Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Dental Hygienist

1. Our greatest gift has always been the opportunity to serve others.

   Apr 05 2023

   “Education is what has allowed us to touch the lives of so many!” While always seeking to serve others, the importance of education cannot be overstated. With an Always Better approach Frankel Dentistry partnered with Owens Community College with aims to provide better education, opportunity, and bridge the gap between education and the industry. The Frankel Dental Lab, located in Toledo, Ohio, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides students with hands-on experience in the field of dentistry. The lab is an excellent example of how two institutions with similar missions can come together to create something truly remarkable. 

   

   Dr. Jon Frankel DDS with Dr. Dione D. Somerville.

   Owens Community College is a community college located in Perrysburg, Ohio, with campuses in both Perrysburg and Findlay. The college’s mission is to provide accessible and affordable education that prepares students for the workforce and enriches the community. Owens Community College offers over 130 programs and serves almost 20,000 students each year. Frankel Dentistry, on the other hand, is an employee-owned dental practice with a mission to provide exceptional dental care to their patients. The practice was founded in 1946 by Dr. Sheldon Frankel, and since then, it has been committed to providing high-quality dental care to their patients in a friendly and welcoming environment. Everyday, employees vocalize the importance of “Serving All with an Always Better mindset” this stems from the original Core Values of Serve All, Always Better, G.E.T (gratitude, encouragement, trust) set by founder, Dr. Sheldon Frankel himself. Over the last 75 years, Frankel Dentistry has grown to become one of the best dental practices in Northwest Ohio, with multiple locations across the state. 

    

   Owens Community College and Frankel Dentistry share a common goal: to provide exceptional education and training to individuals that will enable them to succeed in their passions. This shared vision is what led to the creation of the Frankel Dental Lab, which provides students with hands-on experience in the field of dentistry and patient care. Frankel Dentistry’s commitment to excellence and providing exceptional dental care is reflected in the quality of education that the students receive at the Frankel Dental Lab. The lab’s state-of-the-art technology and equipment reflect Owens Community College’s commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen fields. 

    

   Last March, Frankel Dentistry celebrated this monumental moment in Frankel history and Dr. Jon Frankel DDS shared a few words “Education is what has allowed us to touch the lives of so many through dentistry and healthcare. I am honored and delighted to have the Frankel Dental Lab support the passions of Owens Community College and the success in their future. We are thrilled to have the Frankel Dental Lab reflect the values of both Owens Community College and Frankel Dentistry. Our greatest gift has always been the opportunity to serve others.

   

   Dr. Jon Frankel DDS

   

2. Always Better! It’s Self-Improvement Month!

   Sep 08 2022

   September is here! Can you believe how fast the 2022 year has gone by? As we start to enter the fall season, we want to remind you to not only visit the dentist to ensure optimal oral health but to continue to work on your self-improvement. September is Self Improvement month and it’s the perfect time to revisit your personal goals and take steps to be who you aspire to be! 

   

    

   This month, all our Frankel Dentistry team members are sharing their personal goals for the year! #AlwaysBetter! We are excited to get a jump start on positive, healthy habits that will help us create the lives we want to live! Here are just a few to help inspire you!

   A member of our finance team, Jerica, just purchased a home and has prioritized remodeling the space into something she adores!

   Brilliant and career driven, our new doctor Dr. Dhaliwal, hopes to become implant certified to allow her to change the lives of even more patients!

   Smiles in the front hope to start helping smiles in the back! Our front desk extraordinaire, Yasmeen, is taking steps to become a dental assistant and become part of our clinical team! 

   Happy and Healthy! It seems as though prioritizing and devising a healthcare plan is our most common goal. Dozens of us like Lisa, Megan, Hava, Dr. Frankel, Ashley, Brittany, and more are workin’ on their fitness!

   Little actions lead to big actions! Your self improvement goal can be big or small. Alexa wants to keep her car clean, Joellen wants to stop biting her nails, and Kylee wants to drink more water!

    

   With an #AlwaysBetter attitude, our Frankel Dentistry team is excited to work towards bettering ourselves to help better others! Little actions, little words, a little bit of love and encouragement are all things that combine to achieve a greater goal!

    

   What are some of your personal goals for September or even for the rest of the year?

   

   Jerica, Brittany, Elena, and Tara

3. Back to School with Smile Friendly Snacks

   Aug 22 2022

   Back to school season is finally here! Frankel Dentistry wants to help your little ones start the year with a healthy, happy smile. Taking care of your smile goes beyond just cleaning your teeth and regular dental visits, it’s important to watch what you’re putting into your body! 

   

   

   Here are some healthy back to school snacks to help promote dental health!

   • Apples, Celery, and Carrots! Did you know crunchy fruit and vegetables can help clean your teeth by removing plaque from the enamel? Not only do they clean your teeth but also provide you with vitamins and minerals to support your body.

             Some of our favorite classic snacks include apple slices or celery with peanut butter. Carrots and other crunchy vegetables always pair great with hummus.

   • Milk, cheese, and yogurt. Dairy products are a great source of calcium, which helps repair enamel and strengthen bones which support your teeth. Cheese and yogurt are also rich in vitamin D and phosphate which create lower acid levels and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

   • Nuts and seeds! Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and more are a great source of healthy fats, vitamin D, folic acid and not to mention one of the best sources of protein. 

   • Thinking about what to drink? Water.

             Encourage your little ones to drink more water daily! Water helps hydrate your organs and muscle, balance pH levels in the mouth, and increase saliva production which means less tooth decay and stronger tooth enamel.

   

    

4. Growing our team one smile at a time.

   Jul 05 2022

   July is filled with dozens of reasons to smile. This month we smile because Frankel Dentistry is welcoming a new doctor. We are overjoyed to present Dr. Erin Waples D.D.S!

   

   An Ohio native and former Ohio State Buckeye! Dr. Waples was born and raised in the small village of Mogadore in Northeastern Ohio. She grew up loving soccer, track, and the great outdoors, spending dozens of weekends camping and hiking with her family. 

   She attended the University of Akron where she studied Biomedical Engineering. She knew she wanted a fulfilling, impactful career while still being able to maintain a work life balance. Post graduation she began shadowing different career fields and discovered her passion for dentistry. “There is something so special about working with your hands, touching the lives of patients, and creating long lasting relationships and friendships.” 

   A young Erin Waples pursued her dental degree at THE Ohio State University. She spent her time in Columbus playing intramural soccer, attending Buckeye games with friends, and serving the community through the Delta Sigma Delta organization.

   Dr. Waples is special to us because she is special to someone here! While at THE Ohio State University she met her fiance, fellow Frankel and Puhl dentist, Dr. Westmeyer. Dr. Westmeyer is also an OSU alumni and has been a part of our Maumee team since 2019. These two are avid adventurers! They enjoy camping, hiking, snow sports, and exploring national parks and new destinations! In October 2021 Dr. Westmeyer popped the question and now they patiently plan and await their big day. In the meantime these two are thrilled and grateful to serve the NWO community through their passions. 

   

   Frankel Dentistry is thrilled to have Dr. Waples a part our team. We cannot wait to Change Lives a Smile at a Time with her.

   

5. Family Wellness Month

   May 18 2022

   May is Family Wellness Month AND Mental Health Month.

   Your physical health is just as important as your mental health! This month we are sharing healthy habits to encourage a healthier lifestyle for you and your family!

   1. Get outside! A little summer sunshine can go a long way. Chances are you’ve spent the winter tucked away and Vitamin D deprived. Take a family walk or bike ride in the evening, visit a new park or trail, walk the dog daily, and be sure to take in the sunshine and fresh air.

   

   2. Try a healthy new recipe. Pick a night to cook a healthy meal with your family. This is a great way to spend quality time together while still being productive. This is also an opportunity to teach children the importance of a balanced diet and trying new foods.

   3. Practice mindfulness. This is an opportunity to help your children understand the importance of mental health. Simply reflect on the day you’ve had or situations which have left your little ones with certain emotions. Help them discover “why” they feel the emotions they do. Also, try a five minute meditation or positive affirmations. Encourage your children to highlight their favorite things about themselves to promote self esteem!

   4. Find a self care routine. Help your loved ones find a way they love to care for themselves, this could be taking time for a skin care routine, workout routine, an oral care routine, or nighttime cooldown routine. This is time for you all to relax yet still be productive towards your health.

   

   5. Practice oral health! A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. Teaching your kids healthy oral habits at a young age can help ensure a beautiful, life lasting smile. Brush, floss, rinse, visit Dr. Frankel and repeat!
   6. Connect with one another. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. It never hurts to remind your family how much they mean to you and the impact they’ve made on your life.

   

6. Join the Dream Team!

   Apr 06 2021

   Read this Patient Review.

   I always leave feeling good and always enjoy the people there….they make u feel as if they really care about u and your wellbeing….always nice…..always smiling and they are always on their A+ game!!! 3/12/2021

   K.L.

   Find the Job of your Dreams!

   This is the type of feedback we receive at Frankel Dentistry. There are opportunities available to be part of a team that loves what they do. Want to start changing lives a smile at a time? Go to: https://www.jonfrankeldentistry.com/blog/career/ to apply.

   

   

7. Smile Enforcers

   Oct 27 2020

   October is Dental Hygiene Month

   Toledo Dentist Jon Frankel, DDS celebrates dental hygienists.  Dr. Frankel knows dentistry. His father, uncle and two cousins served the community through dental care as dentists. His aunt and sister have practiced dental hygiene for decades. Dentistry is in his DNA.

   

   The hygienists at both the Toledo and Maumee locations of Frankel Dentistry report that the doctor, healthcare provider, staff team works together seamlessly.  It is the ideal dental practice for career dental hygienists. They are not shy to boast how proud they are to work at Frankel Dentistry.

   

   Weekly meetings, monthly reviews, bimonthly training, and room for advancement make their careers in dental hygiene exciting. The collaboration of advanced technology and direct communication between doctors, healthcare providers, and patients take this dental practice to another level.

   

   Patients notice the difference. They often mention that to their surprise they look forward to dental visits. One patient explained dental hygiene in an interesting analogy. “ If exploring my mouth was like the Lewis and Clark Expedition on the Oregon Trail, my hygienist would be Sacagawea. The trail scout and guide reporting findings to Dr. Lewis and Clark.”

   

   Patients are scheduled to see their dental hygienist every 3 or 6 months. Exams with the doctor are minimally an annual event. To better understand the role of a dental hygienist check this description post on the American Dental Association website: https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-team-careers/dental-hygienist.

   

   When asked why they chose careers in dental hygiene the Frankel crew was quick to answer. It is easy to see how much they enjoy what they do. It is important and they know it.

   

   Rebecca:

   Dental Hygiene is the best career in two ways. You have the privilege of helping people gain and maintain oral health while sharing the experience of them feeling better about themselves.

   Olivia:

   I love building people’s confidence through their smiles.

   Sarah:

   I adore working with children. Parents who bring in their children at an early age are giving them a beautiful inheritance. These children are in position to enjoy a lifetime of oral health. A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.

   Pamela:

   Dental Hygiene challenges the mind and warms the heart. It is ever evolving in diverse arenas: psychology, science, business, and art. Stretching oneself while enhancing the well-being of others both emotionally and physically. You must be grateful to enjoy a career that gives so much.

   Deb:

   I am a hygienist who started as a patient! I was a patient at Frankel Dentistry. My dental hygienist impressed me so much that I became one! Once I graduated and passed my boards I joined Frankel Dentistry. It is eighteen years later, and I still love what I do. I am the Toledo location Dental Hygiene team leader, one if the Treatment Plan Concierges and actively seeing patients.  I love what I do!

   Jenny:

   I am grateful to be changing lives smile at a time. After 15 years I still love what I do and cannot imagine working anywhere else.

8. 2018 Smile Resolutions from Toledo Dental Team

   Jan 09 2018

   

   Warm Smiles Inside

   Cleanings – Make this First on your 2018 List 

    

   It’s the new year! Happy 2018! Is getting a dental hygiene cleaning on your list of resolutions? Why do people procrastinate on scheduling cleanings? Cleanings are one of the best things you can do to stay healthy! If you have dental insurance benefits, most policies cover your hygiene cleanings  — so it’s time for you to get your teeth cleaned! Prevention is less expensive than extensive dental work.

   

   Frankel Dentistry sees patients every 3, 4, or 6 months. Patients may start at four visits per year and graduate to twice a year. Folks with health complications such as diabetes find more frequent visits very helpful. Some patients keep their smile in-check by maintaining their 3 month re-care, others do well visiting twice a year.

   

    

   Here are a few of the Benefits of Getting Routine Hygiene Cleanings:

   1) Professional cleanings remove plaque and calicified build-up.

   2) Less plaque =  less cavities

   3) Less plaque = lower risk of gum disease

   4) Regular cleanings help lower your risk of some diseases such as heart disease – early signs of these diseases can be detected in your mouth.

   5) Less plaque = lower risk for needing extensive dental treatment such as a root canal, filling or crown, which saves you money

   6) Frequent visits include instructions to keep your at-home cleanings fine tuned.

   

   It’s still important to take care of your mouth at home and maintain strong oral health habits. Schedule a professional cleaning and oral exam.  If you would like Frankel Dentistry’s Insurance Benefit Coordinator will check with your insurance to see what is covered.

   

   Put your health first this year and make the appointment!

    

9. Toledo Dentist Celebrates Dental Hygienists

   Oct 01 2016

   October is Dental Hygiene Month

   

   Celebrate Dental Hygienists

    

   We are proud of the Frankel Dental Family and our hard working staff – especially the dental hygienists!

   October is Dental Hygiene Month. This month, we’d like to take the time to recognize our dental hygienists. Not only do the dental hygienists clean and polish your teeth, but they help educate patients on the importance of oral healthcare and healthy habits.

   

   Frankel Dentistry Dental Hygienist

   In addition to recognizing the work of our dental hygienists, it’s also a time to reflect on your own dental hygiene. Is it time to make changes to your habits? Are you satisfied with the condition of your mouth? Take the time and pay attention to your needs to ensure you are keeping your mouth as healthy as you can!

   

   In addition to recognizing the work of our dental hygienists, it’s also a time to reflect on your own dental hygiene. Is it time to make changes to your habits? Are you satisfied with the condition of your mouth? Take the time and pay attention to your needs to ensure you are keeping your mouth as healthy as you can!

    

   Learn more about Dental Hygiene Month at http://www.adha.org/national-dental-hygiene-month.

    

10. Top Five Reasons not to do JUST A CLEANING at your Dental Check-Ups

    Jun 10 2011

    

    The connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth has been well established. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, low birth weights in babies, miscarriages even pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer’s disease have been linked to the heath of your mouth.

    The first person you see at your regularly scheduled dental visit is usually a Registered Dental Hygienist. The dental hygienist is often associated with “just a cleaning”.  Whether a periodontal patient on a schedule of every three months or a routine patient on a six month recare schedule check for more. Your hygienist is on a mission to gather data.

     

     

    Top Five Screenings done by your Dental Hygienist

     

    
    

    Health History Review

    Changes in your medical history can dramatically change your oral health. Medications can cause dry mouth or lower your immune response to the bacteria that normally forms on your teeth. Additional aids such as natural healing gels or even at home fluoride treatments may be indicated.  Sleep apnea and snoring can be treated with an oral appliance. Asthma treatments may also cause complications in the mouth. There are endless associations. Let your hygienist and doctor know every change or new medication you are taking even over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin, health supplements and vitamins. Include the dosage. It makes a difference.

     

    Blood Pressure Screening

    Recent information suggests one in five persons has high blood pressure referred to as a silent disease.  According to the American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/Understanding-Blood-Pressure-Readings_UCM_301764_Article.jsp, in the US 56,561 people died from High Blood Pressure in 2006. The only way to detect HBP is through a screening. Regularly scheduled dental appointments offer an ideal opportunity to check blood pressure.

     

    Oral Cancer Screening

    Yes, your hygienist should be pulling your tongue. Checking the lymph nodes and muscles around the face and neck area, checking all the areas in the mouth including the lips, throat, sides, back and under the tongue are important diagnostic check points. Oral cancer rates have not dropped and early detection is key. The Oral Cancer Foundation, http://oralcancerfoundation.org, notes one person per hour, 24 hours per day dies in the US from Oral Cancer. These statistics can be lowered with earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment.

     

    Restorative Screening

    Taking digital radiographs or scans, using an intra-oral camera, the diagnodent (decay detecting device) and through a tactile and visual scan your hygienist checks for areas of disease, wear and decay. The condition of existing restorations will be noted along with any changes in previously restored teeth or in the way your teeth bite together. During the use of an intra-oral camera often the patient begins to point out areas of concern by themselves.

     

    Periodontal Screening

    The soft tissue survey includes checking digital radiographs and scans for bone loss, cysts, tumors and a constricted airway. The space between the gum tissue and the teeth will be measured and recorded in a process called periodontal charting (1-3 mm is considered within normal limits anything deeper simply can not be cleaned properly with a toothbrush or floss). The hygienist notes areas where bleeding occurs. Healthy gums do not bleed at all. Collection of information regarding the color and consistency of the gum tissue, recession of the gum tissue or mobility of the teeth completes the data collection.