Showing posts with label dental. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dental. Show all posts

Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry opens in Shoreline

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Ribbon cutting at Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry
Photo courtesy Shoreline Chamber of Commerce

On Friday, August 23, 2024 the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce helped welcome Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry with a Ribbon Cutting during their Grand Opening celebration.

Chamber President Lara Grauer and City of Shoreline Deputy Mayor Laura Monk attended the ceremony and joined the owners, staff of Floss & Gloss, several Chamber members and many Floss & Gloss customers.

Floss & Gloss Kids Dentistry is located in Aurora Square II - 15819 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA 98133


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August 22 is National Tooth Fairy Day

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Annual Poll Shows Tooth Fairy More Important Than Ever
Photo courtesy Delta Dental

Delta Dental released additional findings from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® in recognition of National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22.

The poll, in its 26th year, shows that the Tooth Fairy provides practical benefits for both children and adults, as 34% of parents say the Tooth Fairy visits are a positive way to instill good oral health habits and 22% believe the tradition helps teach their children about the value of money.

The February release of the poll showed that while the value of a single tooth nationwide has dropped six percent, the West Coast and Washington state continued to see a surge upward in value. The average value of a single lost tooth during the past year went up 37% in the Western U.S. to $8.54, up from $6.23 last year.

Additional key findings include, more than half of parents surveyed feel the Tooth Fairy visits give their child something to be excited about and an opportunity to celebrate. More than a third of the parents said they believe the Tooth Fairy visits help foster their child’s imagination.

In Washington state, children in Title I and Rural schools can request a visit from the Tooth Fairy Experience, a program presented by Delta Dental of Washington that travels around the state teaching good oral health habits to children ages kindergarten through 2nd grade.

The Tooth Fairy Experience is free of charge and includes a storybook reading, presentation and free dental goodies for all students who attend. For more information or to request a visit for your school, visit the Tooth Fairy Experience.

For parents with children who have recently lost a tooth – or visited their dentist – Delta Dental of Washington offers free letters from the Tooth Fairy mailed directly to your child. Versions of the letter are offered for a first lost tooth, a lost tooth, a good dental checkup, and a version with words of encouragement for a less-than-positive dental exam. 

The Tooth Fairy also hosts a free Tooth Fairy Hotline, with pre-recorded messages with the same themes as the letters.

About Delta Dental of Washington
Founded 70 years ago by Seattle area dentists who set out to revolutionize oral health care, an innovative program was developed to provide longshoreman’s children access to dental care – and the concept of dental benefits was born. 

Today Delta Dental of Washington, a not-for-profit, is the state’s leading dental benefits provider covering nearly 4 million people statewide and beyond.


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Tooth sensitivity - a real pain in the mouth

Monday, July 22, 2024

Photo courtesy Delta Dental
By Kyle Dosch, DDS

Enjoying a cold drink or an ice cream cone are just a couple of ways we make ourselves comfortable on hot summer days.

For a sizable portion of the population, though, indulging in ice-cold foods and beverages, or hot drinks on a cold winter day, can lead to unbearable teeth pain. 

Teeth sensitivity affects nearly an eighth of all Americans and can cause pain when eating or drinking. 

Some of the other causes of tooth sensitivity include:
  • Over-enthusiastic brushing
  • Eating disorders
  • Consuming high-acid food and drink
  • Gum recession
  • Smokeless or snuff tobacco
These can lead to either a loss of enamel or exposing the roots of your teeth, which can cause problems when consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks. By working to fix this problem, you will make eating and drinking more enjoyable and comfortable.

Treating tooth sensitivity is important not only for immediate pain relief, but also for maintaining good oral health and preventing future dental problems. Sensitivity often indicates underlying dental issues such as enamel erosion, gum recession or tooth decay. 

Addressing the issue can help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums and promote better overall oral health.”

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat sensitive teeth. Diagnosing tooth sensitivity starts with a visit to your dentist, who then will likely recommend trying some at-home treatment options for a month or so.

At-home treatment options include:
  • Desensitizing toothpastes which include potassium salts. You’ll want to use these with a minimal amount of water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Mouthwashes which contain potassium nitrate and fluoride.
  • Waiting to brush your teeth at least an hour after consuming acidic food and drinks, including carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, alcoholic drinks, yogurt and dairy products.
To combat erosive agents inside of acidic food and drinks, dental professionals recommend drinking milk or water afterward or using a straw to avoid prolonged contact between the beverage and your teeth.

If these simple tips don’t rid you of tooth sensitivity, your dentist may suggest office therapies such as applying potassium nitrate gel or sodium fluoride to soothe and protect sensitive areas. 

These are short-term solutions, however. Longer term solutions may include at-home use of a topical remineralization therapy like Tooth Mousse, or in-office procedures like dental bonding or gum surgery.

For those with continued tooth sensitivity, you’ll want to schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist and continue to use at-home therapies to help keep the pain away. 

It’s also important to follow oral hygiene recommendations including flossing daily and brushing at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.

Kyle Dosch, DDS, is the Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director and a member dentist.


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Shoreline Community College announces first-ever Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Photo courtesy SCC
Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) is proud to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (BASDH) program, the first bachelor's degree offering at the College. 

This innovative program aims to tackle the pressing need for qualified dental hygienists in Washington State, particularly in rural areas where access to dental care is limited.

“This program is directly at the heart of our mission,” shared Dr. Lucas Rucks, Acting Vice President of Instruction at Shoreline. 
“We are using data to inform decisions, leveraging employer feedback, and putting out high-quality graduates to serve our communities exactly where they are needed most.”

With data indicating a national shortage of dental hygienists and an increasing demand for their services, Shoreline Community College is stepping up to bridge this gap by expanding its dental hygiene program. 

Photo courtesy SCC

The BASDH program builds upon the existing curriculum, making it both easy and convenient for students while ensuring they receive high-quality education to meet the demands of the profession.

“Washington state has had an urgent need for dental care and dental care professionals for quite some time. We are thrilled with our partnership with the University of Washington for the location of this program and the launch of this new bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene will be a huge boon to the state. 
"Shoreline is known for a stellar dental hygiene program and this expansion will help us have a broader impact on the region,” said Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline Community College about the new program.

Photo courtesy SCC

The BASDH program is a culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, overcoming significant obstacles to reach fruition. This degree maintains the rigorous standards of the existing dental hygiene program, with students completing 119 dental hygiene credits over the 8-quarter program. 

The addition of the bachelor's program aligns with Shoreline Community College's commitment to workforce development and addressing critical needs in the healthcare sector.

Starting summer quarter 2024, the BASDH program will accept its first cohort of 20 students, who will graduate in June 2026. 

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students, as it will open up new possibilities for continuing education and work in the community, “said Dr. Nikki Honey and Lori Simicich- Co-Directors of Shoreline’s Dental Hygiene Program.
Learn more here


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The Tooth Fairy Experience is back with a new storybook and lesson plan on the importance of Feeding Your Smile

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

The Tooth Fairy visits a classroom

The Tooth Fairy Experience – a free dental health education program for kids -- is back for the new school year with a new storybook and lesson plan titled Feeding Your Smile which is focused on the connection between nutrition, healthy active lifestyles and your child’s oral health. 

The lessons are available for K-2 teachers and school nurses for free download, as well as through in-person or virtual visits from a team of tooth fairies.

The Feeding Your Smile worksheets and presentations engage students and encourage them to remember how drinking tap water, avoiding sugary drinks and candy, and eating vegetables and fruits can help your smile and overall health. 

The downloadable materials include video introductions, class discussion ideas, questions to reinforce learning concepts and additional facts about dental health beyond the lesson plan topics. Through the Tooth Fairy-led presentations students play games, test their knowledge and listen to a Tooth Fairy read the latest storybook.

“Programs like The Tooth Fairy Experience are great ways to get children excited about taking care of their oral health. This latest module helps children understand that their favorite sports and activities contribute to keeping their growing bodies and their teeth healthy,” said Kyle Dosch, DDS, Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director and member dentist. 
“Children also learn how to make healthy food and beverage choices on their own, giving them a sense of ownership over their health.”

Washington based children’s book author and illustrator Kelly Rae Bahr wrote “Smile Scouts: A Tooth Fairy Tale” which was released this summer. 

The storybook helps children learn how what you eat and drink affects your teeth, how staying active can help support your oral health and overall health, and why protecting your teeth with a mouthguard when playing sports such as soccer, lacrosse and ice hockey can prevent permanent damage your teeth. 

The storybook is available to all students who participate in either a teacher-led or tooth fairy-led presentation in a hard copy and to everyone via E-reader on The Tooth Fairy Experience website.

This is the third lesson plan created for The Tooth Fairy Experience by Delta Dental, joining Caring for Your Smile and Baby Teeth Matter. All three modules are offered at no cost to teachers and school nurses in the state of Washington. 

From its launch in 2019, as part of Delta Dental’s vision for a cavity-free Washington, the Tooth Fairy program aims to improve dental health habits at an early age, reduce the incidence of tooth decay and increase the number of kids who regularly visit the dentist.

Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to miss school, have lower academic success and have an increased risk for lifelong dental problems. Over time, poor oral health can increase systemic inflammation, which may limit growth and development and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Each Tooth Fairy Experience presentation – offered both in-person and virtually – lasts approximately 30 minutes and provides valuable knowledge about how kids can take better care of their smiles. 

The presentations, led by the Tooth Fairy, include fun smile facts, a dental-themed storybook reading (also offered via a free downloadable video with ASL interpretation), and hands-on educational activities focused on healthy brushing and flossing habits, the importance of young teeth, good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. 

Each child also receives a free dental health kit, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lip balm, and a two-minute timer to help kids remember to brush for two minutes twice daily and a copy of the Tooth Fairy storybook.

The Tooth Fairy Experience was developed by Delta Dental of Washington in partnership with Arcora Foundation, School Nurse Organization of Washington, and Washington State Dental Association – and is endorsed by the Washington Homeschool Organization. All materials have been dentist, teacher, school nurse, and child reviewed.

The Tooth Fairy isn’t just a helping hand for educators. For parents looking for fun ways to teach kids about caring for their smiles, The Tooth Fairy Experience website provides helpful year-round resources, including a dental tips blog, child dental health activity sheets for home use, a quarterly Grin n Grow e-newsletter, and Tooth Fairy letters for children.

For more information from Delta Dental of Washington, visit its blog and learn more about the Delta Dental of Washington Tooth Fairy’s dental education program.

Delta Dental of Washington is the state’s leading dental benefit provider, covering nearly 3 million people in Washington state and nationally. As the only not-for-profit carrier dedicated to improving oral health in Washington, 

Delta Dental plays a vital role extending access to care for the underserved and vulnerable populations by funding the Arcora Foundation, as well as through corporate philanthropy, and oral health advocacy – to ensure all people enjoy good oral health and overall health.


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Internship opportunity to launch your dental career

Friday, January 6, 2023

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that dental occupation employment will grow “much faster than the average for all occupations” over the decade. And what is the top occupation within dentistry that will grow the fastest? Dental Assistants.

Dental Assistants are vital in the field of dentistry. They perform a myriad of key activities supporting dental care teams, caring for patients, and ultimately advancing health access and equity.

The International Community Health Services (ICHS) is accepting applications for a paid internship program with full benefits to uplift the next generation of dental professionals.



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Low cost dental care at UW School of Dentistry

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Photo courtesy UW Dental Clinic
Low cost dental care at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. 

The clinic was previously located at Shoreline Community College. It is now located at the UW, with a brand new clinic facility.

First appointment is free of cost and takes about 90 minutes. It includes a screening for cavities, gum disease and oral cancer.

From there, we can refer to both urgent care and maintenance care, depending on patient needs.

We are easy to access by light rail and car/van about 15 minute drive from Shoreline. Covered parking is available.

For appointments, patients can contact our Patient Coordinator Glenda at 206-546-4711


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Shoreline Community College Dental Clinic relocates to University of Washington Health Sciences Center - but low cost services are still available for local residents

Saturday, June 19, 2021

SCC dental hygiene program now located at the UW
Photo courtesy Shoreline Community College

A new option for comprehensive, affordable oral care from two well-regarded dental education providers is now available in Seattle, thanks to a partnership between Shoreline Community College’s Dental Hygiene program and the University of Washington (UW) School of Dentistry.

Patients can seamlessly access expanded oral health services at the UW School of Dentistry facility, receiving care from both dentistry and dental hygiene students, under the respective supervision of experienced UW and Shoreline Community College faculty.

The two schools have been offering low-cost services together in a teaching clinic environment since 2020, but now the Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic will operate exclusively at the UW School of Dentistry as of June 28, 2021.

“After more than 50 years on the Shoreline campus, we are thrilled to offer our quality oral hygiene clinical services to patients at one of the top dental schools in the world, UW School of Dentistry,” said Shoreline Community College President Cheryl Roberts.

“While our location is changing, our philosophy remains the same: to provide educational excellence to our students and compassionate care to our patients. This partnership offers both Shoreline and UW students additional opportunities to expand their skills and expertise, while providing affordable oral health care to the community,” Roberts added.

Teaching clinics typically offer a team care approach, with advanced students working closely with experienced registered and licensed faculty practitioners and offer a range of services at reduced cost. While this model of care is not new, two schools partnering to offer complementary care in the same space is unique.

The Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic closed its doors on June 14 and will reopen at the UW Health Sciences Center in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood on June 28.

The fees for Shoreline’s dental hygiene services (including x-rays, deep cleanings, sealants, restorations) will remain the same and complement the dental services offered by the UW School of Dentistry (such as fillings, dentures, root canals, extractions).

The School of Dentistry Teaching Clinic is located in the UW Health Sciences Center at 1959 NE Pacific Street in Seattle. The Clinic is easily accessible by bus, light rail, or car and paid parking is available.

To make a dental appointment, contact the UW School of Dentistry at 206-616-6996 or visit dental.washington.edu/patient. (Existing Shoreline patients may continue to call 206-546-4711).

Learn more about Shoreline’s Dental Hygiene degree program.



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Brier children’s author/illustrator helps Tooth Fairy soar with new storybook aimed at teaching kids about healthy dental habits

Thursday, November 19, 2020


Virtual Storytime set for 10am on Friday, November 20, 2020 via Brier Library website

The Tooth Fairy is launching her new storybook virtually – with some help from Brier-based children’s author Kelly Rae Bahr, who wrote and illustrated the book titled The Clean Teeth Club: A Tooth Fairy Tale.

As a champion for good oral health, the Tooth Fairy has expanded her popular in-person youth education program – The Tooth Fairy Experience – to include a virtual storytime featuring the new book, as well as an oral health learning opportunity for public libraries statewide.

The program, presented free by Delta Dental of Washington and developed in partnership with the School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW) and Arcora Foundation, is designed to help improve dental habits at an early age.

The Tooth Fairy – joined by Bahr, who will introduce the book – will be bringing her virtual program to Sno-Isle Libraries’ Brier Library at 10am on Friday, November 20. Her presentation also includes fun smile facts, proper brushing techniques, tooth science experiments and more!

The new storybook – published by Delta Dental of Washington – features a lively story about a young boy on a quest to find the perfect club to join – while learning some valuable lessons along the way. The book is designed for children 10 and under, leaving young readers eager for their next visit to the dentist.

Families interested in joining can register for this FREE Zoom online event at Sno-Isle.net/Brier. Upon registering, families will receive a Zoom link which will provide them access to the event.

“I am thrilled to have gotten the opportunity to collaborate with Delta Dental of Washington on my first picture book,” said author and illustrator Kelly Rae Bahr. 
“Tasked with making dental health appealing and even exciting to kids, I came up with a club that every kid can join in only three steps: The Clean Teeth Club. 
"My hope is that children will be inspired to follow the three quests to clean teeth and maybe even start a club of their own for their family and friends. Three cheers for healthy teeth and a squeaky-clean smile!”

Following the event, the storybook will be available for free digital viewing on The Tooth Fairy Experience website, and for check-out at the Sno-Isle Brier Library.

“It is so important to teach oral health from a young age and who better to learn it from than the Tooth Fairy herself," said Sno-Isle Library Associate Morgan Farrow.

For anyone interested in scheduling a presentation for their library, school or youth organization, a “Request a Tooth Fairy Visit” form on the program’s website www.TheToothFairyExperience.com or send an email to Hello@TheToothFairyExperience.com.

Delta Dental of Washington is the state’s leading dental benefit provider, covering nearly 3 million people in Washington state and nationally. As the only not-for-profit carrier dedicated to improving oral health in Washington, Delta Dental plays a vital role extending access to care for the underserved and vulnerable populations through the Arcora Foundation, corporate philanthropy and oral health advocacy. For more information, visit: www.deltadentalwa.com



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The Tooth Fairy goes virtual

Thursday, November 12, 2020

The Tooth Fairy Goes Virtual - Delta Dental Partners with School Nurses to Bring the Tooth Fairy to Classrooms for Virtual Visits

Even though most children consider the Tooth Fairy an essential worker, COVID-19-related protocols – including distance learning – have the Tooth Fairy visiting kids classrooms in a safe, new way.

As a champion for good oral health, the Tooth Fairy has expanded her popular in-person youth education program – The Tooth Fairy Experience – to also include virtual learning opportunities for K-2 classrooms, while providing helpful content for teachers statewide.

The program, presented free by Delta Dental of Washington and developed in partnership with the School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW) and Arcora Foundation, is designed to help improve dental habits at an early age.

The Tooth Fairy Experience features a diverse team of tooth fairies eager to educate kids about good dental health, which is important considering that more than half of the state’s third graders have experienced preventable tooth decay. 

As such, the program is intended to help prevent cavities, while increasing the number of kids who regularly visit the dentist.

Since launching last fall, The Tooth Fairy Experience has reached more than 25,000 children under the age of 10 through presentations at schools, community centers, public libraries, after-school programs and other public places where kids gather. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting in early March, the program has been focused mainly on providing free downloadable educational materials and storybook videos for home-use by parents.

With a new academic year now underway, school nurses statewide are helping promote the program’s new virtual twist – which brings the Tooth Fairy into classrooms virtually via videoconference. 

Currently, the Tooth Fairy offers two interactive lessons, each 20-30 minutes, focused on Caring For Your Smile and Good Nutrition and Healthy Habits.

Another addition to the program is a new children’s storybook, The Clean Teeth Club, locally authored and illustrated by Kelly Rae Bahr, and published by Delta Dental.

The original story follows a young boy on his quest to find the perfect club – The Clean Teeth Club – which he is able to join after successfully completing a series of dental health-related tasks with support from his dentist and the Tooth Fairy.

Each presentation includes a storybook reading and is tailored to the group size, grade level, and setting – whether virtual, or in-person following all PPE guidelines and safe distancing when allowed. The presentations can also include fun smile facts, proper brushing techniques, tooth science experiments, healthy food choices, a sugar demonstration and more.

Following each presentation classrooms are provided with a copy of the storybook and special gifts for the students – with distribution assistance from teachers – including a dental health kit (kid-sized toothbrush, toothpaste and floss) inside a Tooth Fairy-branded pencil pouch which also contains a tooth fairy wand pencil, tooth eraser and two-minute timer to help kids track their two minutes of teeth brushing, twice each day.

Educators interested in scheduling a presentation for their students are invited to complete a “Request a Tooth Fairy Visit” form on the program’s website www.TheToothFairyExperience.com or send an email to Hello@TheToothFairyExperience.com.

In addition, the program features a K-2 classroom component for educators, available for free download also on the program’s website. The classroom educational materials include a 12-minute video featuring the Tooth Fairy, educator lesson plans and student worksheets. All materials have been dentist, teacher, school nurse and child-reviewed.

“Building healthy dental habits start at a young age. Many times, students have never even been to the dentist and have not had a chance to talk about building dental hygiene,” said Katherine Courtney, a school nurse with the School Nurse Organization of Washington. 
“The Tooth Fairy Experience’s virtual presentations have provided an easily accessible, fun, interactive, and engagement presentation about oral health.”

According to Delta Dental’s 2016 National Children’s Oral Health Survey, 30 percent of U.S. parents reported that their children (between the ages of six and 12) missed school in the previous year due to an oral health problem (as opposed to a regularly scheduled dental appointment).

“Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to miss school, have lower academic success, and have an increased risk for lifelong dental problems,” said Dr. Abbie Goudarzi, a licensed dentist and Delta Dental of Washington dental consultant. 
 
Delta Dental plays a vital role extending access to care for the underserved and vulnerable populations through the Arcora Foundation, corporate philanthropy and oral health advocacy. For more information, visit: Delta Dental.



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Shoreline Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program will permanently relocate to UW Seattle facilities in Summer 2021

Friday, October 16, 2020

Dental hygiene program at SCC
Photo courtesy SCC


Thanks to a unique partnership between Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington School of Dentistry, dental education training in Washington state is expanding. 

In July 2021, Shoreline’s entire Dental Hygiene program will relocate to the UW School of Dentistry in Seattle, where Shoreline students will take classes and complete their clinical training while receiving their dental hygiene degree from Shoreline.

The arrangement allows opportunities for both Shoreline and UW students to practice “four-handed” dentistry, where dental hygienists and dentists work closely together to shorten the procedure time for patients.

The UW School of Dentistry will be a familiar setting for Shoreline students and faculty, as 10 students are currently fulfilling their clinical training there.

In summer 2021, the program’s location will shift entirely to the UW, with a goal to increase that number eventually to 25 students per class. Under this unique partnership, Dental Hygiene students will continue to earn their accredited Associate of Applied Sciences degree from Shoreline. The partnership will also allow Shoreline students to gain valuable pediatric dental training at the UW’s Center for Pediatric Dentistry.

“Thanks to the support of the state legislature, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the University of Washington, and the dental community, Shoreline Community College is writing a bold new chapter that brings our stellar Dental Hygiene program into an enhanced partnership model with one of the best dental schools in the world,” said Shoreline Community College President Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
“This remarkable collaboration will bring many positive benefits not only to oral health education, but also to serving so many oral health patients throughout our diverse communities,” Roberts added.

Shoreline’s popular program needed to relocate to a different physical facility due to a campus construction project slated to begin in 2021. Talks between Shoreline and the UW School of Dentistry soon revealed strong interest on both sides in a collaboration that would allow the program to be housed on the UW campus. In August 2020, Shoreline received formal approval for the location change from CODA.

“We are thrilled that this partnership with Shoreline has moved forward,” said Dean Gary Chiodo of the UW School of Dentistry. 
“The ability to have dental hygiene students learn and practice in coordination with dental students will benefit all students and our patients. 
"This model resembles how dental hygienists and dentists work together in practice and will provide a substantial advantage for our students. The integrated programs are a model for dental and dental hygiene education.”

Shoreline Community College’s onsite Dental Hygiene Clinic will remain open to the public and continue to be used as a location for Dental Hygiene student clinical experience through the first week of June 2021.



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Shoreline dentist receives Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Dr. Eric Yao, DDS, MAGD
with his LLSR awards

Dr. Eric Yao, a family dentist in Shoreline, recently received a Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

The LLSR epitomizes a career of excellence in dentistry. According to AGD, to date only 354 general dentists in the United States and Canada have earned this honor.

The LLSR award was created to further recognize the continued achievements of AGD Masters and formally acknowledge their dedication to remain current in their profession.

To achieve this award, Dr, Yao completed more than 1,600 hours of continuing dental education in all disciplines of dentistry, including 550 hours dedicated to hands-on skills and techniques and more than 100 hours of service to the community.

Dr. Yao graduated from University of Washington in 1998 and currently practices family dentistry in Shoreline.

Dr. Yao continues taking advanced training classes, so he can provide the best dental treatment options to his patients.

Dr.  Yao receiving his MAGD award in 2012
This year's ceremony was cancelled
because of COVID-19

He has been teaching at the University of Washington Dental School on Fridays as an affiliate professor when he is not working at the office.

This is his 11th year teaching at University of Washington.

“I really enjoy giving back to my school, and teaching and mentoring the next generation of dentists.”
Dr. Eric Yao also enjoys going to different elementary schools to talk to kids about dental health. "Kids always come up with the most creative questions."

Dr. Yao's Shoreline practice is located at 1515 N 200th St, by Echo Lake Park.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a professional association of more than 40,000 general dentists, dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health education to the public. Founded in 1952, AGD is the largest association for general dentists in the world and serves the needs and represents the interests of general dentists.



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Dental Hygiene program at Shoreline Community College partners with University of Washington School of Dentistry for student clinical training

Monday, August 10, 2020

Dental program at Shoreline Community College


Shoreline Community College is pleased to announce the reopening of the admission process for the Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Sciences program, with a new partnership with the University of Washington (UW) School of Dentistry.

Applications are being accepted now through August 7, 2020, for a cohort of 10 new students to join the two-year, accredited program this fall. 

Students who are accepted into the program will take classes at Shoreline during their first year of study, followed by a second year of clinical training and classes at the School of Dentistry in Seattle, taught by Shoreline faculty.

“This new partnership strengthens what is already a high-quality learning experience for our dental hygiene students. 
"The addition of working closely in a training environment with UW dentistry students, faculty, and patients will help our students become even better prepared for careers in this fast-growing industry,” said Shoreline Community College President Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.

“We are thrilled that this partnership with Shoreline has moved forward,” said Dean Gary T. Chiodo, DMD, FACD, of the School of Dentistry. 

“Shoreline and the School of Dentistry have had a long-standing affiliation that enables the dental hygiene students to engage in rotations to the Center for Pediatric Dentistry and the Dental Education in the Care of Persons with Disabilities clinics. 

"These rotations provide experiences that are not available elsewhere. Having the dental hygiene students learn and practice in coordination with dental students will build on this model and benefit all students and our patients. 

"Washington rules allow for a broad range of expanded functions for dental hygienists, and there is no more ideal way for them to become proficient in these areas than working closely with fourth-year dental students. 

"This model resembles how dental hygienists and dentists work together in practice and will provide a substantial advantage for our students. The integrated programs are a model for dental and dental hygiene education.”

Dental hygiene students will earn their degree from Shoreline and the program is accredited by the Commission for Dental Accreditation (CODA). Learn more about Shoreline’s Dental Hygiene program and application process.

Founded in 1964, Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 rigorous academic and professional/technical degrees and certificates to meet the lifelong learning needs of its diverse students and communities.

The University of Washington School of Dentistry, the state’s only dental school, is a worldwide leader in dental education and research. The school furnishes comprehensive clinical care and also plays a major role in public health through its service to people with disabilities and efforts to improve access to care for underserved communities.



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Shoreline dentist must reimburse patients for substandard, unlicensed patient care

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Ballinger dentist Khorsandi's license
has been revoked
In April 2020 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Shohreh Khorsandi (DE00007812) under which she surrendered her credential.

Khorsandi must reimburse the commission for $3,000 in expenses, and refund $25,228.90 to patients.

Khorsandi’s license was suspended in 2017 in connection with substandard patient care.

Khorsandi's practice was at 20036 19th Ave NE, in Shoreline's Ballinger neighborhood. She was originally charged in 2016 with unprofessional conduct for substandard care and billing practices (see previous article).

In 2017 when she failed to comply with the 2016 order, her license was suspended and she was again charged with unprofessional conduct (see previous article) and ordered to reimburse all patients who were charged when she was practicing without a valid license.

As she failed to comply with that order, her license has been revoked.



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Washington receives 8,000 additional COVID-19 test kits but personal protective supplies are still too low

Friday, March 20, 2020

In response to requests for more COVID-19 testing from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services delivered 8,000 additional sample collection test kits on Thursday, along with supplies of the protective equipment needed to conduct the tests. 

The Washington State Department of Health is working to distribute the new supplies to local health agencies in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties – the areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus thus far.
 
These additional test kits are intended to increase capacity for testing of high-risk populations, including elderly people, those with pre-existing conditions, and the health care providers and first responders who are caring for others during this crisis.
 
FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plan to provide additional test kits and related equipment to Washington state as these materials become available.
Even with these new federal resources, limited testing supplies continue to be a significant issue for the COVID-19 response. 

Gov. Inslee announced new restrictions this week on non-urgent medical and dental procedures so the state can make sure Washington health care workers have enough protective equipment to wear as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s order applies to any non-urgent procedure that requires medical professionals to wear personal protective equipment.

This impacts all hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices in Washington. The governor’s proclamation makes clear that this restriction does not apply to treatment for patients with emergency and urgent needs.

There are exceptions. For example, doctors can perform an elective surgery if delaying the surgery would cause harm to the patient within the next three months.

“We know the health care personal protective equipment supply chain in Washington has been severely disrupted by the significant increased use of such equipment worldwide,” Inslee said. “We will do all we can to protect the women and men who protect us.”

Banned procedures include (but are not limited to):
  • most joint replacements
  • most cataract and lens surgeries
  • non-urgent cardiac procedures
  • cosmetic procedures
  • some endoscopy
  • some interventional radiology services

This order does not apply to patients with heart attacks, strokes or motor vehicle accidents. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers may perform surgery as long as a delay or cancellation would worsen the patient’s condition. For example, the prohibition would not apply to a patient who needs a serious cancerous tumor removed, or a patient who needs their dentist to relieve pain or manage an infection.

Inslee encourages ambulatory surgery centers to work with their local hospitals and assist with surge capacity needs.

“We’ve come together to make intense sacrifices over the past week or two,” Inslee said. “And I thank all of you for what you’re doing. Today’s crucial announcement is another way we can protect the health of our communities and families, and slow the spread of this virus so our health care systems have a fighting chance to catch up and continue keeping us healthy.”


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Shoreline dentist retires after 40 years in practice; associate takes over practice

Friday, February 14, 2020

Dr. Henricksen is on the far left and Dr. Sekijima is second from the right in the green sweater. 

After almost 40 years in practice, Scott Henricksen DDS Dentistry, has retired.

Dr. Henricksen started his dental practice in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle following graduation from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1980.

In 1994, design and construction of the current facility was completed and Dr. Henricksen moved his practice to Shoreline.

Henricksen and his wife Karen have lived in Shoreline since 1982. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Besides Dr. Henricksen being a local practitioner for many years, the new owner and previous associate dentist, Dr. Jayna Sekijima, is now assuming sole ownership of the practice. She also has strong ties to Shoreline; for example, her husband graduated from King’s and they live in the area with their young children. Dr. Sekijima also has a very generous spirit and gives back to the community. 

We are very proud of our accomplished dentists, how Dr. Henricksen has had such a long and successful career and we are excited for Dr. Sekijima’s new venture into ownership, Working more will only serve to highlight her incredible skill level and attention to detail. 

The practice is located at 701 N 182nd St, Shoreline 98133. 

See the website for more information.


 

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Free dental care Thursday - Sunday at Seattle-King County Clinic at Key Arena

Thursday, September 20, 2018

The 4-day dental clinic at Key Arena
Photo courtesy Acora


Arcora Foundation’s SmileMobile, a mobile dental clinic, will join with many other organizations and thousands of volunteers to provide free health care to an expected turnout of more than 4,000 people at the 2018 Seattle/King County Clinic Sept. 20-23 in Key Arena at Seattle Center. (See previous article).

The Seattle/King County Clinic is an annual event organized by the Seattle Center Foundation. While many of those seeking medical, dental and vision care are likely to be from King County, the clinic has historically drawn people from all over the state, and dental care is usually the most requested service. Dental treatments available at the Clinic will include cleanings, extractions, fillings, crowns and root canals.

“This is a tremendous free service provided by many organizations and thousands of health care professionals who volunteer their time, energy and expertise to meet an urgent need,” said Arcora Foundation President and CEO Diane Oakes. “But as great as it is, it’s only a temporary fix to an ongoing problem, and we need to work toward an enduring solution to make health care accessible and affordable for everyone.”

Oakes said people with Apple Health (Medicaid) have dental benefits but still have difficulty accessing care, noting that fewer than one out of four of the 1.1 million adults in the state who have Apple Health (Medicaid) saw a dentist in the last year.

“This event is critical to helping working families in our region access much-needed health care,” said Teresa Mosqueda, Chair of the health committee on the Seattle City Council. “Oral health is essential to overall health – unmet oral health needs can cause detrimental impacts on physical health, pregnancy, educational attainment and employment opportunities. 
"Each year we see people attend this clinic, which shows that despite our city’s booming economy, we have community members who are left behind and without essential health care. This is one step toward getting folks much-needed care, and I will continue working on policy changes so that all residents have access to care.”

The Seattle/King County Clinic runs from Thursday through Sunday. The last two days tend to be the busiest. Free admission tickets are given first come, first served starting at 5am each morning. Patients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, and bring food, water and any medications they need to take during the day.

More information HERE.


To help people obtain dental care, Arcora Foundation developed DentistLink, a free online service that patients can use to connect with a dental practice that will accept their insurance, including Apple Health. Patients can also call or text 844-888-5465. DentistLink is available to everyone including insured and uninsured.

Arcora Foundation (formerly Washington Dental Service Foundation) is a nonprofit dedicated to improving oral health and health equity by partnering with communities to prevent oral disease, transform health systems, and increase access to care. Funded by nonprofit Delta Dental of Washington, the state’s largest dental benefits company, we work toward a shared vision: All people enjoy good oral and overall health, with no one left behind.


The SmileMobile is made possible through a partnership between Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington and Seattle Children’s. Annually the SmileMobile provides dental care to 2,000 children and adults. Since its inception, the SmileMobile has seen over 44,000 clients throughout Washington.


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Smile Source offering free treatments on Dental Day

Friday, May 25, 2018

Bright 32 is offering free services on June 2nd


A Local Smile Source dentist is giving the community something to smile about with free services during Dental Day on Saturday, June 2nd.

Smile Source locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Puyallup, Olympia, Spokane, and Shoreline are offering Dental treatments, 100% free of charge including Extractions, Fillings and Emergency Treatment (limited to one tooth) and dental cleanings.

In Shoreline: Bright 32 Family Dentistry, 1359 N 205th St, Shoreline 98133 in Aurora Village.

Several of the Smile Source offices have been doing their own charity work for a long time but this year they are holding Dental Day collectively across the state.
The event is an opportunity for our dentists and staff to give back to the local community.

Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. No appointments will be made for the event. Each location will see the first 125 patients or go until 4pm. Additional patients will be seen if time permits. Services and timing may vary by location.

More information on Smile Source Dental Day here or on Facebook.


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New law improves access to dental care for children with developmental disabilities

Thursday, March 22, 2018

By Degadu
Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation Wednesday expanding Washington’s landmark ABCD program to provide improved access to preventive dental care and treatment for Medicaid-eligible children age 6 through 12 who have developmental disabilities.

The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA), the state agency managing the Medicaid program, estimates that an additional 4,000 children are eligible for dental care with the expansion of the program.

“Children with developmental disabilities are at greater risk of experiencing poor oral health,” said Dr. John Gibbons, a Tacoma-area pediatric dentist and Public Policy Advocate for the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 
“Expanding the ABCD program to care for some of our state’s most vulnerable kids helps ensure that children with special health care needs have access to preventive care and early treatment to live healthier and pain-free.”

The nationally recognized Access to Baby and Childhood Dentistry (ABCD) program provides dental care to children under six years old who are enrolled in Medicaid. With ABCD, the percentage of Apple Health (Medicaid) insured children under age 1 with a dental visit has doubled in the last 10 years and the rate of untreated decay among lower-income preschoolers was cut by 35 percent since 2005.

In King County, 32,606 young children receive essential oral health care through ABCD. Statewide, ABCD currently helps nearly 165,000 children five and under access care.

ABCD reduces disparities, helps children get off to a healthy start and saves money. Dental costs are nearly cut in half for children who receive their first preventive visit by age one compared to children who have their first visit between the ages of four and five.

The Pew Center on the States praised the ABCD program for achieving significant results while “delivering a strong return on taxpayers’ investment.”

In the current and expanded ABCD program, participating providers receive specialized training and enhanced reimbursement rates for certain services. These higher reimbursement rates, combined with patient outreach and care coordination, make it easier for more providers to participate in the Medicaid program so more patients can get the care they need.




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Smiles for Life dental hygiene at the Senior Center

Friday, February 23, 2018

Dental hygiene services are offered to the public every third Thursday of the month at reduced rates at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

Simply call the Center at 206-365-1536 and provide your name and phone number. The hygienist will contact you to schedule your appointment. She will also share the discounted rates with you at that time.

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.



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