News

If You’re Looking for Dental Assistance

It’s hard to believe we’ve been in this pandemic for one year. We feel optimistic about better things to come with the development of the vaccine and it’s roll out. Small businesses are facing so many hardships and are not sure if they will be able to reopen in the future. Many families, single parents, seniors and single people are facing the challenge of not being employed and having limited incomes. For Albertans, we understand the decision to buy groceries, pay for rent, and clothe our families takes priority over the decision to access dental care. Our office has put together some information about accessing limited public funding if you are looking for dental assistance.

If finances are a challenge

For families that need assistance, Alberta Child Health Benefits and Alberta Works programs may be able to offer support when incomes are limited. Call 1-877-469-5437 or visit: www.alberta.ca/alberta-child-health-benefit.aspx for more details. It’s worth investigating to see if there might be support available for you.

The Boyle McCauley Dental Clinic (https://www.bmhc.net/dental-clinic.html) might be a helpful resource for families in need. This clinic offers care to those facing barriers on a sliding fee schedule that considers patient income. Call 780-422-7333.

The University of Alberta Dental Clinic offers a range of dental services to the public, often at more affordable prices. Visit this website for more information: https://www.ualberta.ca/school-of-dentistry/oral-health-clinic/index.html. Call 780-407-5550.

The NAIT Dental Clinic provides teeth cleaning and fluoride application to children and teens between 7–18 yrs. of age. The clinic also fabricates complete upper and lower dentures and partial lower dentures. Call 780-471-7786.

If you’re a senior

Many of our seniors are under the assumption that they qualify for dentistry under Blue cross when they turn 65. The Blue Cross program is for medical and prescriptions only. In order for seniors to qualify for basic dental treatment, they must contact Alberta Supports Contact Centre. Toll-free: 1-800-232-7215 and Edmonton: 780-427-9999.

The Dental Assistance for Senior Program (DASP) provides basic dental coverage to a maximum of $5000.00 every five years from the date of your first paid dental procedure. The amount of coverage you receive is based on your previous year’s annual income.

If you’re struggling

Our dental practice will continue to welcome patients accessing income and social supports at our office including Alberta Works, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Alberta Child health Benefits, and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

When dental practices see patients accessing these programs, we offer a significant discount (up to 45%) off our regular fees. Patients on these programs are welcome at our office.

Help Support Our Small Business

We have all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and now, more than ever, small businesses are relying on the loyalty and support of their local communities. At ThirtyTwo Dental, we are no different — we depend on devoted patients and their positive word of mouth to make our business succeed. Since re-opening, we have been extremely grateful to see so many smiling faces return to our office. THANK YOU for your trust in our commitment to provide dental care in a SAFE and friendly environment.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to walk you through our current safety procedures and if you aren’t feeling comfortable with the prospect of returning to the dentist just yet, don’t worry. Here are two other ways you can show your support:

1. Write us a Google review

Did you know that 9 out of 10 people read online reviews before deciding to buy a product or service? Your review makes a difference!

2. Vote for your Favourite Dental Office

Last year, we won first place in the Edmonton Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Please help us defend our title as Best Dental Office in YEG! Voting closes October second!

THANK YOU

COVID-19 Update: May 4, 2020

We miss seeing your smiles!

To all of our valued patients,

We know this has been a difficult time for everyone. The situation that we’ve all come to find ourselves in is unprecedented, with so many unknowns. During this time, it has been a challenge to treat our patients remotely as dental-related issues have come up, but we thank you all for your patience and understanding as we’ve tried to handle each situation as best and as safely as we could. Our first priority has been and continues to be the safety of our patients, as well as our 32Dental team.

With the announcement made by the provincial government about its relaunch strategy, dental offices were included in businesses that could potentially open up on May 4, 2020. However, we have been mandated by the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C) that we are only allowed to provide urgent and emergent dental care at this time. The ADA&C is working on providing us guidelines to ensure a safe environment, with the hopes that we may soon be able to broaden the scope of treatment we are able to provide.

Until that time, we are still here for you. Please do not hesitate to call/text (780) 428-2331 or email info@32dental.ca with any questions or concerns. We are checking our messages regularly. If you are having an emergency (pain, infection, trauma), please call/text Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky at (780) 907-8684.

We will keep you informed as the situation with COVID-19 evolves day by day. In the meantime, we hope that you are all staying at home as much as possible, keeping safe and staying healthy.

Improve Your Health—Visit Your Dentist More Often

Why are you told to visit the dentist every six months? The truth behind this specific recommendation actually came from Colgate Toothpaste. It was part of a marketing campaign that promoted the idea that in conjunction with brushing and flossing, you should visit the dentist every six months. Turns out Colgate wasn’t completely out to lunch, as seeing a dentist twice a year, or every six months, works well for MOST people. If you have little risk of cavities or gum disease, then seeing your dentist once or twice a year should be fine. HOWEVER, if you have a higher risk of gum disease or cavities, you might need to visit every three or four months.

Everyone is different, so to determine your personalized interval recommendation, there are a few key points we look at.

1. Bone/gum disease (aka periodontal disease).

The health of your gums and bones (also referred to as your “periodontal condition”) plays a huge factor in determining how often you should be visiting your dentist. We want to prevent recession and bone loss, two important factors that hold your teeth in place and maintain ideal function. We use different instruments to remove any plaque, build up or lurking bacteria that could be contributing to the destruction.

Other important factors to consider:

If you previously had periodontal disease
The rate at which your mouth produces plaque/tartar
Your hygiene home care routine
Your body’s response to treatment
If you have any “pocketing”. This term is used to describe bone loss between your teeth and gums.

Bone loss occurs for a variety of reasons, but once there, it’s very important to keep your teeth clean.

Something very important to note: Treatment of gingivitis or periodontal disease in early stages can prevent pain/tenderness or possible tooth loss down the road.

2.Tooth decay.

Visiting us twice a year can help prevent decay from damaging your teeth. X-rays allow your dentist to see the full picture of your teeth’s health and they can diagnose cavities. If we catch cavities when they’re small it prevents larger, more invasive treatment.

3. Plaque or tartar buildup missed while brushing at home.

If build-up is left too long in those hard to reach areas, it can cause cavities. If left untreated, it can cause pain and irritate the gums, potentially leading to gum disease.

4.Oral cancer detection.

Oral cancer is a serious disease that manifests in various ways. We will check your mouth, gums and tongue for signs of oral cancer. If any swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities are found, we will inquire or alert you. If needed, we will refer you to an appropriate medical professional. Your Dentist and Hygienist are trained to look for early stages of disease and work with other professionals to ensure you’re getting the best care.

At ThirtyTwo Dental, we are committed to helping you on your journey in achieving dental and overall health. Each patient we see is unique. We are aware that most are not well-served by the default prescriptions of once a year hygiene visits dictated by most insurance plans. We believe in patient-specific maintenance care programs and will customize a plan for you.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” —Benjamin Franklin

Meet Casey, one of our Dental Assistants!

This week’s blog features Casey, our part-time dental assistant at ThirtyTwo Dental. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Casey, you’d know that she is pure sunshine! She fills our office with happiness and good vibes whenever she’s here. And after being with ThirtyTwo Dental for six years, we can honestly say she’s never had an “off day”. But what’s behind that sunny exterior? We’ve asked her 10 questions to help us get to the bottom of it.

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I had my heart set on being a fancy eraser maker and a card maker for Hallmark! They still haven’t called…

2. What is a travel destination on your bucket list?
Austria is definitely high on the list for me!

3. What is your favourite sweet treat?
Cupcakes, Oreos and Mini Eggs—or cupcakes topped with Oreos and Mini Eggs!

4. How long have you been an RDA (registered dental assistant)?
13 years.

5. What was your favourite TV show as a kid?
MacGyver, hands down! I was fascinated with how he could get out of any jam with a single bobby pin!

6. What makes you feel accomplished?
I make lists for everything, and honestly, every silly little check mark is rewarding! The challenge and enjoyment I get from running is also right up there on the list (and yes, I check my runs off too).

7. What’s one thing you wish you could do?
I would love to be a great cook! I have good intentions, but I’ve had my share of meal fails over the years!

8. What is your favourite beverage? 
I like beer but Ceasars are my favourite!

9. What is one of the best things about your job? 
Having such a great team to work with is like hitting the jackpot. We work hard and get to laugh even harder during days out together. I also value getting to know so many great patients who walk through our doors!

10. What is something on your wish list this year? 
Enjoy as much family time as possible and hopefully include a road trip to the camp and enjoy beautiful Moraine Lake.

Meet Doris, One Of Our Dental Assistants!

Next on the list is Doris! I’m sure that almost all of our long-time clients are familiar with our full-time dental assistant and self-titled “queen” of the office, Doris. For those of you that haven’t met Doris, she has been with our practice for over 31 years, and brings so much joy to our team! When she’s not working or spending time with her two kids and family, she’s very active in her Croatian community, usually cooking for large quantities of people. To find out more about her majesty, we’ve asked her 10 very important questions:

1. What are three items that are always in your fridge?

Milk, hot sauce, and eggs.

2. If you were at home on a rainy Sunday, what movie would you hope to see on TV?

Shawshank Redemption.

3. Where do you not mind waiting?

I hate waiting anywhere!

4. If you had to work but didn’t need the money, what would you choose to do?

I’d love to sell shoes, and as a bonus get to wear all of them!

5. If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, which would it be?

Mom.

6. What would your perfect day look like?

6:45 AM: I would enjoy a cup of coffee on a balcony in 25-27 °C weather.
9:30 AM: Strolling down the beach, finding pretty seashells.
11:00 AM: Mojito time!
2:00 PM: I’d eat a hamburger and fries for lunch (made by someone else), followed by a Caesar.
5:30 PM: Another walk on the beach.
7:00 PM: Dinner.
10:00 PM: A final walk on the beach.

7. What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Butter.

8. Would you rather be trapped in an elevator full of men with BO or three soaked dogs?

Men – I’m afraid of dogs.

9. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chips, forever.

10. If you could travel to any country, which country would it be?

Egypt!

Meet Haley, Our New Hygienist

haley copy

Hello there! My name is Haley Conrad, and I am a proud new member of ThirtyTwo Dental’s team. I recently moved back to the Edmonton area, after studying Dental Hygiene in Ottawa, Ontario. I grew up in Leduc and am happy to be back home! After graduating, I moved to Smithers, British Columbia, for my first career opportunity in hygiene.

When I am not at work, you can find me exploring the outdoors every opportunity I can get, whether that’s biking, hiking, rock climbing, or walking my miniature dachshund, Copper. I feel at home at the farmer’s market, I don’t think pineapple belongs on pizza, and my next big adventure will be travelling Antarctica or India. I can’t wait to meet all the patients at ThirtyTwo Dental. I’ll see your pearly whites soon!

1. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Learn how to paint, or get better at rock climbing.

2.What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
Scuba diving in Antarctica and/or hike to basecamp in Nepal or the Pacific Crest Trail.

3. What’s your favourite drink?
Monday to Thursday: almond milk latte. Friday to Sunday: Red wine.

4. What are some small things that make your day better?
Coffee, dogs, and connecting with people!

5. What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
Eating good food, doing something active outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.

6. What is something that is considered a luxury, but you don’t think you could live without?
Lip balm and coffee!

7. What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?
Biographies.

8. How do you relax after a hard day of work?
Being active and reading.

9. What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
Tanzania, Africa.

10. Where is one of the most interesting place you’ve been?
Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Making the Most of Your Dental Insurance

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Don’t let time run out on your benefits package! Many insured Canadians aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits they are allowed, even though they are paying for comprehensive plans through their employer. It’s easy to forget every detail of your benefits package and what’s available to you, so it’s a good idea to refresh yourself on what’s available to you before the year ends. If you do not use up the amount available to you, it’s typically lost as opposed to being rolled over.

It’s always good to know the intricacies of your benefits provider so you can take full advantage of all the health and wellness benefits available to you, not just for your dental health, but for your overall well-being.

Not Using Benefits

It might be surprising to hear that most people do not use all their health benefits, especially with the world becoming more health conscious overall. There are a few reasons why people don’t use their benefits:

1. A belief that the balance left owing will be too much to pay out of pocket.

If you are worried about the cost of a service, call around for estimates. Most places will be happy to help, as they are seeking your business. If the cost is higher than you would like, inquire about payment plans.

2. The process of making a claim can be a hassle, and some offices don’t offer direct billing.

Many offices will bill directly to your benefits provider. In cases where they don’t, it is beneficial to sign up for automatic reimbursements when you begin a new job so your costs will be repaid in minimal time.

3. Thinking of benefits only as something to be used when ill, as opposed to a proactive resource to maintain health.

Have you been lucky enough to not need prescriptions or stitches this year? That’s great, but many modern plans offer acupuncture, massage, and other preventative health care.

4. A lack of knowing what you are entitled to.

The best thing you can do when you get on a new plan is save the brochure or bookmark the website. Reference it about half way through your annual cycle to ensure you have ample time to take advantage of the things you would like to.

Dental Benefits Cycles

Good planning allows you to take full advantage of your package. Many plans break down allowable dental benefits by time required for the service rather than number of visits, so be sure to take a close look at your dental benefits summary. If you have remaining benefits, flex dollars, or other perks, be sure to not only use them, but to remind your coworkers as well!

We can help you make the most of your benefits.

Book a Year End Visit!

Meet Joyce, Our Dental Receptionist

We are continuing our series of staff feature blogs with our next staff member, Joyce! Joyce has been working in the dental industry for 40 years. The majority of her career has been spent working here at ThirtyTwo Dental, initially as a dental assistant for 20 years before transitioning into a dental receptionist.

Growing up in Smoky Lake, Joyce developed a love for animals and the outdoors. She also has four nephews that she loves dearly. Joyce has done 10 volunteer trips through Kindness in Action during her career and has thoroughly enjoyed each experience. She loves being able to give back and volunteer her time with the less fortunate. Joyce has even said those were some of the best travelling experiences she’s ever had! Each time was quite humbling and reinforced her pride as a Canadian.

We asked Joyce 10 “Get to Know You” questions and here’s what she had to say:

1. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Vacuuming.

2. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Play the piano.

3. If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?

A cat because they love to sleep in warm places!

4. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Hiking Machu Picchu was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done because it was so physically demanding – there was endless stone stairs! I had altitude sickness but I insisted on pushing through because otherwise the whole team would have had to go back down to the base to take me back.

5. What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

Clothes.

6. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

40 – because that was my favorite year. I had the most fun that year. Also, Bill and Judy were kind enough to plan a surprise party for me with all of my friends and family – it was very special to me.

7. Where was your favorite vacation?

Turkey! I visited over Christmas and at one point we visited an ancient amphitheater where we sang “Holy Night”. The acoustics in the theatre made it an overall incredible experience. I also made some great friends with the people I travelled with and we had amazing food during the trip. It was also very eye-opening for me – it gave me a new perspective because I learned so much about history and Islam.

8. What was the last time you had an amazing meal?

Corso 32 in November for a birthday. The pasta dishes were so different!

9. What was your favorite toy/game as a child?

Snakes and Ladders because I could always beat my brother and sister!

10. What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Read books.

Feature Blog: Dental Receptionist Pam

To help you get to know a little bit more about the staff here at ThirtyTwo Dental, we’ll be doing a series of blog posts featuring each of our staff members. First up is one of our friendly dental receptionists, Pam. She is one of the first people you encounter at ThirtyTwo Dental, whether over the phone or in person. She’s always smiling and available to help you book appointments or figure out your dental plan coverage.

Pam has 30+ years working as a dental receptionist. She moved from Edson to Edmonton four years ago, which is when she started working at ThirtyTwo Dental. She has two adult sons and here’s a fun fact: she’s Dr. B’s husband’s aunt! We asked Pam 10 ‘get to know you’ questions, and here’s what she shared:

1. What is your favourite outdoor activity?

Walking and hiking.

2. What is your favourite month of the year?

September, because it’s still summer but you can also enjoy what fall has to offer!

3. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

See The Rolling Stones in concert.

4. What was the last movie, TV show, or book that made you cry?

The TV show This Is Us.

5. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

Take my family on a holiday!

6. What do you miss most about being a kid?

Having no inhibitions.

7. When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Get outdoors!

8. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

My sister Debbie, who passed away when I was very young. I would love to have known her better and remember more about her.

9. What is something you learned last week?

That I still have a lot to learn.

10. What is one of your favourite quotes?

‘When you know better, you do better.’

– Maya Angelou