“The current economic environment has forced many Americans to delay seeking dental care, cutting back on everything from cleanings to dentures to treatment of gum disease,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Considering the link between gum disease and certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke, patients should try to make regular visits to the dentist just as much of a priority as regular visits to their primary care physician.”

Adds Dr. Judge, “Ultimately, seeking preventative care and taking care of small dental problems before they become big problems pays off.”

According to a report by Oral Health America, early dental treatment is cost effective. In fact, the cost of providing preventive dental treatment is estimated to be 10 times less than the cost of managing symptoms of dental disease in a hospital emergency room. Moreover, the report notes that improving oral health by multiple preventative approaches, including periodontal (gum) disease management, saves more than $4 billion per year in treatment costs.

Advice for Denture Patients

Regular oral care is just as important for the nearly 50 million Americans who wear full or partial dentures. Even patients who have no natural teeth should have their mouth examined annually not only for signs of oral cancer, but also for proper denture fit. The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Another key concern for people with dentures is the use of denture adhesives. While adhesives can help dentures feel more stable and secure, long-term excessive use can potentially pose health risks. Patients should closely follow labeling instructions for denture adhesive products. If dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible about an adjustment or replacement.

Making Dental Care Accessible

Doctors and staff at Aspen Dental work to help break down the barriers that keep patients from getting the oral care they need, offering convenient locations, extended hours including select Saturdays, affordable fees, and a wide range of flexible payment plan options. Aspen Dental practices work with all insurance plans.  Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

To make an appointment, call 800-ASPEN DENTAL or visit www.aspendent.com to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

Members of the Training and Development team at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. received a CNY BEST Learning and Performance award from the American Society for Training and Development in recognition of excellence in learning and performance practices that link learning to strategic growth. Members of the ADMI team are as follows. Front, left to right: Robin Ivens, Operations Trainer; Carrie Clark, Manager, Operations Training; Lisa Brennan, Operations Trainer; David Sokolowski, Managing Director, Training and Development. Rear, left to right: Lenore O'Connor, Director, Operations Training; Mark Britz, Instructional Designer.

Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) received a CNY BEST Learning and Performance award from the American Society for Training and Development in recognition of excellence in learning and performance practices that link learning to strategic growth.

ADMI’s Training and Development team was honored at the CNY BEST Awards Ceremony on June 10, 2010 for its Blended Learning Approach, a program based on the philosophy that today’s employees require ongoing support for learning, rather than single, exhaustive knowledge download. The team developed a series of e-learning modules using rapid e-learning tools, which were supplemented by written job-aids, SharePoint blogs and wikis to provide ongoing support and education. The program not only showed significant cost savings over traditional training delivery methods but also resulted in improved performance.

“Our training and development team fully believes that employees derive the greatest benefit from consistent, ongoing learning opportunities,” said David Sokolowski, managing director of training and development at ADMI. “Developing and implementing solid programs for clinicians and office staff in more than 245 Aspen Dental practices across 20 states is a huge challenge, so I’m incredibly proud of the team’s ingenuity in creating and implementing this award-winning initiative.”

ADMI has invested significantly in training in recent years; the company’s Practice Support Center in East Syracuse, which opened in 2006, houses a 90-seat auditorium to host regular, onsite training sessions. In 2009 alone, ADMI invested more than $6 million in support of professional development initiatives for 750 doctors, hygienists and office managers at the Support Center and in the field.

In addition to Sokolowski, members of the ADMI Training and Development team include Lenore O’Connor, director of operations training; Mark Britz, instructional designer; Carrie Clark, manager, operations training; Lisa Brennan, operations trainer; Robin Ivens, operations trainer; Mike Jimerson, director of laboratory performance improvement and Teresa Clonan, administrative assistant.

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL & ADMI
With more than 245 locations in 20 states, Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality dental care under the Aspen Dental brand. Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network of practices is supported by Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of integrated business services to dental practices in the U.S.

ADMI provides business expertise that allows dentists to focus on providing quality care to their patients. These services include training and professional development, benefits administration, marketing, insurance processing, procurement, facilities and equipment.

To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com. 

Fall for Smiles is a public messaging campaign conducted in collaboration with Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait, an initiative of the Dental Trade Alliance. The campaign begins in September 2010 to promote messages to consumers about the importance of self-care, good nutrition, regular dental visits, and tobacco avoidance in maintaining oral health.

During the campaign, OHA will announce the results of a public opinion survey on consumers’ beliefs about oral health. Sponsored by Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait and Plackers dental flossers, the survey of more than 1,000 adults and more than 1,000 children asked questions about oral care habits and perceptions.

Prior OHA surveys have shown that adults are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria play in tooth decay, and that time spent brushing teeth tends to diminish at nighttime and on weekends. This suggests that routines play a role in optimum oral care habits.

“The Fall for Smiles campaign is intended to bring the oral health community together to promote common messaging about what Americans can do to keep their mouths healthy,” said Beth Truett, president and CEO, Oral Health America.

“We are excited about the strong interest we have from the public and private sectors in a messaging campaign in the third quarter that reminds consumers about the importance of oral care routines as families are heading back to school and back to work.”

Fall for Smiles will include outreach to dental care providers through a participation booklet and kit created by Patterson Dental. The campaign will also dedicate a week to oral health issues faced by mature adults and older Americans, an initiative being sponsored by Aspen Dental. A “Tobacco Free Week” will focus on the oral health risks of tobacco use.

“Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait shares a common purpose with OHA’s Fall for Smiles campaign—to increase dental patient awareness,” said Gary Price, CEO, Dental Trade Alliance. “Our members are encouraged by the collaborative nature of this effort, and the multiple opportunities for outreach to patient populations and opinion leaders throughout the country.”

For more information, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.

To read more about Oral Health America, go to Oral Health America.

An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart condition as those without. (www.perio.org)

“Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the connection between your gums and your heart,” said Dr. Irshad Mohammed, lead dentist in Aspen Dental’s Fairfield office in the Black Rock Shopping Center. “In addition to brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s important to eat foods that promote good oral health.”

Dr. Mohammed’s Tips:
• Try tea. Drinking green tea is an easy way to ward off the bacteria that causes gum disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. Brew some green tea and then chill it for a cool and healthy summer drink.

• Choose fruits high in vitamin C. Depending on its size, a kiwi can give you 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. The vitamin C prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down which can lead to tender gums more susceptible to disease. Blend kiwis and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled summer soup or use as a topping on your favorite yogurt.

• Go with the grain. Eating whole grains is another simple way to keep your gums and heart healthy. Whole grains are digested more slowly than other grains, which means blood glucose levels rise at a steadier rate and mitigate the body’s production of bacteria that can cause gum and heart disease. Try replacing unrefined white pasta with whole wheat noodles in your pasta salad this summer.

For more advice on foods that can keep your mouth and heart in good health, ask your dentist during your next exam.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

“Year after year, the faculty and staff at SUNY Canton donate their time, talents and expertise to the community. We share their commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive oral health care to those who need it, and are proud to call SUNY Canton a partner,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

In February 2010, SUNY Canton hygiene students teamed up with Aspen Dental dentists and hygienists to provide a day of free dental services to more than 30 Syracuse-area high school students who participate in the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HW-SC) youth development program. Services included x-rays, basic cleanings and fluoride treatments.

“The hygiene students from SUNY Canton were instrumental to the success of our program with HW-SC. We look forward to their ongoing partnership and participation in our future days of free dental service for Hillside students,” added Howes.

Students from the SUNY Canton program have also toured ADMI’s Practice Support Center in East Syracuse, where they participated in hands-on workshops and attended presentations on topics including oral cancer screening, dental restorations and dentures.

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL & ADMI
With more than 245 locations in 20 states, Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality dental care under the Aspen Dental brand. Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network of practices is supported by Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of integrated business services to dental practices in the U.S. ADMI provides business expertise that allows dentists to focus on providing quality care to their patients. These services include training and professional development, benefits administration, marketing, insurance processing, procurement, facilities and equipment.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

The new Springfield practice will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. The office offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

Dr. Vishal Gandhi, who will serve as lead dentist, received his DDS degree from The Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Toronto.

To make an appointment, call 217-793-2400 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to www.aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients
Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Springfield office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

A down economy is fueling growth of a New York-based dental clinic chain, which plans to open three outlets in the Pittsburgh area this year and 36 clinics nationwide by year’s end.

In recent weeks, Aspen Dental opened a clinic in Cranberry Township, and other offices are planned in Homestead and Washington, Pa., said company spokesman Brian Healy. Aspen was founded in 1998 in Syracuse, N.Y., and has annual revenue of around $500 million, with annual revenue growth of 60 percent.

Joining Aspen was “too good of an opportunity to pass up” for Dr. Nathan Laughrey, who bought an Aspen office in the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in 2006 in a 50-50 investment agreement with the company. All Aspen offices are independently operated. Laughrey always dreamed of having his own practice, but “it was kind of daunting to make the financial commitment.” In addition, Laughrey, who served as general practice residency director at Allegheny General Hospital, worried as the economy tanked and classmates in private practice struggled.

“Dental school really doesn’t teach you a lot about running your own business,” he said.

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

The Lincoln practice will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. The office offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

Dr. Derek Kaelin, who will serve as lead dentist in Lincoln, received his DDS degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and has more than 15 years of clinical experience.

To make an appointment, call 402-475-0070 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients
Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Lincoln office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 235 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit aspendentaljobs.com.

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

Owned by Dr. Garbiel Iancu, the Kingston practice will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. The office offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

Dr. Iancu joined Aspen Dental in 2003 as an associate dentist in Albany, NY and became the lead dentist in Rotterdam, NY the same year. Dr. Iancu became a practice owner in 2005 and today has 10 Aspen Dental offices that span from the Capital District to the Hudson Valley to Vermont. He oversees a team of nearly 50 dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and office staff and is featured in the cover story of the current issue of Dentaltown magazine (May 2010).

To make an appointment, call 845-336-0500 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to www.aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients
Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.
As an added convenience to denture patients, the Kingston office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 235 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

National BBB accreditation means that doctors at each of Aspen Dental’s 235 practices in 20 states are committed to meeting certain standards, including making a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB-accredited businesses pay a fee for accreditation monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public. An A+ is the highest possible rating on the BBB’s Reliability Report, and represents BBB’s degree of confidence the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make an effort to resolve any customer concerns filled with BBB.

“Achieving national BBB accreditation and an A+ rating is a credit to the talented Aspen Dental dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, lab technicians, and office staff who are committed to ensuring that their patients receive excellent care,” said Robert Fontana, president and CEO of Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices made significant investments in patient satisfaction during 2009, building a team of support specialists and putting into place new protocols and procedures to help resolve any issues quickly and effectively.

“As the provider of comprehensive business support services for Aspen Dental practices, ADMI worked hand-in-hand with those practices to develop a world-class patient satisfaction services, including the establishment of a dedicated patient satisfaction team. We will continue to look for logistical and operational efficiencies that will allow Aspen Dental doctors and their staff to spend more time providing high quality care to patients,” added Fontana.

Aspen Dental dentists provide a wide variety of denture and dental services, ranging from preventive care to general dentistry to restoration. In addition to offering patients a choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, Aspen Dental practices provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work.

In total, Aspen Dental practices saw more than half a million patients in 2009, including more than 340,000 new patients, and recorded more than 1.5 million total patient visits. Aspen Dental practices are supported by both a central denture lab and individual onsite denture labs, which produced more than 100,000 full and partial Comfidents® brand dentures last year.

Providing Access to Comprehensive Dental Care

Many patients do not visit the dentist regularly – according to a 2003 “National Call To Action To Promote Oral Health” by the U.S. Surgeon General, fewer than two-thirds of adults report having visited a dentist in the previous 12 months.

Doctors and staff at Aspen Dental offices work to help break down the barriers that keep patients from getting the oral care they need by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options. Aspen Dental practices work with all insurance plans.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental practices offer free new-patient exams to patients that do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

Aspen Dental offices are open extended hours, including select Saturdays, and work with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To make an appointment, patients can call 800-ASPEN DENTAL or visit www.aspendent.com and click “Make an Appointment” to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing providers of denture and dental care services in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

In 2009, Aspen Dental practices recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.