who’s”.  My Mom and Dad were the “who’s”.  They were good kind people who worked hard, respected nature, used their musical talents, judged no one, and stood for what was right.

If you could be on any vacation right now, where would you be?

Sitting on a mountain cabin porch swing in the morning sun, a light breeze making the Aspen leaves rustle, and having the people I love around visiting with me.  Or the silence and a good book.

What is your favorite type of food or restaurant?

 Ah.. Mediterranean or Italian, and always the old time favorite - mashed potatoes and gravy!  I’ll also promote Boston Market – their Mediterranean Chicken Salad and Dutch Bros Pumpkin Pie Breve!

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

 Well.. Take a very nice vacation.

Dental myths exposed: Maintaining oral hygiene and a healthy smile

By: Dr. John Dougherty
Expertbeacon.com 

We read and hear about dental care tips from a variety of sources, but how can do we know what is fact and what is fiction? To help dispel some of the myths and offer some clarity on what you really should or should not do when it comes to taking care of your pearly whites and maintain your overall oral health, here is some expert advice.

Do

• believe that “baby” or deciduous teeth act as space maintainers and guide for the eruption of baby teeth
• understand that large doses of fluoride, iodine, water and pure oxygen are all unsafe
• believe that orally ingesting an aspirin is better than placing it on your tooth when you have an ache
• believe that brushing and flossing will reduce the bacterium that causes infection and results in bleeding gums

Don't

• think that all fillings eventually need replacing
• think that if you have a cavity you will automatically know it
• think that sensitivity means you have tooth decay
• think that the only reason for a root canal is a cavity

Do

Do believe that “baby” or deciduous teeth act as space maintainers and guide for the eruption of baby teeth

If baby teeth are removed early, as a correction for decay, a child may experience problems when their permanent teeth begin growing in. It is best to have the dentist restore a baby tooth that has decay. This will allow surrounding permanent teeth to come in correctly.

Do understand that large doses of fluoride, iodine, water and pure oxygen are all unsafe

Iodine from table salt can actually help prevent thyroid disease. Water and oxygen are required to live, but how much is too much? Like most things in life, moderation is key. Fluoride, for instance, when it is placed in drinking water at less than 1 ppm (parts per million), has a profound effect on reducing decay in developing teeth. Before you dive into using one of these products, read up on the best dosage for your body and teeth.

Do believe that orally ingesting an aspirin is better than placing it on your tooth when you have an ache

Some believe that physically placing aspirin or ibuprofen on a toothache will make the pain go away faster. This is completely false. Aspirin can actually burn your gum tissues if it is applied directly. For immediate relief, take ibuprofen or any over the counter pain reliever you prefer and call your dentist to schedule an appointment so you can determine the cause of your pain and get it taken care of properly. Prior to your appointment, avoid sweets and any food or drinks that are extreme temperatures—hot or cold.

Do believe that brushing and flossing will reduce the bacterium that causes infection and results in bleeding gums

Have you ever brushed or flossed only to discover your gums start to bleed? It isn’t because you have missed a few days of brushing and flossing, and your gums aren’t used to it. Bleeding is actually a result of bacteria growth. In order to prevent bleeding, make sure to brush and floss daily to keep bacterial infections at bay, and teeth and gums healthy.

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Don't

Do not think that all fillings eventually need replacing

Fillings need only be replaced if they break down or new cavities form around them. If a tooth fractures, you may also need to replace a filling. Fillings can survive a lifetime, but if you don’t take care of your teeth and practice good oral hygiene habits, fillings may not last as long.

Do not think that if you have a cavity you will automatically know it

More often than not, mild tooth decay doesn’t have symptoms. Usually by the time we feel tooth decay, the cavity is more advanced and there may be damage to the nerve. If you wait too long to have a problem looked at, the procedure required will be more expensive.

Do not think that sensitivity means you have tooth decay

Tooth sensitivity can simply mean you have extra sensitive teeth, or it may mean you have gum recession that has exposed your root surface. While sensitivity is not always an indication of decay, it is always best to ask your dentist to take a look. Toothpastes like Sensodyne can be very effective in reducing sensitivity.

Do not think that the only reason for a root canal is a cavity

The reason a dentist recommends or performs a root canal is because the nerve inside the tooth has damage. Nerve damage can result from untreated cavities, but there are many other causes as well. Clenching, grinding or injury can traumatize teeth enough to cause nerve damage requiring a root canal. By keeping clenching and grinding to a minimum, wearing protective mouth gear and regular dental hygiene and check-ups, you can minimize the necessity for a root canal.

The benefits of brushing and other things that will make you smile

If a beautiful smile and minty-fresh breath are not incentive enough to get you brushing and flossing daily, consider a few eye-opening facts.

We know we don't need to tell you that good oral hygiene wards off harmful bacteria and microbes that may cause tooth decay, bleeding gums and oral infections. But you may not realize: 

• 80 percent of the U.S. population has some form of gum disease**
• 78 percent of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17**
• Good oral hygiene can reduce risk factors relating to diabetes, cancer and heart disease***
• Gum disease and dental problems are an independent risk factor for the oral HPV infection and could lead to oral cancers*
• Those with poor dental health have a 56 percent higher rate of HPV infection than those reporting healthier oral care*
• People with gum disease and dental problems have a 51 percent higher risk for being infected with the HPV infection than those with no prior oral diseases*

After reading, we hope you will be more eager than ever to grab a toothbrush and toothpaste.   Brushing twice a day and flossing once can and does make a difference.

Sources: 

* http://healthland.time.com/2013/08/21/how-brushing-your-teeth-lowers-your-risk-of-cancer/?iid=hl-main-belt

** http://www.humanaonedental.com/dental-health-articles/tips-for-oral-hygiene.asp

*** http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

Meet Marcia - Front Office Admin

When you call our office or come in for an appointment, the first person you will often see or talk to is Marcia.  Marcia joined our team at  Artistic Dental in June 2011.  While most of our patients know who Marcia is, some of you may not know that in addition to managing our front desk, Marcia is the daughter of office administrator Mary Davies. To give our patients a chance to get to know Marcia a little better, we decided to ask her a couple of  questions:.

Marcia, what is your favorite part about your job?

I love helping our patients. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love doing hair. I went to cosmetology school and on the weekends I work at a salon.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Valley?

My favorite restaurant is Sauce.

Do you have a favorite movie or book?

My favorite movie is definitely Easy A with Emma Stone, and my favorite book would have to be The Outsiders.

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with your winnings?

If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would pay off some bills, buy a house and put the rest towards my son’s future and education.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring with you and why?

I would bring my phone with me so I could call someone to come and get me!!

Artistic Dental in Camelback Corridor Magazine Summer 2013

Meet Diana - Dental Assistant

Diana, tell us what you do at Artistic Dental?

              I am a Dental Assistant, which means I work alongside Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari, taking care of our patients, assisting the dentists in all procedures. My job involves everything from sterilizing the tools and doing the lab work to fabricating retainers and creating mock-up models for cosmetic procedures. I’ve been working as a Dental Assistant for 32 years and have been working with Dr. Dougherty for the last six.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Working directly with patients, I especially like cosmetic cases where we change someone’s smile. You can see they feel like a new person, confident and more self-assured.

What do you like most about working at Artistic Dental?

I love the variety of the work we do and the care we provide. We do everything from fillings to full mouth reconstruction and sedation dentistry and orthodontics. It makes every day different and interesting.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I really enjoy gardening and working in my yard. I also love spending time with my kids. Spending time with my family is really what I like best. I’ve been married for 29 years and have two college-age kids and three dogs.

What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a Dental Assistant?

It’s a very rewarding career. Someone interested should shadow an office for a few days to find out what it is like. Then, if they are serious about pursuing a career, find a good accredited school and look to work with good people to get experience.

Advice on keeping clean and healthy teeth without dental insurance

By Dr. John P Dougherty
Expertbeacon.com

More and more families are finding themselves without dental insurance. The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to help protect your teeth and your bank account. Ignoring dental care can end up being very expensive and dangerous to your overall health. For those without dental insurance, keep this advice in mind.

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Do

• brush and floss your teeth daily
• think about what you are eating and drinking
• visit your dentist twice a year
• ask if you can skip the x-ray
• negotiate a payment plan or fees

Don't

• forget to brush your teeth before bed
• eat late night snacks
• clench or grind your teeth
• use your teeth as tools
• miss or skip appointments

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Do

Do brush and floss your teeth daily

To keep your teeth clean and healthy, brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. If you are really good, brush three times a day, after each meal. Brushing and flossing are very simple ways for you to prevent tooth decay, keep your gums healthy and help keep your teeth clean and white. Use only soft bristle brushes and angle the brush at the gumline moving the brush in a gentle circular motion. Get all the way back to the back teeth on the tongue, cheek, and biting surfaces. Floss on both sides of the teeth in between the teeth. Practicing preventative daily care will also avoid the need for costly dental care.

Do think about what you are eating and drinking

Your diet can impact your dental health. Everyone knows that candy, sugary gum and other treats aren’t healthy choices, but when it comes to your teeth the most damage can come from sipping sodas, energy drinks, and juices all day long. Sip water instead, and fill the recommended “eight, eight ounces a day”. Drink the sodas with meals, if you must, to avoid the constant attack of sugar throughout the day.

Do visit your dentist twice a year

While you may have to pay out of pocket for dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings, those twice a year appointments with your hygienist can actually save you money in the long run. When you schedule those appointments, ask to have a fluoride treatment. Adults benefit from having fluoride as much as children do. It helps in preventing new and recurrent decay around old fillings and the sensitivity we may develop as we get older. Fluoride really does strengthen the teeth, it’s a fact.

Do ask if you can skip the x-ray

If you have been in the habit of visiting your dentist regularly and don’t have a history of cavities, you may not need to have x-rays done every time you go for a check-up. If you are taking good care of your teeth between appointments, you and your dentist may decide on a 12-24 month interval for the “in between teeth cavity detecting” x-rays. Just ask.

Do negotiate a payment plan or fees

Patients that do not have insurance, still have options. Most offices offer a cash courtesy for payment received the day of service without having to bill to insurance. Payment plans may also be available over a short period of time. And most offices participate with some financing companies, such as Carecredit, offering 6-12 months interest free plans. Remember, if you have insurance you are paying premiums, and sometimes those premiums are more than what you would pay if you just paid cash for the preventive services. Call your dental office staff and ask for your options. Also, if you are flexible, you can offer to fill-in a broken appointment for a reduced cost. Most dentists would much rather fill the time, than have an opening in the middle of the day. When a patient is actively involved with regular dental care, dental professionals will always try their best to help and work with you financially.

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Don't

Do not forget to brush your teeth before bed

No matter how busy or tired you are, brush your teeth before going to bed. While you sleep, the sugar you have sitting on your teeth from the day combine with the bacteria in your mouth and form the acid that eats at your teeth during the night. So brush that sugar and bacteria away and have fresh breath, which is a bonus for a happier love life!

Do not eat late night snacks

If you have brushed your teeth, do not sneak back into the kitchen to satisfy that late night craving or rumbling tummy. This will not only pack on the pounds, it will completely undo the benefits of your earlier evening brushing.

Do not clench or grind your teeth

Clenching and grinding your teeth can cause some serious dental problems like TMJ, loose or chipped teeth, or an overall wearing or breakdown of the teeth. Stress will manifest itself in many ways, and this is unfortunately a common one. To stop this habit the first step is to be aware of what you are doing. Then, seek out ways to relieve stress. If you still have problems in this area, ask your dentist about getting a mouth guard to wear at night.

Do not use your teeth as tools

Your teeth are meant for chewing food. They are not for opening packages, closing small metal objects, biting off tags from new clothes, or opening a beer. Eventually, you will damage a tooth or teeth and find yourself in need of some serious repair.

Do not miss or skip appointments

Most dentists and physicians have policies if you miss a scheduled appointment, where you will be charged a minimum fee of $25 to $50. So if you make an appointment, make sure to go. If you are thinking about skipping your twice yearly check-ups to save money, think again. When you skip out on preventative care you run a much greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to more expensive dental treatments and more serious and costly health risks including heart disease and stroke.

Q & A with Office Administrator Cindy

What do you do at Artistic Dental?

I am an Office Administrator. I educate our patients and potential patients about insurance benefits, and make sure they know their options. I also take care of accounts receivable for the practice.

How long have you been working at Artistic Dental?

I have been working at Artistic Dental for about 19 months, but I worked with Dr. Dougherty in the 90’s for about six years.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

In addition to working with two amazing doctors, I enjoy welcoming our patients as they come in the door. I take pride in getting to know our patients and presenting them with the best dental care.

What makes your day?

It makes my day when someone leaves pleased with a big smile and thinks we’re awesome.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have been married for 30 years and have two adult children and a grandson, who I enjoy spending time with. I also like to water ski, hike and love being outdoors.

What advice would you give others who want to work in a dental office?

If you have compassion for people and want to help them, this is the job for you. It’s really rewarding to see our work change people’s lives and it is an amazing experience to be part of it. 

Artistic Dental in Camelback Corridor Magazine

Earth Day 2013: Doing our part to keep the Earth clean and green

By Dr. Dougherty

Earth Day is just around the corner, prompting us all to think about how we can do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle.

In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone about our recently installed Blink Pedestal Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. They are located in the rear parking lot of Artistic Dental, and available to anyone in need of a charge.

If you’ve been thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, you might be interested in knowing that according to the U.S Department of Energy, hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles can help increase energy security, improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions. When I learned about the opportunity to install the charging stations, I thought it was something we could provide our patients and neighbors, and if it encourages more people to drive electric vehicles, that would be great too.

The Blink Pedestal port is a Level 2 (240 volt AC input) charging station, with an industry standard connector, compatible with the majority of EVs. The charging station is equipped to handle all types of weather, and has a seven-inch LCD touch screen for easy use.

As an EV driver myself, I know the value of having conveniently located charging stations. The two reserved EV parking spots are not exclusive to patients, and can be accessed at all times. EV drivers can even take advantage of the Blink app that sends a charging status update directly to mobile devices.

We understand that not everyone is going to make the switch to an EV, but we want to encourage everyone to think of changes they can make that will help  our environment.  Whatever you do this April 22^nd, enjoy your day and do something green.

Charge up your EV at Artistic Dental located at 2333 E. Campbell Avenue. For more information please call 602-840-5400.