A + Family Dentistry's online newsletter for October 2017
Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Rd. Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100
San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1
San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467
THE RIGHT SAFETY NET The Happy Tooth
THE CHOICES WE MAKE DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT
Hello, everyone! It’s Goli, your office manager, here today to discuss a topic that may sound rather boring, but it’s one of the most important considerations on people’s minds today: insurance. Specifically, Dr. Justene asked me to step in and talk about open enrollment for dental insurance.
of pocket. I can’t tell you how many patients are shocked to discover their insurance won’t pay a cent when they come in for braces. Health savings accounts can also present a similar dilemma if you don’t know how much money you should be putting in. The cheapest insurance plan may end up costing you far more if it doesn’t meet your needs. The costs of dental care are far more overwhelming for the 40 percent of Americans who don’t have insurance of any kind. Many people avoid going to their dentist altogether, no matter how damaging this choice may be to their health. In order to better help such patients, we are proud to offer an in-house discount plan which can help cover the costs of your visit. This plan is available to patients who are currently without dental insurance, and it grants discounts on numerous treatments for those who enroll. You can learn more about our in-house discount plan on page three. For those who struggle to make the right decision about their insurance during this open enrollment period, we’re here to help! On Saturday, October 14, we will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Patients can come chat with me about their dental needs and examine their options. This invitation also extends to employers trying to determine which insurance they should offer their employees. Dental insurance may be frustrating, but you don’t have to go it alone. RSVP at 619-265-2467 to reserve a time to stop by. I’ll be happy to help determine how much coverage you need for dental treatment in the coming year, and I’ll recommend the best plan to cover your needs. - Goli
This time of year, employers who provide dental insurance will give their employees the
opportunity to enroll in their plans. When you consider that almost 40 percent of Americans do not have dental insurance, those with access to employer-sponsored plans are relieved to enroll. However, many times there are different tiers of insurance available, and it can be difficult to choose which plan best suits your needs. Choosing insurance is never easy, but there are a few aspects of insurance I want to highlight. To start, you may have to choose between a health maintenance organization (HMO) and a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. It’s important to determine which plan your preferred doctor accepts. Many dentists (ourselves included) do not accept HMO dental insurance. Patients at A+ Family Dentistry would be better off selecting a PPO plan, if available. Another challenge of dental insurance is price. More often than not, patients will pick the insurance that seems to best fit their budget, only to learn later that the plan doesn’t cover their needs. If you need four cleanings per year, implants, and orthodontic treatment, you don’t want a plan that will only cover two cleanings and force you to pay for ortho out
October 2017 Edition
A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1
Get Over Their Fear of the Dark How to Help Your Kids
For many kids, there’s nothing scarier than the unknown of a dark room. Luckily, there are ways to help your child overcome the terror they feel as soon as you turn out the light. You can chase the beasts away for good, just in time for the spooky Halloween season. The first step to curing a child’s fear of the dark is to find out exactly what they’re afraid of. Ask your child what scares them, using open- ended questions. Don’t belittle or dismiss their specific fears. As trivial as it may seem to you, it’s all too real to your kid. A simple statement like “I can see you’re really scared” can go a long way. Then, you need to ensure your child feels safe in the dark. Spend some time with them after the lights are off, calmly reassuring them that they’re safe in their bedroom. Show that there’s nothing to be afraid of, whether by shining a light into the closet or taking a look under the bed — with the child looking too — to prove there’s nothing to worry about. Empower them to banish their fears themselves. If they get frightened and run into your bedroom, escort them back to their own bed and help them relax. Their own bedroom must become a safe space. Only give your child healthy snacks before sending them to bed. Sugars and processed foods activate brain activity, putting your kid on high alert. Try vegetables, nuts, or string cheese. Of course, adding more light is always an option as well. Get a lamp with a dimmer that goes on their night stand or plug in a few fun night lights. Over the period of a few months, steadily decrease the amount of light in the room. Eventually, they’ll be fully acclimated.
The Untold Power of Paperwork Stacy Vorono: Master of Maximizing Benefits
Anytime a patient comes in for treatment, there’s quite a bit of paperwork involved. This is where Stacy Vorono steps in to work her magic. She’s our treatment and insurance coordinator, and when it comes to examining policies to maximize insurance benefits, there’s no one better. “I started out in my career as a receptionist, but over time that evolved into more specialized work,” Stacy explains. “I really enjoy the work I do at A+ Family. I still do a lot of paperwork, but it’s an interesting challenge to look at all the information and create a plan to help patients to the fullest.” Stacy’s been on the team since last February, after she moved to San Diego when her boyfriend got a great promotion. Former residents of LA, Stacy and her
boyfriend enjoy the atmosphere and mild weather. The traffic isn’t bad, either! Since moving to San Diego, Stacy has also become a homeowner. “It can be pretty crazy,” she admitted, talking about their new house. “Every little thing is always going wrong. It’s the bathroom one day, then the kitchen the next. The experience has been a challenge, to say the least, but it’s awesome to be just 10 minutes from the beach. Plus, I do love having a home I can call my own. It’s nice to have a little privacy and your own space away from the rest of the world.” Well, we’re certainly glad Stacy’s space includes our office. She works hard behind the scenes to help patients, and we’re thrilled to have her!
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The Cost of Going Without A+ Family’s Dental Benefits Plan Can Save Hundreds
Regular visits to the dentist do more than ensure you have straight, shiny teeth. Research suggests your oral health is a systemic part of your overall health, meaning what happens in your mouth impacts the rest of your body. When you visit the dentist less frequently, you miss the opportunity for early treatment. This can be alarming news for the 40 percent of Americans who don’t have dental insurance. Without dental benefits to help cover costs, even regular cleanings can strain a tight budget. Many Americans choose to avoid dental care altogether, hoping to save costs, but this causes more trouble down the road. Studies have found that individuals who don’t have dental benefits report increased rates of other illnesses, including diabetes (29
percent), osteoporosis (50 percent), and heart disease (67 percent).
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Twenty percent discount on all other services not covered by an outside insurance company
For individuals who do not have access to an employer-sponsored insurance plan or cannot afford a private plan, A+ Family Dentistry is proud to offer an in-house alternative. Our Dental Benefits Plan is available to new and existing patients to ensure everyone has access to the vital preventative care they need.
Unlike traditional insurance plans, there are no deductibles and no annual maximum with A+ Family’s Dental Benefits Plan. Simply pay a low monthly cost and start enjoying the benefits of regular dental treatment. There’s no waiting period! This plan is open to everyone and can include any family members, as well as friends, neighbors, and anyone else who would like to take part! Sign up for a whole year and get one month free! Call 619‑831‑8832 (San Diego) or 858‑842‑5850 (Poway) today for more information, or visit aplusfamilydentistry.com/dental-insurance-plan.
Benefits included in the plan:
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One exam per calendar year
One set of X-rays per calendar year (as needed) One preventative cleaning every six months
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Refried Bean Poblanos With Cheese
Have a Laugh!
This vegetarian meal comes together in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to avoid take-out on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
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4 medium poblano chilies, halved and seeded 1 (16-ounce) can fat-free refried beans 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch microwaveable cooked long-grain rice
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1 cup (4 ounces) pre-shredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Mexican blend Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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½ cup picante sauce
Directions
into chili halves. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 2 minutes. 3. Uncover chilies, sprinkle each half with 2 tablespoons cheese, and microwave on high 1–2 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.
1. Place chili halves, cut sides up, on a round microwave-safe plate. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 3 minutes. 2. While chilies cook, combine beans,
rice, and picante sauce in a medium bowl, stirring well. Spoon bean mixture
Recipe courtesy of CookingLight.com.
A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3
Office Hours: Mondays: Closed
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105
Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467
Inside This Issue
The Right Safety Net Page 1
Cure Kids of Being Afraid of the Dark Page 2
Stacy Vorono and the Power of Paperwork
Page 2
The Cost of Going Without Page 3
Refried Bean Poblanos With Cheese Page 3
The Acropolis of Athens: Tips for Your Trip Back in Time
Page 4
The Acropolis of Athens: TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP BACK IN TIME
When people think of a vacation to Greece, the first images that come to mind are often the picturesque beaches of Mykonos Island or plates of delicately layered moussaka. But no trip to the cradle of Western civilization would be complete without a visit to one of the most incredible historical sites in the world: the ancient Acropolis of Athens. Around 468 B.C., while Athens was enjoying its status as the greatest cultural hub of the era, Pericles initiated a robust reconstruction of the Acropolis. Almost half of the population was on the public payroll during the project, generating what would become many of the most memorable structures in history, including the famous Parthenon. Today, the ruins of the Acropolis still stand, a testament to the ingenuity of one of the most advanced civilizations of the classical age.
If you plan on exploring the breathtaking ruins and the Acropolis Museum, which houses over 4,000 artifacts from the site, it’s a good idea to avoid the Mediterranean cruise hordes and get there early, as close to 8 a.m. as possible. A four-day pass to peruse the Parthenon, the temples of Athena and Zeus, and many other world-famous sites costs around 12 euros, but keep in mind you can visit each site only once per pass. Due to the scorching heat that hits the area in the summer, you may want to visit during late winter or early spring. To absorb the incredible history of this ancient monument, it’s a good idea to either pay for the audio guide as you enter or go to the “Watch, Read, Listen” section of ricksteves.com and download his audio guide for free. You can also get a full tour from a local guide. Head to toursbylocals.com/Athens- Tours to find the perfect guide for your trip.
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