Briarfield Dental - March-April 2019

Briarfield Dental - March-April 2019

Mar/Apr 2019

WHAT DAY IS IT?

How a Dentist Celebrates April Fools’ Day

M any years ago, a friend of mine came into the office for a checkup. After looking into his mouth, I delivered the terrible news that he needed a root canal immediately. He was shocked, and I told him I was surprised that he wasn’t already in a lot of pain. The tooth in question was so bad that we needed to start the procedure right away. My friend raced out to his car to grab his checkbook, then hopped back in the chair. I leaned him back, but before I started the procedure, I took a moment to ask him what day it was. “It’s April 1,” he replied. Then the realization hit him and he called me something that cannot be printed here. Despite the name calling, my friend knew it was all in good fun and we both had a good laugh. I have always enjoyed April Fools’ Day. It’s an important reminder that we’re supposed to have fun in life! My wife, Melody, and I have pulled quite a few pranks over the years, most of them on our kids. Our April Fools’ traditions have involved short sheets, salt in the sugar bowl, and other classic pranks. Some years, we got pretty elaborate. Once, we switched the kids between rooms after they’d fallen asleep on March 31. They didn’t wake up when we moved them and they woke up really confused.

One of the best pranks we ever pulled was simply setting the clocks at our house an hour earlier. April 1 was a school day that year, so the kids got up, ate breakfast, and found themselves waiting at the bus stop an hour early without realizing it. Melody and I watched as they slowly started to look around, wondering where their friends were and realizing how dark it was. We didn’t leave them out there for the whole hour, just long enough for us to get a few laughs before going out and bringing them back home.

“I have always enjoyed April Fools’ Day.”

The kids have tried to get revenge on us, but they have never been successful. Melody and I are usually extra suspicious on April Fools’ Day. Though, I will admit, Melody has gotten me pretty good in the past. One year, I came into the office and found a message that I needed to call one Mrs. Lion immediately. Worried it was a patient, I quickly dialed the number. I didn’t realize what day it was until after I asked the Toledo Zoo if I could speak to a Mrs. Lion.

Even if it’s a little embarrassing, I enjoy being on the receiving end of a good prank as much as I enjoy pulling one. It’s important to have fun in life and laugh with the people you care about. There’s a lot of joy to be found in life if we remember not to take ourselves too seriously. I hope you have a good laugh on April Fools’ Day, and every other day of the year. –Dr. Stuckey

419-866-6985 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro · www.thenewsletterpro.com

‘The Sultan of Swat! The King of Crash! The Colossus of Clout! The Great Bambino!’

On April 27, 1947, the New York Yankees hosted the first Babe Ruth Day to honor the ailing baseball star, who had terminal throat cancer. As he rose to give a speech for the 58,339 fans in the stadium, Ruth’s condition caused him to have a coughing fit. With the thunderous cheers from the stands encouraging him to continue, he lovingly spoke to the thousands of people who had followed his career from his early years as a free- spirited Baltimore school kid to the world-renowned baseball legend he became. Even legends have to start somewhere, and Ruth began his baseball career in the minor league Baltimore Orioles, where his teammates gave him the nickname “Babe.” He was soon acquired by the Boston Red Sox, and he helped them win the World Series in 1916 and 1918. The following year, he was traded to the Yankees. His popularity in the Big Apple allowed the Yankees to move from a shared ballpark to one of their own in the Bronx, which was aptly known as “The House That Ruth Built.” Even through the 1919 World Series gambling debacle, which cast doubt over the sport’s future, the fans’ attention was still centered on the Sultan of Swat and what he would The Legend of Babe Ruth

do next. The New York Times reported that as

“home runs began to scale off his bat in droves, crowds jammed ballparks in every city in which he appeared.” All those home runs resulted in his record-breaking year in 1927, when he hit 60 over-the-fence home runs in a single season.

While his home run record was eventually broken in 1961, the continued celebration of Babe Ruth Day keeps his love for the game and unmatched ability alive. To quote the classic baseball film “The Sandlot,” “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” In the Great Bambino’s case, the legend of his baseball career has survived for over a century and will continue to do so for decades to come.

Gentle and Thorough Ashlie Torres on What Makes a Great Dental Hygienist

In kindergarten, whenever someone asked what she wanted

see me, not nervous. This is why I became a dental hygienist. The hygienists get to know patients on a personal level. We get to build relationships with our patients, hear what’s going on in their lives, and teach them how to care for their teeth. There’s nothing I love more than to see a patient go from being self- conscious about their teeth to walking in with a confident, happy smile. I love what I do, and I can’t picture doing anything else.” Though Ashlie has only been with Briarfield Dental for a few months, she comes with 13 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She got her hygiene degree at Owens Community College and has a reputation for offering high-quality care. Incredibly empathetic, Ashlie prioritizes her patients’ needs at all times.

“It’s not about beating the clock,” she says. “No matter what I’m doing, I’m going to do it the right, ethical way. That’s how I was raised. When you rush through your work, the results show. As a dental hygienist, my job is to be gentle and thorough. I want my patients to have a good experience and to leave with a smile they’re proud of. I’m always mindful of how my patients are feeling and check in with them regularly. Dental care is a team effort, and patients are an important part of that team.” When Ashlie isn’t helping her patients take care of their smiles, she and her husband, Andrew, enjoy day hikes. If you’re ever out in Hocking Hills on a nice day, you might spot Ashlie and Andrew with their Yorkie, Malcolm, enjoying some fresh air out in nature.

to be when she grew up, Ashlie Torres was the kid who would proudly declare, “I’m going to be a dentist!” However, as she got older and learned exactly who’s responsible for what at a dental office, she decided that being the dentist wasn’t her cup of tea.

“I didn’t want to drill or pull teeth,” Ashlie explained. “I wanted people to be happy to

2 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 419-866-6985

Making Health a Priority

why we encourage everyone to schedule regular oral cancer screenings. The full screening, which includes a head and neck evaluation as well as a VELscope Vx Exam, takes a total of five minutes — less time than ordering a cup of coffee! Just five minutes at the dentist could improve your chances of beating oral cancer. This month, we’re making your screening even easier. Bring in four canned food items to be donated to Seagate Food Bank and your oral cancer screening is free! This offer is open to patients and non- patients alike. That’s how serious we are about fighting oral cancer. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

At Briarfield Dental Care, we value every aspect of our patients’ health, not just teeth. That’s why during the month of April, we’re collecting canned goods for the Seagate Food Bank. Most people wait until the holidays to plan a canned food drive, but local food banks need help all year long! Since 1977, Seagate Food Bank has provided nutritious meals to less fortunate members of our community through their food pantries, as well as their programs that cater to seniors and veterans. Briarfield Dental Care is proud to support an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of our community. In addition to supporting the mission of good nutrition, this month we’re also focusing on a serious area of oral health. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, one person dies from oral cancer every hour. The death rate of oral cancer is higher than that of other cancers. Fortunately, with early detection, patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer have a fighting chance.

Call Briarfield Dental Care at 419-866-6985 for more information, or bring in four canned food items and schedule your FREE oral cancer screenings today! Help us build a community that makes health a priority for everyone.

With early detection, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is 83 percent, over 50 percent higher than late detection survival rates. This is

Don’t Miss Kids’ Day

Dr. Stuckey’s Playlist Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, when I was still in dental school, Friday afternoons meant drinking a couple of beers and cranking up the music. My favorite song to play when I wanted to blow off steam after a long week of school was “All American Alien Boy” by Ian Hunter.

Rock into the Weekend with Ian Hunter they were covered by other artists. “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” covered by Great White and “Cleveland Rocks” covered by The Presidents of the United States of America are a few noteworthy examples. Neither the band nor Ian Hunter himself ever found massive rock-and-roll stardom, but their

Have you heard about Kids’ Day? Once a month, Briarfield Dental Care throws a special celebration focused exclusively on our youngest patients. The office is transformed with fun decorations, the whole team gets dressed up, and there are lots of prizes for kids who come in to join the fun. Plus, we have special spin brushes and offers on sealants and mouthguards only available during our Kids’ Days.

fun, feel-good sound brought in a loyal following. I like Hunter’s songs because they just make you want to sing along with them. They’re fun, and they remind you of the old days of wild rock. This summer, Mott The Hoople will be touring the U.S. for the first time since 1974. The last time the band toured the United States, they became the first rock group to play

Hunter is a British musician best known for his work with the band Mott the Hoople. They were part of the “glam rock” scene, like what David Bowie was doing in the ‘70s. In fact, Bowie wrote their first big hit, “All the Young Dudes.” Hunter would later cover a few Bowie songs, and I honestly like some of his covers better than the originals!

March 28 - Spring Break Day

April 11 - Pirate Day

May 16 - Disney Day

June 20 - Summer Fun Day

July 25 - Cowboy Day

on Broadway in New York City. I don’t have plans to see the show myself, but I’m glad they’re still playing. Hunter has been writing and performing music all these decades, and he’s still my go-to for a great sound to start the weekend.

Aug. 15 - Fun at the Fair

You’ve probably heard a few of his songs without realizing who they were by. Quite a few of Hunter’s songs would become popular years later when

419-866-6985 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

3550 Briarfield Blvd, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537

Dr. Stuckey’s Guide to a Great Prank

April 27 Is National Babe Ruth Day! What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Are You at Risk for Oral Cancer? Dr. Stuckey’s Playlist

Turn Summer Vacation Into an Adventure

Win a Family Vacation to

Summer vacation is right around the corner. Briarfield Dental Care wants to help your family kick off the summer in style. For a limited time, patients can enter to win a trip to Cedar Point! There are two ways to enter: • Earn 1 entry by reviewing Briarfield Dental Care on Google, Yelp, or Facebook (Up to 3 entries total)! • Earn 2 entries for every family member or friend you refer to our office now through May 30! Every entry increases your chances! The winner will receive a $1000 Cedar Point gift card so they can customize their trip. Gift card good for Cedar Point park admission, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, hotel properties, food, and merchandise. Call 419-866-6985 for more information.

Winner will be drawn Thursday, May 30, 2019!

4 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 419-866-6985

Published by The Newsletter Pro · www.thenewsletterpro.com