Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Dentistry

  1. How did you choose a dental career? Part One

    Dental Smiles

    Dental Smiles

    It is really obvious the staff at Jon 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?

    Danielle was only 6 years old and she had a problem, eight cavities and no desire to sit in the dental chair for more than a few minutes. Once she settled in, she never left. Fascinated by the art and science and intrigued by the process Danielle was determined to become a Dental Hygienist. Several years later after graduating from our local Owens Community College with a double degree as a Dental Hygienist and an Expanded Function Dental Assistant she joined the team at Jon Frankel Dentistry.

    Lindsay knew she wanted a career in the medical field but did not want to wait. Her urgency was our gain. After thoroughly exploring all her options it was clear. Dental Hygiene offered exactly what she wanted and would not require a decade of study before seeing patients. She enjoys enhancing the overall health of patients by offering health education while working in a clinical setting.

    Mary Ann completed all her prerequisites for Nursing School and soon she realized it was not her ideal career choice. She wanted a profession that focused on disease prevention. Mid pregnancy with her first child she made a 180 degree turn and within no time she became a Dental Assistant/ Expanded Function Dental Assistant. Teaching patients about restoring their smiles and how to prevent disease are her favorite things to do. She finds dentistry an all-inclusive opportunity. Science, art, psychology and serving the public keep her busy, happy and excited to go to work each day.

  2. Jon Frankel Dentistry Employee Spotlight: Meet Mel

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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 🙂

  3. Jon Frankel Dentistry Employee Spotlight: Meet Kenyetta

    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.

  4. Jon Frankel Dentistry Employee Spotlight: Meet Tami

    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…

  5. Jon Frankel Dentistry Employee Spotlight: Meet Irene

    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.

  6. Top Three Dental Questions, Jon Frankel Dentistry, Toledo, Ohio (Part One)

    Don't Delay

    -Answers to the Top Three Questions
    our Dental Hygiene Team is Asked-
    Part One
    Jon Frankel Dentistry, Toledo, Ohio

    Why can’t I just get my teeth cleaned?
    A dental cleaning or prophylaxis is more than it appears.

    It feels great.
    It looks great.

    “Why can’t I just get my teeth cleaned?”

    A regularly scheduled (every 3, 4 or 6 months) teeth cleaning is referenced by previous visits. Areas of concern have been duly noted and are being carefully monitored. The supporting bone and tissue referred to as periodontal tissue has already been evaluated. Visual examinations, X-rays and calibrated measurements called perio-charting have all been recorded. Areas of wear and older restorations are meticulously charted. Oral cancer screenings are performed each visit. At continued care visits, we know you, your medical history and what you need. Changes will be readily noticed and addressed.

    If it is your first visit or if it has been several years since you have had your teeth cleaned. Updating the information is vital. Generally your first visit will be dedicated to a comprehensive evaluation of your dental and oral health. At that time it will be determined if you are a candidate for a dental cleaning or if you need scaling and root planning.

    A dental cleaning is a thorough removal of stain, mineral deposits and bacterial plaque of the exposed tooth surface. If it has been several years since the last cleaning often mineral deposits or calculus have formed under the gums. This is a source of infection and inflammation. Scaling will remove the deposits. Root planning will smooth the surface of the tooth under the gums. Generally it requires two appointments. One half of the mouth each visit. Six to eight weeks after the scaling and root planning is completed all the areas will be re-evaluated and a teeth cleaning or prophylaxis will be performed. The first year after a scaling and root planning visits are every three months. After a year the frequency of your teeth cleanings will be determined.

    There are risks to avoiding dental cleanings and scaling and root planning. The most obvious is loss of teeth due to gum disease. The gums pull away from the teeth and the supporting bone melts away. Healthy gums never bleed. Unhealthy gums may or may not bleed. Gum disease is often silent without any discomfort.

    A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. Heart Attack, Stroke, Diabetes, Low Birth Weight in Babies, Miscarriage, Pancreatic Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease have been correlated to dental and oral health. Often Cardiologists will refer patients for Scaling and Root Planning before Cardiac Procedures. Gum disease stresses overall health and can hamper recovery.

    Regular visits and thorough dental cleaning every 3, 4 or 6 months prevent small issues from becoming big problems. At Jon Frankel Dentistry we love what we do like caring for our dental family with regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams. You will not only look great and feel great. You will be a proactive partner if your dental and overall health.

  7. Jon Frankel Dentistry Employee Spotlight: Meet Marie

    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.”

  8. Jon Frankel and his Staff offer Six Top Tips Regarding Dental Emergencies

    Dr. Jon Frankel Dental Staff Toledo, Ohio

    Dr. Jon Frankel
    Dental Staff
    Toledo, Ohio


    Six Top Tips Dental Emergencies

    #1 Do Not WAIT!

    At least several times a day you can hear Dr. Frankel state, “I like to take care of small issues before they become big problems”. Occasionally dental emergencies come unannounced but often there were tell tale signs. Anytime you sense something is just not quite right, schedule a dental visit. Dental disease can be silent but often the patient senses something is off. Go with your instincts. Check it out.

    #2 Prevent

    Regularly scheduled preventative care reduces emergencies dramatically. X-rays can detect decay, bone loss, fractures, infection, erupting or impacted teeth and many other potential issues. Clinical evaluations expose tissue anomalies, bite problems and offer a through evaluations of areas overlooked at home like under the tongue. A few tips from your dental team can prevent a life-time of discomfort and dental disease. It is remarkable the difference made by proper home care!

    #3 Manage Your Mouth

    Treating decay and gum issues early can ward off emergencies. Small cavities quickly move into the inside workings of the tooth. Once decay reaches the inner soft pulp the infection can grow quickly. The infection can break through the bone surrounding the tooth forming a small pimple on the gum tissue. Dental abscesses can be really painful, just slightly annoying or not noticeable at all. Left untreated they can cause overall health issues. Untreated gum disease can also form abscesses and loss of supporting bone. Treating dental issues early promotes dental and overall health.

    #4 Pre-Plan

    Complete necessary dental treatment before business or leisure travel or going away to school. The stresses of travel and study take a toll on the immune system and frequently what was a small issue, flairs up into a big problem.

    #5 Accidents Happen

    Accidents do happen. There are still a few helpful tips. If a perfectly healthy tooth is knocked out, place it in milk or slightly salty water. If it can be repositioned, place it back into the mouth. Go immediately to a dentist or emergency room. When involved in sports activities wear a Sports Guard. Schedule an appointment to check any injury out. X-rays detect problems and early treatment is always better,

    #6 Know your Dentist

    Dr. Frankel gives all his patients his personal cell phone number. When an emergency arises, he is available. Your oral and dental health is his first concern.

  9. Toledo Dentist, Jon Frankel offers Five Top Floss Hints

    Hygienist Karen Kearns flossing Christina's teeth.

    Five Top Floss Tips

    Dental Floss properly used remains the best way to remove the bacterial plaque from in-between teeth. Water irrigation or air floss is fine for debris or food lodged between teeth. The sticky bio-film that causes decay and gum disease is most efficiently removed with dental floss.

    Use un-waxed thin floss that frays.

    Covers more tooth surface.
    Will not leave a wax residue.

    Floss between the gum and the tooth.

    Pull tight against the tooth.
    Scrap up and down.

    Remove floss stuck between the teeth with waxed floss or dental tape.

    Tie a knot in the floss or tape.
    Pull floss or tape out through the side once it is between.

    Floss at least once a day.

    Remember the more you floss the easier it becomes.