Spring is finally here—longer days, a little more sunshine, and the perfect excuse for a fresh start.
This month, we’re celebrating our dedicated hygienists, raising awareness for Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and sharing what to do when a dental or facial injury happens for whatever reason.
We’re delighted to let you know that we’ll finally be back in the OR as of April 28, with Dr. Hailemelecot seeing our patients under general anesthesia. We’ve also gained more clarity about how Delta Dental insurance works out-of-network. Finally, we’re breaking down dental insurance in a way that actually makes sense—and rounding it all out with an easy, crowd-pleasing crockpot recipe.
Let’s dive in.
From Left to Right: Donna, Flora, Brandon, Kristen, Katherine. Missing from the photo is Kailea who wasn’t available this day.
Recognizing Our Dental Hygienists
The second week of April is recognized nationally as Dental Hygienists Recognition Week. If you’ve ever left an appointment thinking, “Wow, my teeth feel amazing,” chances are you have a hygienist to thank. What hygienists do goes far beyond a great cleaning – they’re often the first to spot early signs of gum disease, oral health concerns, and even changes that can connect to your overall health. They’re your educators, your advocates, and sometimes your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to taking care of your smile.
They’re also the ones who somehow manage to make appointments feel comfortable when patients would rather be anywhere else (sound familiar?). With a gentle touch, a calming presence, and just the right amount of reassurance, they turn what could be a stressful experience into something approachable (and maybe even enjoyable… we said maybe 
).
To our amazing hygienists: thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and the way you show up for our patients day in and day out. You truly are the backbone of a healthy smile, and we’re so grateful for everything you do.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Matters
Source: https://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/, https://docsdental.com/how-routine-dental-visits-help-detect-oral-cancer-early
When it comes to cancer, timing can make all the difference. The earlier a cancer or precancerous condition is found, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances for a positive outcome.
This is especially true for oral cancer. Right now, many cases of oral cancer in the United States are still discovered in later stages, when treatment can be more complex and outcomes less predictable. That’s why increasing awareness—both in the dental office and at home—is so important.
Oral cancer can develop in the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. In its earliest stages, it may not cause pain or obvious symptoms, which is why it can be easy to overlook. However, there are warning signs you can watch for, including:
- Sores in the mouth that don’t heal
- Red or white patches
- Lumps, thickened areas, or rough spots
- Persistent soreness or difficulty swallowing
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, it’s important to have them evaluated.
Routine dental visits play a key role in early detection because they include an examination of the soft tissues of the mouth. These screenings are quick, painless, and can help identify anything unusual before it becomes more serious.
Awareness at home is just as important. Taking a few moments occasionally to look inside your mouth—checking your tongue, gums, and cheeks—can help you become familiar with what’s normal for you, making it easier to notice changes.
Oral cancer doesn’t always come with obvious risk factors, but certain habits and conditions can increase risk, including tobacco use, vaping, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to HPV (human papillomavirus). Understanding these risks and staying informed can help you take proactive steps toward protecting your health.
The most powerful tool we have is awareness—knowing what to look for, keeping up with routine care, and paying attention to changes. Small actions can lead to early detection, and early detection can truly save lives.
Springtime Fun
Our team has been soaking up a little sunshine and making the most of the season, so we’re sharing a few of our favorite springtime moments!
National Facial Protection Month: What To Do When Accidents Happen
Source: https://aaoms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/when_injuries_occur.pdf
Prevent accidents first, but know what to do when they occur!
What if you and some friends were playing an informal game of basketball and one of your friends was struck down by a hard jab to the mouth? Could you help?
What if you were the one to fall face down, only to find you were bleeding and had lost a tooth?
Would anyone with you know basic first aid?
It is important to be prepared in case such an accident takes place. Several of the nation’s top dental associations including the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offer the following first aid tips to assist you in case an accident occurs:
Fractured/Broken tooth
- Find the broken pieces, store in water or milk.
- See dentist within 24 hours – may be able to reattach the broken pieces of tooth.
- Analgesics for pain.
Displaced tooth
- See your dentist immediately.
- If the tooth is extruded (hangs down) try to reposition.
Knocked out tooth
- See your dentist immediately – time is essential! For best results, replantation should be done within 5 – 10 minutes.
- Upon locating the tooth, hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root).
- Rinse the tooth but avoid rubbing it or touching the root. Put the tooth back in its socket; cover with gauze or tissue and bite down to stabilize it. Or, briefly store the tooth in cold milk. Alternatively, spit in a cup and place the tooth in the cup.
- Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth can usually be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.
Facial cuts
- Cover the wound with a clean dressing and apply pressure.
- Dressing may become saturated; do not remove it. Apply more dressing and pressure
- Go to a nearby hospital for emergency assistance.
Cuts inside of the mouth
- Gently rinse the mouth with cold water.
- Bite on some gauze, a clean cloth or tissue and apply pressure to the wound.
- Go to the closest hospital emergency department for immediate treatment.
Jaw injury
The U-shaped lower jaw often suffers multiple breaks. An upper jaw fracture may cause visible distortion of the face.
If teeth fit together properly when the mouth is closed:
- Apply ice to control swelling and take ibuprofen or a similar remedy to control pain.
- Restrict diet to soft foods and if no improvement occurs within 24 hours, seek dental care.
If teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed:
Immediately seek emergency care.
- Gently align the jaws.
- Immobilize the jaw; wrap a cloth bandage under the chin and secure it over the head.
- Apply ice to control swelling.
- Broken nose
- Gently pack the nose with gauze or tissue.
- Apply ice. Do not blow your nose.
Head and neck injury
- Do not let the injured person be moved unless by professionals or if in danger.
- Immobilize the head by placing rolled towels on either side.
- Keep the injured person warm to avoid the risk of shock.
- If unconscious, clear the person’s mouth and hold their tongue forward to maintain an open airway. Seek emergency care.
We’re Back in the OR!
We’re excited to share that starting April 28, Dr. Ellen Hailemelecot will be treating patients in the OR at Maryland Sedation Dentistry on TJ Drive.
It’s been several months since we’ve been able to offer treatment in an operating room. We know how important this option is for patients with extensive dental needs or significant dental anxiety, and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to restore this level of care and support.
We’re grateful to once again provide a safe, comfortable setting for patients who need a little extra help getting the care they deserve. If you’ve been waiting for OR availability or think this may be the right option for you or a loved one, please reach out to our team to learn more.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Coverage (So It Actually Works for You)
Many of us have dental insurance. Few of us actually understand how it works.
Terms like deductible, coinsurance, and annual maximum sound familiar—but if you had to explain them or use them to make a decision about your care, it can get confusing fast. And you’re not alone in that.
Dental insurance is especially tricky because it doesn’t work the same way as medical insurance. That difference can make it hard to know what’s covered, what’s not, and how to make the best decisions for your health.
Why Dental Insurance Feels So Complicated
Unlike medical insurance, dental plans are typically designed with limits in mind. Many plans:
- Cap how much they’ll pay each year
- Cover preventive care well, but limit coverage for more complex treatments
- Use confusing language that makes it hard to predict your actual costs
Because of this, it’s easy to assume that if something “isn’t covered” it isn’t necessary, or that if something “is covered,” it must be the best option. That’s not always the case.
A Common Misunderstanding
One of the biggest misconceptions is this: insurance determines what care you need.
In reality, insurance is a financial tool—not a health guide.
Treatment recommendations are based on your individual needs, while insurance coverage is based on the rules of your specific plan. Those two things don’t always line up.
When decisions are made based only on what insurance will pay for, it can sometimes lead to:
- Delaying needed treatment
- Choosing temporary fixes instead of better long-term solutions
- Paying more over time when issues worsen
What You Should Know as a Patient
You don’t need to become an insurance expert—but understanding a few basics can go a long way:
- Your plan has a yearly limit – Most dental plans have an annual maximum (often around $1,000–$2,000), which hasn’t changed much in decades. Once that’s used, additional costs are out-of-pocket..
- “Covered” doesn’t mean “fully paid” – Even if a procedure is covered, you may still be responsible for a portion of the cost.
- Preventive care is prioritized – Cleanings, exams, and x-rays are often covered at a higher percentage because they help prevent bigger (and more expensive) problems.
- Networks don’t define quality – Insurance networks are business arrangements. They don’t necessarily reflect the quality of care or what’s best for your specific situation.
- Out-of-Network doesn’t mean no coverage – All PPO plans offer out-of-network coverage and will pay for at least part of your treatment, sometimes even as fully as with an in-network provider.
How to Make More Confident Decisions
The goal isn’t to memorize your policy. It’s to feel comfortable asking questions and understanding your options.
Some helpful approaches:
- Ask what a treatment is addressing, not just what it costs
- Request a breakdown of what insurance may cover versus your portion
- Think about long-term outcomes, not just immediate expenses
- Speak up if something doesn’t make sense
There are no bad questions and we’ll be glad to help you navigate any that you have.
The Bigger Picture
When you understand how dental insurance works, you’re better equipped to make decisions that support your health and not just your coverage.
Dental insurance can be a helpful resource, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The most important factor is making choices that protect your smile and the health of your mouth for the long term.
At the end of the day, insurance is there to assist with care, not define it.
Recipe of the Month: Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos
Source: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/loaded-crockpot-carne-asada-tacos/#wprm-recipe-container-26686
All of the carne asada flavor, none of the fuss. Slow-cooked shredded crispy beef stuffed into warmed tortillas to make the best Mexican street tacos. All made in the slow cooker (along with instant pot and grilling variations).
Ingredients
- 2 lb flank steak
- 4 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika kosher salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup Mexican beer, such as Negra Modelo (or water or broth)
- 1 tbsp honey
- warmed corn or flour tortillas,
- avocado, feta cheese, jalapeños, pickled onion, and shredded lettuce, for serving
Garlic Lime Crema
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1-2 clove garlic, grated
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
Crockpot
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the steak, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, pinch of salt, olive oil, lime juice and zest.
- Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the beer.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Preheat the broiler to high.
- Remove the steak from the sauce to a baking sheet. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Lightly shred.
- Add 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, then drizzle on the honey.
- Transfer to the broiler. Broil for 2-5 minutes, until the streak caramelizes. Watch closely! Toss with additional cooking liquid, if desired.
- To make the sauce. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Season with salt.
- Stuff the carne asada into the warmed tortillas. Top as desired with cilantro, lettuce, avocado, fries, cheese, and additional sauce.
- Enjoy!
Instant Pot
- Cut the steak into 4 pieces.
- In the bowl of your instant pot, combine the steak, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, pinch of salt, olive oil, lime juice and zest.
- Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the beer.
- Cover and cook on high pressure/manual for 8 minutes.
- Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function and release the steam
- Follow the directions as directed above for steps 4-11.
Grill
- Place the steak in a 9×13 inch pan. Add the garlic, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, pinch of salt, olive oil, lime juice and zest.
- Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the beer.
- Marinate 30 minutes or in the fridge as long as overnight.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to high.
- Remove the steak from its marinade and sear the steak for 5-8 minutes, flip and sear another 5 minutes or until your desired doneness is reached.
- Remove the steak from the grill and allow to rest 10 minutes.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Follow the directions as directed above for steps 4-11.