Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Employee Spotlight

  1. Just because we have been named the Best of Toledo, doesn’t mean that we stop trying to improve in all areas of care. From the doctors to assistants, hygienists and front desk, our staff loves what they do. In order to keep our services the best, however, we too need additional training.

    On May 14th through May 15th, the staff at both Frankel Dentistry of Toledo and Frankel and Puhl Dentistry of Maumee took part in an advanced training seminar with the Scheduling Institute in Atlanta, Georgia.

    During the afternoon of May 14th,  50 staff members left the Toledo office to head to the Airport and catch a plane to Atlanta. For some, it was their first time flying. Despite a long flight delay and some time to bond with fellow employees over a few cocktails, we arrived in Atlanta and were treated to a wonderful dinner at Alma Cocina, whose chef is renowned as one of the best in the Atlanta area.

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    That evening we resided at the Gateway Marriott near the Airport. Early that morning, the entire staff, dressed in matching Red “U” t-shirts, walked across the street to the Scheduling Institute. The seminar lasted the entire day and was extremely informative and fantastic. Each employee brought home a list of how they can better improve their work within the office.

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    Here is what a few of our employees had to say about the trip:

    Irene: “I loved being able to collaborate with other offices around the country and exchange ideas.”

    Dani: “The discussions about the morning meeting are going to help increase our overall productivity in all areas of our office.”

    Courtney: “Besides the food, I loved all the hands on activities while in the seminar. It really brought everything they were suggesting to life.”

    Mel: “I loved getting to know our co-workers outside of the office.”

    Mary Ann: “The Kolbe (an index that describes the way you problem solve) was my favorite part. I think it is fascinating to learn about myself and other members of my team. By knowing this, we will be able to problem solve better in the future.”

    Brittany: “I loved the experience of the entire office going together to get high level training by a strong, national company like the Scheduling Institute. Thank You Dr. Frankel and Dr. Puhl!”

    Pamela: “It was great to get outside of the office to evaluate and observe areas where we can improve Frankel Dentistry. Additionally, the Scheduling Institute has great systems that will keep us accountable that our systems are in office are in place and working properly.”

    Danielle (Hygienist): “The two offices rarely get to bond. This trip gave us the chance to really get to know one another and improve the camaraderie between both offices.”

    Shawna: “The seminar at the Scheduling Institute gave the Frankel Dentistry team a singular goal to work toward in order to greatly improve the services we provide.”

    Marie: “It was great to spend time outside of the office, collaborating with one another on ways that our office can become better. This type of brainstorming and bonding helps.”

    Chris: “It was nice for both offices to be together, receiving valuable continuing education that we can implement at our offices.”

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  2. Who truly understands their insurance? What is fully covered? What is partially covered? How much will you have to pay out of pocket?

    Luckily, we have an amazing employee at Frankel Dentistry. Her name is Jackie and she is our very own insurance specialist, who verifies new insurance and updates all insurance records that are two years or older. So, when you have insurance questions or need to know how to maximize your benefits, we send your case to Jackie, who helps you get the most for your money.

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    This week Jackie celebrates her third year anniversary as a Frankel Dentistry employee. She originally began working in the Maumee office, then she began balancing a schedule where she worked at both the Toledo office and Maumee office, and as of October of 2013, she has been full time at the Toledo office.

    Jackie loves her job, and has said, “It is awesome being behind the scene, knowing that I am still helping our patients.”

    Like many of our office members who have relatives working at the office, Jackie’s daughter-in-law, Courtney, is also a Frankel Dentistry employee, who specializes in RECARE and other front desk duties. photo 4

    Outside of the office, Jackie enjoys watching her granddaughter, Macy; gardening; working out; and being at home with her husband and three dogs Princess, Pixie, and Daisy.

    Frankel Dentistry also wants to wish Jackie lots of luck as she bikes Mackinaw this weekend on May 17th with her husband.

  3. Smiles

    Smiles

    It is obvious the staff at Frankel Dentistry love what they do. The smiles, the laughter and the high standard of care reflect on something deeper. A vocation toward patient care and a commitment to spread the word that Healthy Mouths promote Healthy Bodies.

    Our question was simple, how did you choose a career in dentistry?

    Anna Pink
    Accounting

    From a young age Anna was intrigued by all things related to medicine. She has an analytical mind and even as a child she was fascinated by the practice of medicine. The complex mix of science, art, psychology and business appealed to her keen mind. Her intellectual wanderings were a mere hint of her future as she pursued a career in Hotel Management and Tourism. After graduation she managed to relocate from an island paradise to Toledo, Ohio. Once again she felt drawn to the business of health and healing. She found her niche in Dentistry and couldn’t be happier.

    Shawna Jenkins
    Expanded Function Dental Assistant

    Quick best describes Shawna. Her movement, her mind and her ability to adapt even as a child were impressive. By the way, when Shawna makes up her mind to do something, just check it off the list. While studying Finance (and doing quite well by the way) this creative power force glanced at an ad from a Dental Assisting School. You may have guessed, one glance and she is not just a Dental Assistant but an Expanded Function Dental Assistant who adores her patients and her career.

    Kenyetta Lee
    Hygiene Assistant/Dental Assistant

    Going to the dentist as a child Kenyetta had endless questions. She found the Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists welcoming as they engaged her by answering her non-stop inquiries. They kept her up to date with dental education and satisfied her need to know all about dentistry and her health. This kindness made Kenyetta look forward to dental visits. As a young person it occurred to her, “Why not do what I love”? As she assessed her abilities, it was obvious her people skills and innate curiosity were a perfect fit for a career in Dental Assisting. Her judgment was right on. It is twenty years later and she still loves what she does!

  4. Smiles

    Smiles

    It is obvious the staff at Frankel Dentistry love what they do. The smiles, the laughter and the high standard of care reflect on something deeper. A vocation toward patient care and a commitment to spread the word that Healthy Mouths promote Healthy Bodies.

    Our question was simple, how did you choose a career in dentistry?

    Marie Sukalo

    Marie started her career path in banking. Her education shows a strong accounting background specializing in savings and loan. Her career took a switch to dentistry when she was in her mid-twenties. She started out in her home town but marriage brought her to Toledo, Ohio. Her interview with Sheldon Frankel was nearly two decades ago. Youngtown’s loss was our gain and she has been managing Jon Frankel Dentistry in a variety capacities ever since. Maries says she applied for a job and was hired. It seems dentistry found her.

    Melissa Neiderhouse, D.A., E.F.D.A., B.S.

    Mel has a genetic predisposition for Dentistry. Two of her uncles are dentists and both suggested she become a Dental Assistant. After one year of college she began training as a Dental Assistant. She didn’t stop there. She continued on to become an E.F.D.A. and recently completed her Bachelor of Science degree. After 15 years she continues to enjoy all aspects of dentistry but finds smile transformations particularly gratifying. By the way Mel knows really knows smiles. After hours she is a Cheerleading Coach.

    Debbie Oliver, R.D.H., Hygiene Manager

    As a young mother Deb was concerned about her daughter, Danielle. Danielle had a dental disorder known as Amelogenesis Imperfecta. The enamel on her permanent teeth did not form properly. As Deb did research on her daughter’s condition she found she was interested in a Dental Career. She checked out the Dental Hygiene Program at Owens Community College and knew right away it would be an ideal career for her skill set. She thanks her daughter Danny and Jon Frankel (the only dentist she has or would ever work with) for the ideal career path.

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    As a team member of Jon Frankel Dentistry for six years, Melissa, “Mel,” always has a bright smile on her face and a witty line to lighten any situation. It is her constant positive energy that has earned her this week’s Employee of the Week.

    Away from the office, Mel enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her husband; hanging with friends; swimming in their pond and visiting the lake.

    She is very proud of her two daughters ages two and four. Her eldest daughter paves the way for the younger one. In fact, just last week the older one was in the office getting her teeth cleaned. After the cleaning, the younger one climbed right into the chair wanting to get her teeth cleaned as well.

    The younger daughter is also quite the little firecracker. Recently, she was chosen as the cutest baby at the fair when she announced to the crowd, “Welcome to the fair!”

    Originally from Oak Harbor, Mel was a cheerleader in high school and is actively involved with her Alma Matter as the Varsity Cheerleading Coach.

    Back in the office, Mel is not only a certified EFDA, she also holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Toledo. Additionally, Mel is the Manager of the Dental Assistants at Jon Frankel Dentistry, which means her job duties include helping the dentists with many procedures, filling teeth, scheduling, and much more. However, when you ask Mel what her favorite part of her job is she quickly states, “The patients, they are all really cool and just a pleasure to work with!”

    But as Dr. Frankel points out,” Mel is an important part of our team! She is always smiling and comforting our patients. She understands them and makes them feel right at home.”

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    Now, that’s the smiling Mel we all know and love 🙂

  6. Kenyetta

    For the past 14 years, Kenyetta has been working for Jon Frankel Dentistry as a Hygiene Assistant, which means that she assists the hygienists while they are cleaning your teeth. More specifically, some of her many job duties include bringing back patients, updating health history records, checking blood pressure, and scheduling appointments.

    Kenyetta is very loyal to Dr. Frankel and his office. Because of that quality Dr. Frankel said that she is “irreplaceable.” He continued by saying that “I think of her as a sister, and I am thankful that she is on my staff.”

    Kenyetta is one of the reasons we are able to tell our patients that Dr. Frankel’s practice is truly a dental family. She particularly loves getting to know the patients. In fact, she said just last week she realized that she has been assisting the same family for several years. “I was able to remember stories about the boys from when they were really young. Now they are 13 and 15 years old. It is great having the opportunity to watch them grow up,” she said.

    Aside from being a Hygiene Assistant, Kenyetta is also currently wearing Invisalign, which are clear retainers that help align your teeth. “I used to be embarrassed by my smile and very self-conscious of when I was smiling,” she said. Now she is very excited about her results. “I couldn’t be happier with the process, and I have gained a lot of self confidence,” she continued.

    Outside of the office, Kenyetta is is huge movie buff. Not only does she enjoy going to the movies, but she also has a special place in her heart for the classics with her favorite film being Arsenic and Old Lace starting Cary Grant. Additionally, she enjoys word search puzzles and spending time with her niece and nephew.

  7. Tami and Dr J

    Do you hear wedding bells? We, at Jon Frankel Dentistry, sure do! Our Employee of the Week, Tami, is getting married tomorrow in Calistoga, California. We are very excited for her and wish her the best.

    Tami has been a member of Dr. Frankel’s team for thirteen years, and has worked along side Dr. Frankel as he creates unique and beautiful smiles. As a certified EFDA, her job includes being the third and fourth hands assisting the dentist as they perform most restorative and cosmetic procedures. Because she excels at her job and is a role model for new EFDAS, her current title at Jon Frankel Dentistry is Dental Assistants Manager.

    Tami’s eye for detail is outstanding, which makes her very qualified to work on cosmetic cases. In fact, Tami particularly loves working with cosmetic patients and building beautiful smiles. “There is nothing like working with an amazing patient, especially knowing that I have the ability to make them feel better about themselves and change their life just by enhancing their smile,” she said.

    According to Dr. Frankel she is “one of the most caring when it comes to our patients. She will go over and above for anyone in our practice.” It is wonderful to have staff members who are so devoted to our patients comfort and well being.

    When away from the office, Tami enjoys spending time with her family, especially her three children and soon-to-be husband. Additionally, her family loves to spend time on their boat. “We practically live on Catawba Island in the summers,” she said. But Tami and her new husband have one other pastime that has keep them busy. They are currently restoring and rebuilding a car from 1965!

    Again, we would like to sent our love to Tami and congratulate her on her wedding day! We are proud and happy for her, but also miss her around the office this week!

    On a side note, have you seen Tami featured in the office tour given by none other than, Carlos Diaz? If not, you have to check it our here…

  8. Irene

    “Irene is always willing to step up to the plate, going above and beyond what is asked of her,” said Dr. Frankel. “That is why I am nominating her for employee of the week.”

    Irene has been an employee of Jon Frankel Dentistry for three years. Her title is Patient Coordinator, which means she is responsible for such things as scheduling, checking insurance, and checking out hygiene patients. With these duties, Irene has become a master of multitasking. Many times she will be able to answer the phone and give the patient seated before her the personalized care that is always offered at Jon Frankel Dentistry.

    Irene truly loves her job and believes that Dr. Frankel is changing lives a smile at a time. “We are focused on our patients and helping them get the care they need. It is wonderful being part of a staff that gives so much,” Irene said. “I love the patients! We have amazing, friendly patients here! They make my job worthwhile,” Irene continued.

    It is her love of the patients and her colleagues that makes her “very reliable, and valuable to our office,” said Dr. Frankel.

    Aside from work, Irene enjoys spending time with her husband of eleven years and her three sons. Having three boys at home keeps her busy, but in her spare time she loves to read. Recently, like most women in America, her favorite series is 50 Shades of Gray.

    Irene is also an accomplished cake decorator and is able to decorate a cake for any occasion including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. To make her even more busy, Irene recently took up running, and is interested in running 5Ks.

    Congratulations Irene on being named Employee of the Week, and Thank You for all that you do to keep Jon Frankel Dentistry thriving.

  9. marie

    Nineteen years ago, a young Jon Frankel adopted his father’s dental practice with big dreams of turning the small, family practice into one of the largest and best privately owned dental practices in the greater Toledo area. At the same time, Marie interviewed with Dr. Frankel for the financial manager position. Since then, Marie has been the longest reigning employee at Jon Frankel Dentistry. According to Dr. Frankel, “Marie and I have been through it all, but this practice would not be what it is today without her.”

    When a patient walks into the Toledo office, he or she will normally find Marie sitting behind the desk immediately on their left. She will have tons of paperwork spread out in front of her, and upon first glance, one would probably think she is the busiest person at the office. However, no matter how busy she is, Marie will always look up, smile, and say “Hi.”

    There is no doubt about it, Marie is definitely busy. Her job duties of financial manager include financial consultations, processing insurance claims and fees for treatment, as well as employee payroll. But, there is much more to Marie besides her years of dedication to Jon Frankel Dentistry. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Marie and her husband moved to Toledo so he could pursue his career opportunities. While in Toledo, Marie attended Owens Community College. Today, in her spare time, she enjoys being active. From running, to biking, to intense gym workouts, Marie enjoys the thrill of physical exercise. In fact, she has even competed in a dual-athalon, where one runs a mile, bikes fifteen miles, then runs another three miles.

    Dr. Frankel is very thankful for everything Marie knows about the practice and the staff and has said, “We are lucky to have Marie on our team and I appreciate all her hard work and dedication throughout the years.”