The seasons are shifting, and we’re soaking up every bit of sunshine, fresh starts, and joyful moments this time of year brings. Whether you’ve been celebrating graduations, family time, garden blooms, or just longer days, we hope your spring-to-summer stretch has been full of smiles.
In this issue, we’re sharing a little bit of everything: why we’re proud to be a unicorn practice during Dental Diversity Month, how you can join us in going greener for Plastic Free July, and what nicotine might be doing to your smile behind the scenes. We’ve also made it even easier to get in touch with us, and we have an important update for Maryland Healthy Smiles families.
Of course, we couldn’t leave you without something tasty—this month’s recipe, the hilariously named Divorce Salad, is full of crunchy, citrusy, summery goodness. And finally, if you love what we do, we’d love for you to leave us a review.
Let’s make this season one to smile about!
In This Issue:
- Dental Diversity Month: Why Our Practice is Proud to Be a Unicorn
- Get Ready for Plastic Free July: Small Changes, Big Smiles
- Important Update about MD Healthy Smiles
- Honoring Dads and Everyday Joys
- Nicotine Use: What It Really Means for Your Smile and Your Health
- Honoring Our Team Members
- Recipe: Divorce Salad
- Please Leave us a Review!
Dental Diversity Month: Why Our Practice is Proud to Be a Unicorn
At Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates, every patient matters and is respected. That’s why Dental Diversity Month, recognized during the month of June, holds such deep meaning for our team. It’s a time to celebrate the vast variety of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences that shape the dental field, and to highlight how we work every day to honor that diversity with compassionate, inclusive care.
We’re not your average dental office. In fact, we’re proud to be what some call a unicorn practice, a rare kind of place where patients of all ages, needs, and circumstances are truly welcomed and respected.
What Makes Our Practice Different?
Since 1984, we’ve been serving the Frederick, MD community with kindness, effectiveness, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Whether you’re 2 months old or 104 years young, we’re here for you.
- We specialize in working with patients with special needs, severe anxiety, dental phobia, complex medical conditions, or those who simply haven’t felt seen or respected elsewhere.
- We proudly welcome diverse communities, including those who may face language, cultural, or financial barriers to care.
- We don’t push treatment or judge anyone for their oral health history. Instead, we empower you with knowledge, offer real choices, and help you make decisions based on what’s right for you.
- We are an award-winning, privately owned practice—not part of a corporate chain. That means you’re not a number to us. You’re a person, and we take the time to truly listen and respond.
Promoting Cultural Competence
Dental Diversity Month encourages providers to better understand the different cultural beliefs and practices that influence oral health. That’s second nature to us. Our clinicians are trained to meet each patient with empathy and awareness, creating a space where no one feels out of place. We proudly reflect the community we serve, and that includes celebrating our own team’s diversity, too.
Addressing Barriers to Care
We know that not everyone has the same access to care. Whether it’s cost, language, transportation, or fear, we try to eliminate obstacles so people can get the dental care they need and deserve. From flexible scheduling and payment options to accommodating patients who require extra time and support, we go the extra mile, because that’s what true care requires.
Committed to the Community
We don’t just serve Frederick, we’re part of it. From school visits and community outreach to partnering with local programs that support underserved populations, we’re committed to giving back and helping improve access to dental education and care across our community. We also proudly support interns, externs, and future dental professionals through hands-on experience and mentorship.
Why It All Matters
Diversity in dentistry isn’t just about who you treat, it’s about how you treat them. Our team brings brains, brawn, and heart to the work we do. Many of our staff have been with us for well over a decade, and it shows in how seamlessly we support one another and our patients. We believe that everyone – everyone – deserves excellent dental care in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and heard.
So this Dental Diversity Month, we’re not just reflecting, we’re celebrating. Celebrating our incredible team. Our vibrant and diverse patient family. And the rare, compassionate model of care that defines who we are.
Because at Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates, diversity isn’t a box we check. It’s the heart of everything we do.
Get Ready for Plastic Free July: Small Changes, Big Smiles
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
We care about more than just healthy teeth, we care about a healthy planet, too! With Plastic Free July just around the corner, we’re inviting our patients and community to join us in making small, sustainable changes that can make a big impact.
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce single-use plastic throughout the month of July—and beyond. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making mindful choices that are better for the environment (and often better for your wallet, too).
As a dental practice, we’re no strangers to plastic—we use it every day in ways that are necessary for health and safety. But in our daily lives outside the office, there are plenty of opportunities to cut back on single-use items. Every little effort counts!
Here Are a Few Easy Ways to Participate:
- Refill, Don’t Rebuy – Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Bonus: staying hydrated also helps support saliva production and oral health!
- Bring Your Own Bags – Whether you’re shopping for groceries or dental floss, reusable bags help eliminate the need for plastic ones.
- Loose Produce – Do you really need to put your unpackaged produce in a plastic bag? Skip the bag or bring your own!
- Recycle Your Oral Care Products – Bring your empties to our office and use our TerraCycle Oral Care Recycling Box for Toothbrushes (manual or electric heads), Toothpaste tubes and caps, Floss containers, and Toothbrush and toothpaste outer packaging
Why It Matters
Plastic pollution affects not only our oceans and wildlife, but also our health. If you’re interested in learning more, take a look at the article we wrote about Microplastics in [month] By making thoughtful choices, we reduce our footprint and contribute to a cleaner, healthier world.
Together, we can make a difference, one small change (and one big smile) at a time.
Important Update About MD Healthy Smiles
We want to share an important update regarding insurance coverage at our office.
After much thought and careful evaluation, our practice has made the difficult decision to no longer accept Maryland Healthy Smiles insurance, effective September 1, 2025. This was not a decision we made lightly. Unfortunately, the reimbursement rates from this program no longer allow us to cover the cost of delivering the high-quality care we promise to each of our patients.
We understand this change may be disappointing, and we are committed to helping ease the transition in any way we can. If you are currently covered under Maryland Healthy Smiles, we have referrals available for nearby practices that are actively accepting new patients with this insurance. Our front desk team will be happy to assist you with referral information and transferring records if needed.
We remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to care for you and your family, and we appreciate your understanding as we continue to focus on providing exceptional care that’s sustainable for our team and our community.
If you have questions about your options or want to talk through how this change may affect your care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Honoring Dads and Everyday Joys
This Father’s Day, we took a moment to celebrate the incredible dads, grandads, father figures, and mentors who shape our lives with their strength, support, and love.
But we also know this season means different things to everyone. Whether you spent the last few weeks making memories with family, soaking up the sunshine, or simply enjoying the shift from spring to summer, we invited our team to share the moments that brought them joy.
From Father’s Day tributes to spontaneous adventures, peaceful mornings, and playful weekends, these snapshots capture the warmth, connection, and spirit of the season—both in and outside of family traditions.
Take a peek at how our crew has been embracing this special time of year.
Nicotine Use: What It Really Means for Your Smile and Your Health
Nicotine isn’t just addictive, it can seriously harm your oral health, no matter how you get it. Whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah, or smokeless tobacco, all forms of nicotine can damage your teeth, gums, and mouth.
- Gum Disease & Reduced Healing
- Chemicals in tobacco and vaping products irritate gums and mouth tissue, reducing saliva and enabling plaque buildup. That leads to gingivitis and deeper gum disease [link to video].
- Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, slowing healing after tooth extractions or gum procedures.
- Higher Risk of Tooth Loss
- Long-term nicotine exposure weakens the gums and bone that support your teeth, significantly increasing the chance of tooth loss.
- Tooth Staining, Bad Breath & Plaque
- Nicotine and smoke cause yellowed teeth, persistent bad breath (halitosis), and excessive plaque and tartar, making daily care more challenging.
- Oral Cancer and Pre-Cancerous Changes
- Tobacco users are at much higher risk of oral cancer, including cancer of the tongue, cheek, lips, and throat. Hookah and smokeless forms are no safer.
- Vaping Isn’t Harmless
- E-cigarettes may also increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and impaired healing—despite being marketed as safer. See https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html
What You Can Do Today
- Screen & Share – Be honest with us about your nicotine use—smoking, vaping, chewing—so we can monitor your oral health more closely and provide tailored advice.
- Professional Care – Come in for regular cleaning visits. Tobacco users often need more frequent and deeper cleanings such as scaling and root planing.
- Explore Quitting Support – Ask about support programs—even nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch, lozenges) has less impact on oral tissues than smoking.
- Boost Daily Oral Habits – Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, floss every day, and rinse with mouthwash to combat extra bacteria and to speed healing.
- Watch for Abnormalities in Your Mouth – Regularly check for any signs of trouble: persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, gum bleeding, loose teeth, or pain—and contact us right away for a cancer screening. The earlier you get treatment, the better.
Your Oral Health Matters—Nicotine-Free or Not
If you use nicotine, know this: you’re not alone and support is here. Every step toward reducing or quitting usage helps your mouth heal, lowers disease risk, and leads to a fresher, healthier smile.
Honoring Our Team Members
To learn more about our team members, visit Our Team page on our website.
MVP – Kat
We’re celebrating one incredible year with our June MVP, Kat! From day one, she has proven herself with dedication, hard work, and heart. Kat always goes the extra mile, especially when helping our Spanish-speaking patients feel at ease. We’re so lucky to have her in our dental family! Here’s to Kat and many more amazing years ahead!
Recipe of the Month: Divorce Salad
Source: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/divorce-salad
Crispy, crunchy, tangy, and unapologetically bold, the so-called Divorce Salad is a total keeper. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need your approval, it knows it’s delicious.
Whether you’re sharing it or keeping it all to yourself (we wouldn’t blame you), just know: this salad may be called Divorce, but it’s a forever kind of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tsp. salt, plus more
- 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 1 15-oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more shaved for serving
- 2 large romaine hearts, leaves separated
- Store-bought fried onions (for serving)
Instructions
- Whisk ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tsp. honey, ½ tsp. onion powder, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper in a medium bowl until emulsified. Add 2 small shallots, finely chopped, one 15-oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed, and ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan and toss to combine. Taste bean mixture; season with more salt and pepper if desired. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
- Arrange 2 large romaine hearts, leaves separated, on a platter. Lightly drizzle with oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Spoon bean mixture over and scatter store-bought fried onions and shaved Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Do Ahead: Bean mixture can be made 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.
- Switch it up by adding fresh figs or crispy prosciutto