Putnam Dental - July/August 2018

JULY/AUGUST 2018

CARL F. ERN, DDS VINCENT M. CAFARELLI, DMD NICK M. MOBILIA, DDS

Inside This Issue: Dr. Ern Receives a Prestigious Award Page 2 Office Updates Dentistry From the Heart Page 3 Summer-Worthy Learning Opportunities Page 4

IT’S AN EXPERIENCE. It’s not an appointment.

HOWWE AIM TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY PUTNAM DENTAL’S 6TH ANNUAL DENTISTRY FROM THE HEART

The first year we had our Dentistry From the Heart event, we were almost afraid to tell everyone. We didn’t have all the variables figured out, and we were worried how our participants would interpret that. The one thing we did have that year was desire — our focus on making a difference came through loud and clear. Fast-forward to today, and we just finished year six of one of the most impactful events in our community. People came from near and far to receive free dental care in an incredibly unique environment. We partner with other local organizations to put on something that looks more like a party than a visit to the dentist. There’s a massage school that offers up free services. Local bands come to play music. Restaurants donate food. There’s a puppy adoption service. A medical van from nearby charities offers free screenings. It’s become such an event that I spoke to one woman who came just to hang out and experience it all, and she had no need for dental work. Everyone who participated in the event was so incredibly thankful. They couldn’t believe that there were people who were so anxious to give back to their community. Many individuals hate going to the dentist, but when you frame it more like a festival, the response is phenomenal. It flips the whole stigma of dentistry on its head. Dentistry From the Heart really is directly from the heart. The entire event is volunteer-based. We close our practice on Saturday and open up Putnam Dental for 100 people to get the care they desperately need. Hygienists from all over — not just our practice — come to participate. Some people who volunteered had

nothing to do with dentistry. We didn’t have them performing teeth cleanings, but they were happy to clean up the office. We couldn’t be more thankful to Dr. Ern for allowing us to hold this event. We’ve tried creating similar events in other towns, and it’s been impossible to find another practice willing to open it’s doors. I think that speaks to Putnam Dental Missions, the nonprofit outreach Dr. Ern runs, and it’s commitment to being more than just a business. It’s why I love working here. I believe we should be honoring others because that’s what we’re called to do. When I see my real purpose in this world — the big picture, if you will — it makes everything easier. People need dentistry. Regardless of money or restraints from life, we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure those in need receive proper care. I feel blessed to have a career that puts the needs of people first. Our practice has a heart to it, and that was never more evident than at this year’s event. Coordinating something like this can quickly turn into a nightmare, but the good people and endless support from the community made running the event extremely smooth. I believe when everyone unifies under a common banner of service, the rest usually falls into place. I never lost focus because

Hours

Mon - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tues – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wed – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thurs – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

everyone was putting the same effort forth. Service is easy when you pour your heart into it, and that’s precisely what Dentistry From the Heart does.

Contact Us :

Tel: 845-363-6115 Fax: 845-279-8144 [email protected] PutnamDental.com

-Toni Viau

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OUR HEALTHCARE HERO DR. ERN

Most of you have had the pleasure of experiencing the generous heart of Dr. Ern and all he has done to give back to the community. Recently, Westchester Magazine honored Dr. Ern as one of 10 2018

We feel blessed to have such a wonderful man in our lives, and this designation could not go to a more deserving person. Congratulations on the 2018 Healthcare Hero award, Dr. Ern. Thank you for all you do.

Healthcare Heroes at Mulino’s at Lake Isle in Eastchester. This is a very special honor and reflects Dr. Ern’s wholehearted commitment to giving back.

Dr. Ern has created a philanthropic culture throughout the practice, and all employees participate in a wide variety of charitable efforts throughout the year. As described on the front cover, each

year, the entire Putnam Dental team hosts Dentistry From the Heart, a day of free dental care for local community members in need. All of this is squeezed in between his dedication to Putnam Dental Missions, a nonprofit that facilitates dental services that are desperately needed in our local community as well as in other countries.

Q3 Patient Appreciation Program Raffle

Our Q3 Patient Appreciation Program prize will be a set of YETI products: a YETI Hopper, a YETI Sidekick, and a YETI ice pack. The more referrals you send to our office during the months of July, August, and September, the better chance you have to win! In addition, the patient who refers the most people to our office each month will win a YETI tumber!

Putnam Dental Associates and World Gym in Brewster have partnered to not only promote good oral health but to also promote good overall health and well-being. All World Gym Brewster members who are patients with us will be entered into a raffle to win five personal-training sessions. To be eligible, you must be up-to- date with all hygiene visits and have no outstanding balance. Expires Dec. 31, 2018.

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OFFICE UPDATES

1 Did you know that we now offer Botox treatment for migraine headaches and TMJ? Check out our website for more information or call us today and schedule a complimentary consultation! 2 Congratulations to both Dr. Ern and Dr. Cafarelli, who were both named Hudson Valley Magazine’s Top Dentists USA. This is a special recognition because in order to be on the list, only other dental professionals can nominate those worthy of the award. 3 We are very pleased to announce that Dawn Zindler, one of our amazing dental assistants, will now also be working as a dental hygienist with our award-winning hygiene department! Dawn has been with Putnam Dental Associates since 1997, and three years ago, she was able to fulfill her lifelong desire to complete dental hygiene school. If you would like to schedule a routine preventative-care appointment with Dawn or with any of our talented team, call the office. 4 Voting has now opened for Hudson Valley Parent Magazine’s annual “Favorite Docs.” More details can be found on our website or on our Facebook page. P.S. We will be doing something very fun if (when) all of our doctors make the list. (HINT: It involves multicolored chalk dust!)

Dentistry From the Heart “I’d never been to one of these. Now I would highly recommend it to anyone. It was absolutely painless. I’m so relieved. I have been stressing over my teeth for a while now. This kind of service is unlike any other.” “The staff was really nice and helpful, and the service was very thorough. I may consider coming here as a permanent patient!” “Thank you for hosting this Dentistry From the Heart event! You are a wonderful group of people, and you made this event a success.” “Your whole staff is personable, pleasant, and professional. Thank you for this clinic and for making me smile!” “The staff is great! It was a comfortable, well-run event and a nice thing to give back to the community. Thank you!”

-Dale Brown

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Connect with us! @ PutnamDental

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Carl F. Ern, DDS 2435 Route 6, Middlebranch Office Brewster, NY 10509

SEDATION DENTISTRY COSMETIC DENTISTRY IMPLANT DENTISTRY BOTOX AND DERMAL FILLERS

INVISALIGN PREFERRED PROVIDER RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY SAME-DAY CROWNS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP DISORDER TREATMENT

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY FAMILY DENTISTRY TEETH TOMORROW

HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL. LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE BILINGUAL NEEDS. WE HAVE SPANISH-SPEAKING PERSONNEL AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU.

MENTALLY STIMULATING ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER LEARNING THAT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE SCHOOL

For Teenagers: Family Dinner Party

Every summer, parents across the country have to deal with the same delicate problem. They want to make sure their kids continue to learn without feeling like they’re being assigned tasks. After all, summer homework is every child’s worst nightmare. Luckily, you don’t have to rely on math problems and book reports to keep your child’s development from taking a two-month vacation. Here are a few mentally stimulating activities that are as educational as they are fun.

Cooking teaches so many important skills: math, science, nutrition, concentration, cultural understanding, following directions, creativity, time management, and more. Even better, it doesn’t feel like learning; it feels like fun. Encourage your older children to take the reins for preparing regular meals throughout the summer. You can pick guiding themes, like “a trip to Mexico” or “pasta party,” but let them choose the recipes and prep the meals on their own.

For Little Ones: Homemade Bubbles

For the Entire Family: An Educational Field Trip

Bubbles fascinate young children, so why not spend a day making your own solution and experimenting by blowing different types of bubbles? The formula is simple: 1 part dish soap (Dawn or Joy work best) to 10 parts water. Optionally, you can also include 1/4 part glycerin. The process of making the solution will teach ratios, and finding creative ways to blow bubbles fosters problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

Field trips always inspire excitement in students, and you’ll find the same goes for your family members. You can tailor your destination to the interests of your kids for maximum engagement. If you have a family of art lovers, head to a museum for some inspiration and discussion. Kids who prefer the outdoors will enjoy a nature walk or hike. You can bring along a field guide to identify

flora and fauna. These trips may not pack the thrill of a water park, but they’re fun in an entirely different way.

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