Putnam Dental July 2017

SEDATION DENTISTRY IS HERE FOR YOU

The entire team at Putnam Dental Associates participates in a variety of programs that give back to the community, both locally and abroad. Most recently, Dr. Ern was awarded the 2017 Dr. Richard G. Spolzine Access to Care Humanitarian Award. This honor recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in serving the public. Giving back is nothing new to Dr. Ern and his team. Putnam Dental Associates has been serving the community since 1984 and has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in free dental care to those in need. The team established Putnam Dental Missions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free dental care to those in need, both locally and abroad. This year will mark the sixth year that Dr. Ern and his team have provided a free day of dentistry to the local community in Dentistry From The Heart. According to Dr. Ern, “For several years, I have wanted to do something with my talents. I am fortunate to have many like-minded members of my team willing to volunteer, led by my hygienist, Toni Viau, whom I consider the ‘social conscience’ of my office.” Each year, Dr. Ern and his team travel to Palmarito, a small village in the Dominican Republic, to provide free dental care for one week. Because oral hygiene was scarce, during the first year the only service provided was tooth extractions to alleviate pain. As a direct result of providing oral health education and the tools necessary to maintain We’re passionate about our patients and making sure that they have an enjoyable experience in our office. This focus on patient comfort and happiness has prompted us to provide sedation dentistry for those who experience discomfort or anxiety about getting dental care. We know that many patients are less than enthusiastic about visiting the dentist, and that this anxiety can even interfere with their health. This nervousness can come from a variety of causes, including everything from very sensitive teeth to a significant gag reflex. After seeing countless new patients experience mild to moderate anxiety about their visits, it became apparent to us that sedation dentistry would help relieve unnecessary worry. There are different levels of sedation to meet every patient’s preference. At Putnam Dental, we are proud to say that we are among only 4 to 6 percent of dentists in the nation routinely using IV Conscious Sedation in our practice. This requires specialized training and certification, but we provide this service because we know it’s what our clients want. With

oral health, the team has been able to save more teeth and prevent further damage. The team holds several fundraisers each year, as volunteers each pay their own way. In addition, the team’s priority is to raise enough funds to purchase a portable X-ray machine that will enable them to help people even more. Dr. Ern fully understands the impact his work has on the community. In fact, it is this that motivates him to do even more. Putnam Dental Associates hosts several free educational events and seminars that are all open to the community. Topics include CPR certification, defensive driving, health and wellness, and more. Every summer, Putnam Dental Associates offers a program called “Kids Smile Free,” which is designed to instill oral health at an early age. The office’s new pediatric program has garnered tremendous attention and support from the community because it offers fun and unique ways to instill oral hygiene as early as possible. Dr. Ern and his team are active members of Rotary International and various chambers of commerce. The team routinely gives time and money to “Ern Bucks,” and the funds are provided to a community member in need. Each week, several team members volunteer their time to Putnam CAP Soup Kitchen, serving food to those in need. Putnam Dental Associates also collects items for a wide variety of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Hudson Valley, Putnam CAP, the Dutchess County Family Court Children’s Center, and various local animal shelters. conscious sedation patients can still respond to requests without the discomfort or pain of full consciousness. We also offer enteral conscious sedation, which is a relaxation- inducing pill. With this method, all body functions remain normal, but the patient is able to sit back and relax throughout the procedure. The most widely known form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” With this service, all bodily functions remain normal, and patient will not fall asleep or experience memory loss. It is recommended for mildly anxious patients who simply want a more relaxing dental experience. We offer each of these sedation dentistry options in addition to our other specialty services because we truly appreciate every patient who walks through our door. We know that these options help our patients get the most out of their experience without any fear of pain or discomfort. If you have been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, please contact us about our relaxing sedation options.

DID YOU KNOW?

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www.putnamdental.com

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1-855-347-7476

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