As summer winds down and we gear up for the back-to-school season, there’s no better time to focus on fresh starts and healthy habits! August is National Wellness Month, making it the perfect opportunity to prioritize your family’s dental health alongside other well-being goals. While we say goodbye to sunny beach days and hello to pumpkin spice season, we want to take a moment to celebrate our awesome patients—thank you for your continued trust and support! Whether you’re squeezing in those last-minute checkups before school starts or just keeping your smile bright for fall, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for the season ahead!
In This Issue:
- Understanding PPO Dental Insurance
- Thank You to Our Amazing Patients!
- Back to School! Dental Checkups
- National Wellness Month and the Importance of Oral Health
- Waiting Room Beautification
- Recipe of the Month: Ridiculously Easy Homemade Salsa
- Please Leave us a Review!
Understanding PPO Dental Insurance
PPO dental insurance gives patients options that may not be clear to many. Even if your provider is not in-network with your plan, you can still receive benefits!
PPO Dental Insurance: Flexibility and Benefits
If you have a PPO dental insurance plan, you have the freedom to see any dentist you choose, including those out-of-network. The dentist you choose does not have to be on the insurer’s “preferred provider” list. (“Preferred” as in their preference, not necessarily yours!)
Even if our practice is not in-network with your PPO insurance, you can still use your benefits when you receive care in our office. In some cases, your insurance may even cover up to 100% of your visit, depending on your plan and provider. This flexibility is one of the major advantages of a PPO plan, which stands for Preferred Provider Organization. Unlike HMOs or DMOs, PPOs offer coverage for both in-network and out-of-network providers, giving you far more control over your dental care.
Common Questions About Out-of-Network Insurance
Why Don’t We Participate With Every Insurance?
Choosing insurance plans to participate in is a difficult decision. We prioritize providing top-quality care and spending adequate time with each patient. Unfortunately, many in-network plans limit the care they cover. Regardless, we’re happy to research your benefits and see how they can be used in our practice.
What Will I Have to Pay?
Costs vary depending on your insurance plan, and even in-network plans can be unpredictable. We will give you our best estimate at the time of service or submit a pre-treatment estimate for a more detailed breakdown.
Do I Have to File Out-of-Network Claims Myself?
No! We handle all claim submissions for you! However, some out-of-network plans may not pay us directly, requiring you to pay us at the time of service. You will receive reimbursement from your insurance after we submit your claim. We’ll be glad to clarify how payments will be managed after we research your benefits.
Financing Options for Co-payment and Treatment
Sometimes even in-network PPO benefits won’t cover the dental care you need.
We offer financing through Cherry and Care Credit, with interest rates as low as 0%. These plans can be more affordable than credit card rates, and we’re happy to discuss your financial needs to find the best option for you. Neither application process requires a hard credit check.
Get Straight Answers and Spread the Word
Whether you’re using in- or out-of-network PPO insurance, we’re committed to providing you with the highest level of care. If you love our practice, we encourage you to spread the word to friends and family. If you have any questions about your insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile!
Thank You to Our Amazing Patients!
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful patients who both trust us with their dental care and make our practice a more welcoming and vibrant place. Your willingness to take photos with us and share your stories on social media is deeply appreciated. You truly make our practice special, and we couldn’t be more grateful for each and every one of you.
A special shoutout to Larry, who has been a cherished member of our dental family for 33 incredible years! Every visit with Larry is filled with laughter, thanks to his great sense of humor. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our office! Chelsea, Larry, Abbey and Samantha stand together in our newly painted waiting room.
We also want to thank Peyton, who we’ve had the honor of knowing since he was just a baby over two decades ago. Watching him grow into the impressive young man he is today has been a privilege. (Dental Assistant Rodney, beside him, has been with us for 23 years.) We’re grateful for Peyton’s loyalty and trust over the years.
Terri, another long-time patient, has been with us for 28 years, even longer than Hygienist Kristen (21 years)! We’ve shared countless smiles and moments of care with her, and we’re so thankful for her continued trust. Patients like Terri remind us why we love what we do and motivate us to continue providing the best care possible.
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to Dr. Farbman, a trusted medical colleague of Dr. Levy’s, and patient for many years. Dr. Farbman’s support and friendship mean the world to us, and we look forward to continuing to serve his dental needs for many more years.
Dr. Patel and Oscar are excited to welcome new patients like Karla to our practice! We’re committed to making your, and every new patient’s, experience with us nothing short of exceptional.
Thank you to the many parents who bring their children to us! Dr. H and Katherine loved seeing Rafi for his appointment. One of the most rewarding aspects of our day is seeing kids lighting up our office with their smiles and curiosity. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help your little ones develop healthy habits for life.
Thank you for being part of our dental family and for making our work so fulfilling. We look forward to many more years of bright smiles, great care, and lasting relationships!
To everyone who has supported us by voting in the Best of the Best competition, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We look for your continued support when voting in the next round that begins September 20th!
Back to School! Dental Checkups
With school back in session, many parents are focused on getting their kids ready with new clothes, school supplies, and organizing schedules. But one important back-to-school task that often gets overlooked is scheduling a dental checkup. Starting the school year with a healthy smile not only boosts confidence but also helps prevent oral health issues that can disrupt learning. Here’s why a back-to-school dental checkup is essential and what parents can expect during the visit.
The Importance of a Back-to-School Dental Checkup
- Catching Problems Early: Regular dental checkups allow dentists to spot potential issues before they become major problems. Cavities, gum inflammation, and alignment concerns can often develop unnoticed by children and parents. Left untreated, these issues can lead to discomfort, difficulty concentrating, and missed school days.
- Preventing School Disruptions: Dental pain and emergencies are leading causes of school absences. By ensuring your child’s oral health is in good shape at the start of the school year, you can help prevent toothaches or sudden dental issues from disrupting their learning.
- Building Confidence: A bright, healthy smile can boost your child’s confidence as they head back to the classroom. Whether it’s participating in class discussions or smiling in their school pictures, good oral health plays a role in helping kids feel comfortable and confident.
What Parents Can Expect During the Visit
- A Thorough Cleaning: One of the primary goals of a back-to-school dental visit is to give your child’s teeth a professional cleaning. This helps remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing may miss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Comprehensive Dental Exam: The dentist will check for any signs of decay, cavities, gum issues, or early signs of orthodontic problems. X-rays may also be taken to assess the health of the teeth and bone structure, ensuring everything is developing properly.
- Fluoride Treatment and Sealants: Many dentists will recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and protect against decay. Dental sealants might also be applied to molars, providing an extra layer of protection against cavities, especially for kids who are prone to them.
- Oral Hygiene Tips: Your child’s dentist will offer personalized advice on maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the school year. This includes tips on brushing, flossing, and healthy snack choices that support oral health.
- Complete Dental Checkup Form: Many schools require a form to be completed to confirm that your child is seeing a dentist regularly. If you’ve already been in for an appointment, we’re happy to have you email or drop-off the form for us to complete or we’ll do it at this visit.
Don’t Wait—Schedule Now!
With school back in session, dental appointments are filling up fast. Now is the perfect time to schedule a checkup so your child can start the year off with a clean, healthy smile. By taking preventive measures now, you can help ensure they have fewer distractions and a happier, more confident school experience.
Make dental health a priority in your back-to-school checklist—it’s an investment in your child’s well-being and success!
National Wellness Month and the Importance of Oral Health
Every August, National Wellness Month encourages individuals to prioritize healthy habits in their daily lives. While physical fitness and mental well-being often take the spotlight, one crucial aspect of health that can be easily overlooked is oral health. Oral health and overall wellness are deeply connected, making it essential to understand how taking care of your mouth impacts your entire body.
Oral Health’s Impact on Systemic Wellness
Oral health goes far beyond maintaining a bright smile. It plays a significant role in overall wellness. Chronic oral diseases, such as gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth decay, can trigger ongoing inflammation in the body. This inflammation may contribute to the development of systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even strokes. Research supports the strong link between oral infections and these major health concerns.
That’s why keeping your mouth healthy is vital—not only for your teeth and gums but for your whole body.
The Mouth: A Window to Overall Health
Oral health is often considered a mirror of the body’s overall health. The mouth serves as a gateway to the respiratory and digestive systems, so issues in these areas can sometimes first present themselves through oral symptoms.
In fact, systemic diseases like diabetes and HIV/AIDS may initially manifest as oral problems, such as mouth sores or gum disease. For example, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to gum disease, which may be an early sign of blood sugar issues. Conditions like osteoporosis can also reveal themselves through changes in the jawbone and teeth, providing dentists with important clues about a patient’s overall health.
Because of this, a dental exam is not just about oral hygiene—it can also give insight into the broader state of a person’s health and help identify potential systemic conditions early.
Embrace Oral Health as Part of Overall Wellness
This National Wellness Month, take a holistic approach to your well-being by incorporating good oral hygiene into your daily routine. Simple practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and using fluoride toothpaste, can make a big difference.
In addition, reducing sugar intake, quitting smoking, and cutting back on alcohol are all beneficial steps. These habits not only protect your teeth but also reduce the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, and more.
Finally, don’t forget regular dental check-ups. Beyond keeping your teeth and gums in shape, comprehensive oral exams can detect signs of systemic health issues, offering a valuable opportunity for early intervention. So, make oral health a key part of your overall wellness journey—not just in August, but all year long.
Waiting Room Beautification
We recently mentioned that our waiting room was getting an update, and we’re pleased to announce that we’re getting there! We’ve painted the walls and replaced the chairs with far more comfortable ones, going for a brighter and cleaner look. Next, we’ll be adding some decor and an accent wall. We hope that you’re as excited about the changes as we are, and that you find the new look more inviting and comfortable.
Next time you’re in the office, waiting for your appointment, check out the “Spotlight on Us” board for interesting updates and tidbits about our team members.
Recipe of the Month: Ridiculously Easy Homemade Salsa
Source: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/homemade-salsa/
Tony’s ridiculously easy homemade salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes and a kick of heat from jalapeño. This homemade salsa is bursting with flavor and comes together right in your blender or food processor! Make it chunky or smooth and serve it with chips, on nachos, in burritos and more.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes (vine-ripe, roma or heirloom), cored and quartered — I like Roma best for texture
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1 green onion, ends trimmed
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños (with seeds If you like heat!), diced
- 1 heaping handful of cilantro (about 1/2 cup)
- Half a lime, juiced
- Pinch of cumin
- Pinch of sugar
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and pulse until it gets to the desired consistency; you can make it chunky or smooth! Add salt to taste. Chill salsa for 1-2 hours or overnight to let flavors come together. Serve with chips, on nachos, on chili, or anything you like!
Notes
- Store this homemade salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.