Join us Saturday March 30, 2013 for our Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Park.
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: North Pavillion Liberty Park, Salt Lake City Utah
Come Join in the FUN!
EASTER EGG HUNT IS HERE!
By: Christie | Published: March 30, 2013
Kids fun this weekend – come meet us
By: Christie | Published: February 1, 2013
Things are looking up, the sky is clearing the sun is out and coming this Saturday it’s going to be chock full of fun. We’re talking about heading to the Southtowne Expo Center where the will be a plethora of fun things for everyone — especially kids where Utah Kids Club is hosting the Winter Palooza. A few stellar events: Rock climbing, paint ball, and steel bull rides. Just a taste of what’s going on.
We’ll be there with lots of toothbrush-floss kits, cause we know there will be lots of grubbing down to be had. Oh, and also there will be a lucky kid who will win a giant Crayola coloring set. Check it out:
Oh yeah, if any of you like using Twitter and would like to hear sage-like dental advice and promotions from The Center of Dental Pros and A Kids Place, you can find our handle at @CDPUtah or Click Here.
Need Dentures? Financing Options Made Easy!
By: DentalProAdmin | Published: May 31, 2012
After your visit to the dentist, if the question you are asking yourself is NOT whether you need dentures, over-dentures or dental implants BUT RATHER how you will be able to afford treatment, then this article is just for you!
Financing dental work can be overwhelming, but if an effective plan is implemented it doesn’t have to be! There are many financial options available to get the smile you deserve, from easy financing with personal loans, cash discounts, insurance contributions and deciding whether or not you need a specialist will all influence YOUR bottom-line. First, let’s review your options:
• Partial Denture
o Private Pay Discounted Cost: $683 for top; $686 for bottom
o Regular Cost:$$975 for top; $980 for bottom
o Keep in Mind: Partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth and are mostly cosmetic in nature.
• Immediate Dentures
o Private Pay Discounted Cost:$961 for top; $961 for bottom
o Regular Cost:$1420 for top; $1420 for bottom
o Specialist: $1846 for top; $1846 for bottom
o Keep in Mind: Since impressions are taken before teeth are extracted, this denture option is not fitted exactly to your mouth and you may need to come in for adjustments in the future. However, you do not have to go with no teeth for 6 weeks, as you do with the complete denture.
• Complete Dentures
o Private Pay Discounted Cost: $880 for top; $880 for bottom
o Regular Cost: $1430 for top; $1430 for bottom
o Specialist Cost: $1859 for top; $1859 for bottom
o Keep in Mind: You usually have to wait for 6 weeks between having any remaining teeth extracted and an impression taken, before the final delivery of the denture. PLUS SIDE: Custom made dentures fit comfortably in your mouth with minimal discomfort.
• Overdentures (plus 2 implants & abutments)
o Regular Cost: $6285 for top; $6285 for bottom
o Specialist Cost: $8171 for top; $8171 for bottom
o Keep in Mind: This is a perfect denture! It’s almost like having natural teeth once again. You don’t have to take it out since the implants secure the denture in your mouth, which allows you to eat the foods that you love again (corn on cob anyone?).
o NOTE: Extraction fees range from a discounted fee of $158 to $225 (normal & specialist fee) per tooth.
Unfortunately, seniors are more likely to suffer from dental problems. Ill-fitting dentures often create: jaw pain, mouth sores, require the routine use of denture pads, click, whistle, slip or cause chewing to be painful, slur speech, create the appearance of extra wrinkles around your mouth, or make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance. All of these factors make it increasingly difficult to eat a healthy diet, enjoy the foods you love and live life to its fullest. If you currently wear dentures, it is important to have them evaluated on a regular basis, as bone and gums may shrink over time, causing your dentures to become lose and uncomfortable. You cannot correct the fit of your dentures by using more and more denture adhesive!
However, dentists understand that dental treatment can be expensive, but you do have options to get the care you need! Here is a plan of action to get you back on track for the smile you deserve:
1. Schedule a consultation with a dentist or specialist; many providers offer this service free of charge.
2. Discuss your treatment options with your dentist and decide on the best treatment option available. Once this is decided a financial treatment coordinator can discuss payment options.
3. Explore financing options, for example: CareCredit (http://www.carecredit.com) is a personal loan option that allows you to pay over 12 months with no interest or choose longer payment plans with a low interest rate of 14.9% applied (up to 60 months if charges exceed $2,500).
4. Discuss in-house payment plans and insurance coverage at this time as well
5. Schedule your appointment and see just how amazing a new set of dentures can be!
The bottom line? Visit your dental professional regularly and discuss your payment options at the time of service! Exhaust all options before having any teeth pulled – once they are gone, you will never get them back and dental discounts, payment plans and personal loans are available. Together, we can find a solution to “get your bite back.” Call us today at 801-747-8018 to schedule your Consultation.
Why Are Utah Students Paying More When No State Credential Exists Concerning Dental Assisting Fields?
By: Christie | Published: May 14, 2012
Job Opening – Scheduling Coordinator
By: curtis | Published: April 20, 2012
The Center of Dental Professionals has an immediate opening for a Scheduling Coordinator!
**NOTE** Applicants must have a working knowledge of Dentrix prior to applying to be considered.
As a Scheduling Coordinator, you will be required to have a basic working knowledge of computers (Word, Outlook, Excel); familiarity with Dentrix is a must. You must also be familiar with and comfortable using a multi-line phone system and standard office equipment (fax, copier, scanner, etc.) Great verbal and overall communication skills are a must; Bilingual in Spanish is preferred, but not necessary. Your main responsibilities will be patient communication, scheduling, and data-entry. This position requires a positive, up-beat attitude and the ability to work well with others. You must be able to multi-task and work efficiently independent of direct supervision.
Compensation: $12-$14 hr. DOE
To Apply: Please send resume to Curtis Haring at curtis.haring.akp@gmail.com
Dental Assistant Job Opportunity!
By: curtis | Published: March 16, 2012
Are you looking for a change of scene? Look no further! The Center of Dental Professionals and A Kid’s Place Dentistry has 1 Full Time opening for a Certified Dental Assistant. Please read through Job Requirements below:
Description:
The Center of Dental Professionals/A Kid’s Place Dentistry currently has a full/part-time dental assisting position available in our fast paced dental clinic(s). We provide general and specialty (Pedo, Prostho, Perio and OMFS) dentistry for our patients; their well being is our top priority! Applicants must be: motivated, positive and capable (with the ability to multi-task in a variety of demanding situations), have a basic understanding of front/back office protocol, Dentrix (preferably), have current CPR or BLS certification, have current Utah radiography certification and an entry level skill set, knowledge and understanding of the dental field (minimum) . Expanded duties are expected and, if needed, trained for (wage is negotiable, based on experience).
Job Requirements:
- Current CPR/BLS Certification;
- Current Utah Radiography Certificate;
- Perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties and often work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients;
- Make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records;
- Hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices;
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment; prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care;
- Prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x-rays, and process x-ray film as directed by the dentist;
- Schedule appointments and order dental supplies and materials.
Personal Attributes:
Be honest
Be respectful
Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
Be flexible
Demonstrate sound work ethics
Professional demeanor
Punctual
Hard working
Multi-tasker
Self-motivator
Fast learner
Team player
To Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to Curtis Haring by April 15: curtis.haring.akp@gmail.com
Do I Really Need Dental Implants?
By: Christie | Published: March 12, 2012
Never in history have patients been so bombarded by dental marketing. Dentists around the nation promote cosmetic makeovers and implant “teeth-in-a-day”. While this is a legitimate treatment option for a select few; health, genetics, habits, age, desired esthetics and finances may require the doctor to provide alternatives to suit the needs of all patients. With this in mind, patients today have questions! Below are the most frequently asked questions regarding dental implants.
Do I really need dental implants?
People don’t “need” teeth to live. However, beautiful, long-lasting, worry-free teeth make life much more enjoyable. Imagine smiling and eating with confidence! No more self-conscious smiles in family pictures due to missing teeth. No more eating on “your good side”, you know, the side with no dental problems. Imagine, no more ill-fitting dentures!
Doesn’t it hurt and take a long time to heal?
Advances in technology and techniques have significantly improved the patient’s dental implant experience. Computer-guided surgery and laser dentistry allow many procedures to be completed in one day with NO cutting of the gums! This significantly reduces the pain and healing time after the procedure. Most patients are comfortable with simply taking over-the-counter medications for the minimal pain associated with this procedure.
Will I have to go without teeth as I heal?
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Sylvia had trouble with her existing partial dentures and was interested in implant therapy. Her main concerns were: not having teeth as she healed, post-treatment pain and healing time.
Incorporating the latest technology and techniques allowed Sylvia to be successfully treated with little discomfort the day of surgery and deliver beautiful teeth the same day.
How many implants do I need?
This varies from patient to patient. A frail 93 year-old female would require less implants than the 40 year-old construction worker twice her size. The goal is to use the least number of implants to achieve what the patient desires without sacrificing durability and predictability of the final outcome.
After a thorough evaluation and a 3-D x-ray, the doctor and patient will consider: health, genetics, habits, age, desired esthetics and finances. After weighing the benefits and limitations of each doctor recommended treatment option; the patient and their family usually decide what’s best for their personal needs whether it be 1, 2, 4, 6 or no implants at all. Patients, with their newfound understanding of dental implants, should be able to make this decision for themselves.
I’m too old for dental implants?
Two months ago Ellen, a 93 year-old patient, came to my office for a second opinion. She had only one tooth remaining in her lower jaw and very little jawbone left to support a denture.
Another doctor had recommended 4-5 implants and a permanent denture for $22,000! Considering her age, we thought this may be over-treatment. We always recommend starting with the least expensive, least invasive treatment. She left our office smiling from ear to ear with 2 implants under a beautiful new denture. When asked if it was worth it Ellen replied: “I can’t believe I didn’t do this 15 years ago!” If otherwise healthy, a patient’s age plays only a practical role in treatment.
Which doctor should do my implants?
Bob Before Treatment
Bob After Treatment
Bob was a regular at his dentist friend’s office for years. Bob knew his complex dental needs required a specialist. He wanted his surgery and dentistry done by experienced specialists who treat cases similar to his on a daily basis. His dentist was honest with him and let him know he does not do implant surgery every day and recommended him to our office. He now smiles and eats with confidence only weeks after beginning treatment. We want to work with your current dentist to ensure a healthy long-lasting smile.
Prosthodontists are the only dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association to place and restore implants. They have attended three additional years of post-doctoral training after dental school to perform the surgical placement of dental implants, crowns and/or denture restorations. Confusing appointments and fees between multiple doctors is unnecessary!
When IV sedation and/or complex surgery is required, Dr Cameron Egbert, an Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon, is available in the office to ensure your safety. Oral Surgeon’s attend an additional four to six years of post-doctoral training after dental school and are trained in anesthesia, management of patients with severe health problems and oral and facial surgery.
It is important to ask what type of training your dentist has when it comes to dental implant treatment. Over half of the patients I see come to me with implant problems that could have been avoided if managed by a specialist from the beginning of treatment. With a combined eleven years practicing the latest and safest techniques, you can rest assured there is no more advanced dental office in Utah to care for your implant needs.
We sincerely hope this helped resolve some of your concerns regarding dental implants.
If you have any other questions please call for a complimentary, no obligation consultation 801-747-8018. You deserve to have your best smile possible!
Dr. Nicholas Egbert D.D.S, M.D.S.
Surgical Prosthodontist
Dentists’ Tips for Healthy Baby Teeth
By: Christie | Published: March 6, 2012
Dentists suggest a number of tips for parents to prevent the decay of baby teeth:
Take an infant to a dentist before the first birthday for an assessment of cavity risk, even if the child has only a few teeth.
In general, brush the teeth of children 2 or younger with a bit of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. At 2, start to use a pea-size dollop.
Reduce snacking. Eating any starchy or sugary food causes the pH level in the mouth to drop sharply, leaving teeth awash in an acid bath — murder on enamel — for 20 minutes until saliva normalizes the pH. The frequency of exposure to acid is more important than the sugar content of food.
Do not share utensils with a child or “clean” a pacifier in your mouth, then give it to your infant.
Research has shown that parents or caregivers with active tooth decay can pass cavity-causing bacteria via saliva.
Brush preschoolers’ teeth for them. “They are not in a position to effectively brush their teeth until they are 7 or 9,” said Dr. John Hanna, the director at the pediatric dental surgery clinic at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.
CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS
Optimizing Patient Care and Convenience: The Team Approach & TMJ
By: Christie | Published: March 5, 2012
Utilizing a “team approach” when treating complex TMJ cases does more than just reduce patient stress and apprehension but, more importantly, facilitates a seamless transition from one treatment to another, creating the optimum scenario for satisfied patients and providers alike. Here at The Center of Dental Professionals, we have a Surgical Prosthodontist and two Oral Surgeons on staff to do just that. You may be asking yourself how this tandem approach to TMJ treatment differs from other treatment options; here’s how:
Pre-surgical TMJ options with Dr. Nicholas Egbert, Surgical Prosthodontist
• Reviews patient history for pertinent trauma related to TMJ, medical and dental;
• Provides comprehensive head and neck exam;
• Diagnosis of the joint problem via loading of the joint;
• Mounts casts for fabrication of proper TMJ splint and records pretreatment occlusion;
• Provides splint therapy in conjunction with physical therapy for 6-8 weeks;
• Prescribes appropriate medication/prescription(s);
• Re-evaluates patient progress;
• Refers to surgery if needed.
Surgical TMJ options with Dr. Cameron Egbert and Dr. Niven Tien, Oral Surgeons
As the TMJ treatments above suggest, patients have a variety of options to explore before surgery becomes their only option. However, if surgical management of the temporomandibular joint is the only option, a qualified Oral Surgeon, working with a patient’s Prosthodontist, is critical to a patient’s treatment success. Here are some of the benefits an Oral Surgeon can offer:
• Provides medical management;
• Exams are administered under anesthesia;
• Performs arthocentesis / jaw joint washout
• Performs arthoplasty
• Performs discectomy
• Provides total joint replacement options;
• Returns patient to general dentist for follow up care.
Suffering with TMJ disorders is painful and oftentimes even debilitating for patients but working with a qualified team of specialists will best provide your patients with the relief they need to live pain-free and productive lives. To learn more about our “team approach” to TMJ treatment, please call our office to speak with one of our specialists directly. We look forward to working with you and increasing your patients’ satisfaction!
If you feel you may suffer from TMJ disorders call us today at 801-747-8018 for a Complimentary Consultation.
What is “Laser” Dentistry?
By: Christie | Published: February 29, 2012
 Laser Dentistry
Dental laser technology is a powerful yet gentle combination of electronics and energy that allows Dr. Maughan to perform many soft tissue procedures quickly and safely, often with minimal discomfort or bleeding.For years, lasers have been the standard of care for surgical and cosmetic procedures such as LASIK®, wrinkle and hair removal. Dentists around the world have performed millions of procedures using laser technology, refined specifically for management and treatment of oral tissues. Gum Treatments Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) Gum “Lifts”
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Laser technology is an innovative approach to dentistry that has benefited many of our patients. Please call us with your questions about laser dentistry today at 801-747-8015.