I have always endorsed the Water Pik oral irrigator, but for very specific limited situations. I feel it is an indispensable adjunct to brushing and flossing while undergoing orthodontic procedures. It is unmatched in blasting out food particles from orthodontic brackets that were unscathed by floss and toothbrush.
In those with dexterity or compliance issues with oral hygiene, I feel the Water Pik is a distant second to floss in dislodging food from between the teeth that could contribute to tooth decay.
More recently, I have been actively advocating the use of the Water Pik in our aging population to curtail the onset or propagation of gum disease in those who have experienced the inevitable recession of gums that is age related. When the gums recede, the irregular surfaces of the teeth (in particular the multi-rooted bicuspids and molars) become exposed. The depressions formed from the junction of multiple roots do not readily lend themselves to cleaning with toothbrush and floss alone. If you find yourself in this situation, I am confident you will find the Water Pik to be a marvelous adjunct to your normal cleaning routine. Like me, you will probably be amazed at how much debris you will discover. Sigh! Who said aging was easy?
Good health to all,
Kenneth B. Hashimoto, D.M.D
Friday, May 9, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Get Ready for Obamacare Payment Shock
This is an excerpt from the April 2014 McGill Advisory Newsletter:
"Beginning in 2014, all Obamacare-approved health insurance policies sold on the exchanges, and in the small group (50or fewer full-time employees) and individual markets outside the exchanges, must include pediatric dental benefits for children through age 18. These pediatric dental benefits also include orthodontic coverage where "medically necessary," as defined by each state and/or insurance company. The PEW Center on the States estimates that 5.3 million additional children will gain dental coverage under Obamacare, although most of these will be added to public programs (Medicaid, CHIPs, etc.).
Traditional dental insurance offered through larger companies (over 50 employees) are not affected by this change, nor are children covered under Medicaid or CHIPs programs who will continue to receive existing benefits under those government programs.
Patients that are affected by the new rule can purchase the required pediatric dental coverage either under a separate dental policy, or as an "add-on" to their existing medical insurance policy. While the services covered are typically the same under either option, the out-of-pocket cost to the patient can vary tremendously.
Standalone dental policies are subject to Obamacare's specific actuarial requirements that keep copayments and deductibles low. In addition, the deductible is usually not applied to preventative and diagnostic procedures, so that periodic office visits, cleanings, X-rays, and sealants usually cost the patient nothing out-of-pocket. However, the premiums for these standalone dental policies will usually be higher than the premium increase in the medical plan resulting solely from adding pediatric dental benefits to it. The higher premiums involved in standalone policies, combined with the hassles of maintaining two separate policies, will likely push the vast majority of patients into obtaining the required pediatric dental coverage through their existing health insurance policy.
Deductibles under Obamacare-approved medical insurance policies sold on the exchanges can be up to $2,000 (one person covered) or $4,000 (more than one person covered) annually, with a typical range of $1,500-$3,500. Moreover, the maximum out-of-pocket cost (including deductible, copayments, and coinsurance) is $6,350 per year for individual coverage and $12,700 per year for family coverage.
Handling patients who have pediatric dental benefits embedded in their medical policy will present unique challenges for dentists. First, coding procedures will be significantly different and more complex. More importantly, those familiar with traditional dental insurance may perceive that their medical insurance policy will cover most or all of the cost of pediatric dental care while in reality, most, if not all, of the payment for services rendered will come out of their pockets, due to the high deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums involved.
Today, only 30-40% of patients with medical insurance policies actually meet their annual deductible. With deductibles increasing under Obamacare-approved policies, this percentage will likely drop further in the future. The growing number of patients that don't meet their deductibles will be paying most, if not all, of the cost of their children's dental care right out of their pocket!"
Most people don't think Obamacare will affect their dental insurance, but this article proves otherwise. Please be careful in choosing your insurance plans!
"Beginning in 2014, all Obamacare-approved health insurance policies sold on the exchanges, and in the small group (50or fewer full-time employees) and individual markets outside the exchanges, must include pediatric dental benefits for children through age 18. These pediatric dental benefits also include orthodontic coverage where "medically necessary," as defined by each state and/or insurance company. The PEW Center on the States estimates that 5.3 million additional children will gain dental coverage under Obamacare, although most of these will be added to public programs (Medicaid, CHIPs, etc.).
Traditional dental insurance offered through larger companies (over 50 employees) are not affected by this change, nor are children covered under Medicaid or CHIPs programs who will continue to receive existing benefits under those government programs.
Patients that are affected by the new rule can purchase the required pediatric dental coverage either under a separate dental policy, or as an "add-on" to their existing medical insurance policy. While the services covered are typically the same under either option, the out-of-pocket cost to the patient can vary tremendously.
Standalone dental policies are subject to Obamacare's specific actuarial requirements that keep copayments and deductibles low. In addition, the deductible is usually not applied to preventative and diagnostic procedures, so that periodic office visits, cleanings, X-rays, and sealants usually cost the patient nothing out-of-pocket. However, the premiums for these standalone dental policies will usually be higher than the premium increase in the medical plan resulting solely from adding pediatric dental benefits to it. The higher premiums involved in standalone policies, combined with the hassles of maintaining two separate policies, will likely push the vast majority of patients into obtaining the required pediatric dental coverage through their existing health insurance policy.
Deductibles under Obamacare-approved medical insurance policies sold on the exchanges can be up to $2,000 (one person covered) or $4,000 (more than one person covered) annually, with a typical range of $1,500-$3,500. Moreover, the maximum out-of-pocket cost (including deductible, copayments, and coinsurance) is $6,350 per year for individual coverage and $12,700 per year for family coverage.
Handling patients who have pediatric dental benefits embedded in their medical policy will present unique challenges for dentists. First, coding procedures will be significantly different and more complex. More importantly, those familiar with traditional dental insurance may perceive that their medical insurance policy will cover most or all of the cost of pediatric dental care while in reality, most, if not all, of the payment for services rendered will come out of their pockets, due to the high deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums involved.
Today, only 30-40% of patients with medical insurance policies actually meet their annual deductible. With deductibles increasing under Obamacare-approved policies, this percentage will likely drop further in the future. The growing number of patients that don't meet their deductibles will be paying most, if not all, of the cost of their children's dental care right out of their pocket!"
Most people don't think Obamacare will affect their dental insurance, but this article proves otherwise. Please be careful in choosing your insurance plans!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
We Are Family
Often times we spend more of our waking hours at work than
at home, so our coworkers and bosses become a family of sorts. Much like a real family, we work together as
a team with our occasional disagreements only making us stronger. Dr. Hashimoto finds it important to therefore
celebrate the holidays and end of the year with his work family. This year he treated us (and our significant
others) to a lovely dinner at Dawson’s.
Being able to set aside the hustle and bustle of work to enjoy good
food, good drinks, and good company is a great way to ring in the New Year.
With 2014 around the corner, I know Michele, one of our
hygienists, looks forward to seeing our patients, whom we also look upon as
family. Michele will be returning from a
long hiatus with plenty of newborn stories to share! For those who do not know, she had a baby
girl named Bailey who is now about three months old! Time certainly flies. I’m sure the rest of the staff would agree with Michele –
We can’t wait to see your familiar faces in our office… and for the new faces we
encounter this year, we can’t wait to get to know you and treat you as part of
our family!
Best wishes to a Happy Holiday and New Years!
Tracie
Tracie
Friday, September 27, 2013
Just like eating a homebaked cookie
"I'm so glad I'm not a dentist. How many times does someone say, 'Oh doc, it felt so good when you were drilling my teeth'? Never. But when you give someone a wonderful cookie, you put a little of yourself in, and you see someone's face light up - that's immediate approval." -- Paula Deen
I honestly do understand what her intent was with this quote.. however, it's just not the most well thought out. Comparing a part of a process (drilling) to an end product (cookie) is not a fair comparison. Maybe she should compare drilling to watching raw egg and sugar swirl in the mixer. :P
Truth: people don't enjoy a tooth being drilled.
Truth: people usually don't like getting shots by their dentist.
Truth: The two prior truths are dramatically alleviated with a competent dentist. I've heard so many patients remark how surprisingly painless it is when Dr. Hashimoto administers shots. He's got the magic touch, he can shoot once, he can shoot twice, he numbs the baddest mouths.. :P
Truth: When patients see the end product, they are as happy, if not happier, as when they receive a warm, home-baked cookie. Patients that previously avoided smiling with their teeth are now proud to show off their pearly whites. And you know what? We put ourselves into making your smile better and we live off seeing your face light up as well.
Here are a few such examples...
Here's the last truth: Home-baked cookies are so good... That's my failed attempt to bring this blog full circle and back to Paula Deen. hah
Toodles
Tracie
I honestly do understand what her intent was with this quote.. however, it's just not the most well thought out. Comparing a part of a process (drilling) to an end product (cookie) is not a fair comparison. Maybe she should compare drilling to watching raw egg and sugar swirl in the mixer. :P
Truth: people don't enjoy a tooth being drilled.
Truth: people usually don't like getting shots by their dentist.
Truth: The two prior truths are dramatically alleviated with a competent dentist. I've heard so many patients remark how surprisingly painless it is when Dr. Hashimoto administers shots. He's got the magic touch, he can shoot once, he can shoot twice, he numbs the baddest mouths.. :P
Truth: When patients see the end product, they are as happy, if not happier, as when they receive a warm, home-baked cookie. Patients that previously avoided smiling with their teeth are now proud to show off their pearly whites. And you know what? We put ourselves into making your smile better and we live off seeing your face light up as well.
Here are a few such examples...
Before
After
Before
After with veneers
Before
After - Porcelain laminates
Here's the last truth: Home-baked cookies are so good... That's my failed attempt to bring this blog full circle and back to Paula Deen. hah
Toodles
Tracie
I'm
so glad I'm not a dentist. How many times does someone say, 'Oh, Doc,
it felt so good when you were drilling my teeth'? Never. But when you
give someone a wonderful cookie, you put a little of yourself in, and
you see someone's face light up - that's immediate approval.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
I'm
so glad I'm not a dentist. How many times does someone say, 'Oh, Doc,
it felt so good when you were drilling my teeth'? Never. But when you
give someone a wonderful cookie, you put a little of yourself in, and
you see someone's face light up - that's immediate approval.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
I'm
so glad I'm not a dentist. How many times does someone say, 'Oh, Doc,
it felt so good when you were drilling my teeth'? Never. But when you
give someone a wonderful cookie, you put a little of yourself in, and
you see someone's face light up - that's immediate approval.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
I'm
so glad I'm not a dentist. How many times does someone say, 'Oh, Doc,
it felt so good when you were drilling my teeth'? Never. But when you
give someone a wonderful cookie, you put a little of yourself in, and
you see someone's face light up - that's immediate approval.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teeth.html#yoD8b7lb3BmfOK2p.99
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Become a MacGyver of floss
We've already done toothbrushes, so now it's time to give you alternative uses for floss. Here's ten ways:
1. Use (unflavored) floss to cut a cake horizontally. And when you do, bring me some.
2. Use (unflavored) floss to cut the cheese … And I mean real
cheese, not the metaphorical cheese, thank you.
Certain cheeses really stick to knives, so floss works wonders in these
situations.
3. Use (unflavored & unwaxed) floss as twine to tie down
the wings and legs of a turkey before cooking.
4. Use floss to hang items, such as pictures.
5. Use floss to separate your stack of photos stuck
together. Gently slide the floss between
the photos – much better than peeling with my hand and bending photos.
6. Use floss to help train plants to grow vertically (example:
morning glories) or to support a plant (example: tomatoes).
7. Use floss as an emergency shoelace if you’re on the go and
yours breaks. Perhaps make a fashion
statement while you’re at it.
8. Use floss as an emergency thread to sew something.
9. Use floss to silence a leaky faucet. Definitely not a permanent solution, but if
you can’t get a plumber right away, it’s a next best solution. Tie a piece of floss at the spout and make
sure the other end is long enough to reach the sink. Water will drip along the floss instead of
making the irritating, eye-twitching drip noise.
10. Use floss to escape out of jail, assuming you have a window
cell. Obviously kidding, although there
IS a report of a prisoner climbing out of his cell by braiding floss. It worked!
He just didn’t get too far afterwards…
If you have other suggestions for handy ways to use floss, be sure and comment! Don't forget to use floss for it's original purpose too -- your teeth!
Toodles,
Tracie
Friday, June 14, 2013
Nothin' But Father's Day Smiles!
In honor of Father's Day, I thought I'd share this video courtesy of Oral-B, The Power of Dad (to make us smile). Perhaps I'm always an
emotional blob, but I thought it was a touching video.
People have told me, "Tracie, you're always laughing or smiling! It's so nice!" ...those people don't know me well, huh? Hahaha just kidding. But more often, I'm complimented on my smile itself. Got me thinking, my parents fostered this love and need to smile and laugh in life. Time to get personal! haha .. Here's a few simple ways my dad has made me smile over the years...
As a young child, on early morning drives, Dad would put a hot mug of coffee up to the car windshield, which would then cause the windshield to steam. I lOved this; I thought it was some awesome magic trick of his.
We used to take trips to Eureka and to make the trails more exciting for us, he'd get my sister and me a rubber ducky or a toy sailboat. We'd have a contest of whose goes further in the shallow creeks, as we ran alongside. I don't think my dad and grandpa enjoyed fishing it out whenever it got stuck though haha ... :P
Fast forward to today, I just enjoy the time spent together -- happy hour at my parent's after work, going out, laughing at his absurd jokes, etc. I even smile seeing how proud he is of his little "farm" in the backyard -- tomatoes, potatoes, melons, onions, green beans, etc. I also laugh at his inability to sit still (which suits him well at work). One time, family came over for dinner and next thing I knew he's outside cleaning my pool. I won't argue with that hah.
All of these simple things and more have given me many reasons to smile. Oral-B is right; Dads are powerful! How has your dad or father-figure made you smile? Go ahead and share with us on here or Facebook a favorite story of yours.
Have a Happy Father's Day weekend!
Tracie
People have told me, "Tracie, you're always laughing or smiling! It's so nice!" ...those people don't know me well, huh? Hahaha just kidding. But more often, I'm complimented on my smile itself. Got me thinking, my parents fostered this love and need to smile and laugh in life. Time to get personal! haha .. Here's a few simple ways my dad has made me smile over the years...
As a young child, on early morning drives, Dad would put a hot mug of coffee up to the car windshield, which would then cause the windshield to steam. I lOved this; I thought it was some awesome magic trick of his.
We used to take trips to Eureka and to make the trails more exciting for us, he'd get my sister and me a rubber ducky or a toy sailboat. We'd have a contest of whose goes further in the shallow creeks, as we ran alongside. I don't think my dad and grandpa enjoyed fishing it out whenever it got stuck though haha ... :P
Fast forward to today, I just enjoy the time spent together -- happy hour at my parent's after work, going out, laughing at his absurd jokes, etc. I even smile seeing how proud he is of his little "farm" in the backyard -- tomatoes, potatoes, melons, onions, green beans, etc. I also laugh at his inability to sit still (which suits him well at work). One time, family came over for dinner and next thing I knew he's outside cleaning my pool. I won't argue with that hah.
All of these simple things and more have given me many reasons to smile. Oral-B is right; Dads are powerful! How has your dad or father-figure made you smile? Go ahead and share with us on here or Facebook a favorite story of yours.
Have a Happy Father's Day weekend!
Tracie
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Safety what?
A few weeks ago our office had our annual Cal-OSHA course on Infection Control Regulations. Being relatively new to the office, I just assumed we'd get some dry facts, be told we're doing well with all the standards, and be done with it. With plenty of humor and scary but informative facts by Tom Terry, I actually learned some stuff.
I'd like you to know that we do adhere to all standards and made the Exceptional Dental Offices List again this year. Despite making the list and passing the standards, the course was a definite reminder in work and in life that we cannot let ourselves become complacent with mediocrity or cutting corners. Mr. Terry informed us only 2% of dental offices he visits are compliant with all standards -- scary, in my opinion. Luckily, we are in that 2%. I take it back. It's not luck, but through diligence and desire for perfection. Do YOU trust your loved ones visiting a dental office that doesn't take all measures possible to ensure their safety? That's the mentality we take; don't do anything we wouldn't want for our family. All of our patients are family to us. In fact, if you ever question or are just curious, we will gladly give you a tour of our office to show you where and how we sanitize equipment and answer any other questions you may have.
Here's to continued efforts in making your safety our priority!
I'd like you to know that we do adhere to all standards and made the Exceptional Dental Offices List again this year. Despite making the list and passing the standards, the course was a definite reminder in work and in life that we cannot let ourselves become complacent with mediocrity or cutting corners. Mr. Terry informed us only 2% of dental offices he visits are compliant with all standards -- scary, in my opinion. Luckily, we are in that 2%. I take it back. It's not luck, but through diligence and desire for perfection. Do YOU trust your loved ones visiting a dental office that doesn't take all measures possible to ensure their safety? That's the mentality we take; don't do anything we wouldn't want for our family. All of our patients are family to us. In fact, if you ever question or are just curious, we will gladly give you a tour of our office to show you where and how we sanitize equipment and answer any other questions you may have.
Here's to continued efforts in making your safety our priority!
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