Utah remains one of the states in America with no comprehensive statewide certification when it comes to education and careers in dental assisting and dental administration. This may be an issue for students who are looking to maximize opportunity and minimize expense. It also causes some students to over- pay expensive tuition fees because they do not know all the facts.

“If all a student wants are the skills necessary to become a successful dental assistant, such as state required certifications in CPR and radiology (exams regulated by the Utah Board), then why pay full tuition at a college or applied technical school when they can go somewhere else and get the very same certifications and education for far less money?” says Chief Executive Officer of The Core Foundation, Christie McCutchan.

The facts: Dental assistants in Utah only need to pass a radiology exam approved by the Utah Board that meets the criteria established in Section R156-69-604. All dental assistants must also currently have either Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. These are the only two required certifications to become a dental assistant in Utah.

All accredited and non-accredited dental assisting programs offer these required certifications, but at widely differing tuition pricing. At Salt Lake Community College of Applied Technology the tuition cost is $16,000. At Vista, the program would cost $14,000, but The Core Foundation offers the very same certifications for $2,999 and all of the above offer the same legal certifications required for a career in dental assisting.

“We are not sure why people looking to get into the field of dental assisting are paying ridiculous, and quite frankly exorbitant , tuition fees when there is no statewide certification,” says McCutchan. “Most students do not realize that unless they are looking to transfer these basic dental assisting credit hours towards a degree in dental hygiene (RDH), there are other, far less expensive, ways of achieving the very same goal.

The Core Foundation is a newly registered school focusing on educating and preparing students for a career in dental assisting and administration. Since there is no statewide regulation governing this process, The Core Foundation is one of the few schools that offers students a true, academic setting complete with classrooms, textbooks, comprehensive curriculum and the opportunity to gain practical hands-on application in their three dental facilities.

This training is held not only in general dentistry, but in a specialty surgical center and pediatric clinics, providing students with a substantially more well-rounded education than many of the other programs out there. Offering a certificate of completion, along with the necessary state certifications required for dental assisting, The Core Foundation began offering classes in summer 2010.

**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

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:

1. Current CPR/BLS Certification;
2. Current Utah Radiography Certificate;
3. Perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties and often work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients;
4. Make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records;
5. Hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices;
6. Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment; prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care;
7. Prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x-rays, and process x-ray film as directed by the dentist;
8. 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?

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

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

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.

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 Periodontal (Gum) Disease develops when calculus deposits underneath the gums harbor bacteria and cause infection. Without treatment, the infection becomes severe, causing loss of supportive bone and eventually, teeth. Treatment is targeted at removing calculus deposits, and removing infected tissue to promote healing. Traditionally this has required treatment with manual dental instruments or surgery. Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) LANAP® periodontal therapy uses a special kind of laser fiber, which is only about as wide as three human hairs. During treatment the fiber is inserted between the gum tissue and the tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease to promote healthy tissue growth and healing. Gum “Lifts” Dr. Maughan often employs the laser in smile designs to perform gum-sculpting procedures to correct: Gummy” smiles that make teeth appear too short; Uneven or irregular gum lines that detract from overall smile appearance; Overgrown areas of soft tissue that interfere with placement of dental restorations. Pain relief from cold sores or mouth ulcers A quick dental laser treatment can often help ease the discomfort of common cold sores and mouth ulcers.

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.