Putnam Dental July 2017

JULY 2017

CARL F. ERN, DDS VINCENT M. CAFARELLI, DMD GIANNA FERRANTI, DDS JEANNINE HOLZ, DDS

smile, conversation, meal, and kiss! For your EVERY

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Hello, everyone! As many of you know, my name is Patricia, and I am a dental assistant at Putnam Dental Associates. I am excited to share a bit about my life with you. Originally, I am from Argentina. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, and I lived there until I was 29 years old. Though I completed high school and college in Argentina to become a dental technician, I was given the opportunity to attend school in the United States, and I jumped at the chance.

Our daughter, Nadia, is 7 years old, and our son, Louis Jr., is 4 years old. All of our free time is spent with our children, and they have even accompanied Louis and me on our trips back to Argentina. Nadia has visited Argentina three times, and

Louis Jr. has been there twice. Our most recent family trip was in April. We spent three weeks in my homeland, visiting family, eating delicious food, and watching soccer and basketball games.

I love working at Putnam Dental Associates. I have been with the office for four years now, and it has been wonderful. When I first applied for the job and got hired, Louis and I were not planning on having any more children. Louis Jr. was actually a surprise, but he was the best surprise I have ever received. One week after I was hired, I found out that I was pregnant with my second child. I was nervous to tell my

When I first arrived in the States, my English was very poor. I had learned some English at school in Buenos Aires, but it was British English instead of American English, so I had to start over. I took classes in New York for four years while enrolled in Pace University until graduation, and I have lived in New York ever since. After school, I intended to return home to my family. However, right before I was supposed to leave, I was set up on a blind date with my now-husband, Louis, and he gave me a perfect

reason to stay. Louis and I clicked right from the start, and it became clear very quickly that he was the man I was going to marry. After 8 ½ months of dating, Louis asked my brother, who was also living in the States at the time, for my hand in marriage. Louis and I have been married for 10 years now, and we have two wonderful children together. One of the most important values that Louis and I share is family.

co-workers since it was so unexpected, but everyone was so supportive and understanding. My favorite part about working as a dental assistant at Putnam Dental is working with my patients. I love being able to help them in any way I can. This month, my family and I will be celebrating the Fourth of July by eating good food and watching fireworks. We also have another reason to celebrate: Recently, I became an official United States citizen. I love my homeland of Argentina, but I also love the United States. I am thankful that my husband and I get to share our cultures and that our children reap the benefits.

Happy Fourth of July!

Patricia

Inside This Issue:

Here’s What’s Happening at Putnam Dental

Page 4 The World’s Happiest Vacations

Page 2 Relax Did You Know?

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SEDATION DENTISTRY IS HERE FOR YOU

The entire team at Putnam Dental Associates participates in a variety of programs that give back to the community, both locally and abroad. Most recently, Dr. Ern was awarded the 2017 Dr. Richard G. Spolzine Access to Care Humanitarian Award. This honor recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in serving the public. Giving back is nothing new to Dr. Ern and his team. Putnam Dental Associates has been serving the community since 1984 and has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in free dental care to those in need. The team established Putnam Dental Missions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free dental care to those in need, both locally and abroad. This year will mark the sixth year that Dr. Ern and his team have provided a free day of dentistry to the local community in Dentistry From The Heart. According to Dr. Ern, “For several years, I have wanted to do something with my talents. I am fortunate to have many like-minded members of my team willing to volunteer, led by my hygienist, Toni Viau, whom I consider the ‘social conscience’ of my office.” Each year, Dr. Ern and his team travel to Palmarito, a small village in the Dominican Republic, to provide free dental care for one week. Because oral hygiene was scarce, during the first year the only service provided was tooth extractions to alleviate pain. As a direct result of providing oral health education and the tools necessary to maintain We’re passionate about our patients and making sure that they have an enjoyable experience in our office. This focus on patient comfort and happiness has prompted us to provide sedation dentistry for those who experience discomfort or anxiety about getting dental care. We know that many patients are less than enthusiastic about visiting the dentist, and that this anxiety can even interfere with their health. This nervousness can come from a variety of causes, including everything from very sensitive teeth to a significant gag reflex. After seeing countless new patients experience mild to moderate anxiety about their visits, it became apparent to us that sedation dentistry would help relieve unnecessary worry. There are different levels of sedation to meet every patient’s preference. At Putnam Dental, we are proud to say that we are among only 4 to 6 percent of dentists in the nation routinely using IV Conscious Sedation in our practice. This requires specialized training and certification, but we provide this service because we know it’s what our clients want. With

oral health, the team has been able to save more teeth and prevent further damage. The team holds several fundraisers each year, as volunteers each pay their own way. In addition, the team’s priority is to raise enough funds to purchase a portable X-ray machine that will enable them to help people even more. Dr. Ern fully understands the impact his work has on the community. In fact, it is this that motivates him to do even more. Putnam Dental Associates hosts several free educational events and seminars that are all open to the community. Topics include CPR certification, defensive driving, health and wellness, and more. Every summer, Putnam Dental Associates offers a program called “Kids Smile Free,” which is designed to instill oral health at an early age. The office’s new pediatric program has garnered tremendous attention and support from the community because it offers fun and unique ways to instill oral hygiene as early as possible. Dr. Ern and his team are active members of Rotary International and various chambers of commerce. The team routinely gives time and money to “Ern Bucks,” and the funds are provided to a community member in need. Each week, several team members volunteer their time to Putnam CAP Soup Kitchen, serving food to those in need. Putnam Dental Associates also collects items for a wide variety of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Hudson Valley, Putnam CAP, the Dutchess County Family Court Children’s Center, and various local animal shelters. conscious sedation patients can still respond to requests without the discomfort or pain of full consciousness. We also offer enteral conscious sedation, which is a relaxation- inducing pill. With this method, all body functions remain normal, but the patient is able to sit back and relax throughout the procedure. The most widely known form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” With this service, all bodily functions remain normal, and patient will not fall asleep or experience memory loss. It is recommended for mildly anxious patients who simply want a more relaxing dental experience. We offer each of these sedation dentistry options in addition to our other specialty services because we truly appreciate every patient who walks through our door. We know that these options help our patients get the most out of their experience without any fear of pain or discomfort. If you have been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, please contact us about our relaxing sedation options.

DID YOU KNOW?

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All the News That’s Fit to Print

PUTNAM DENTAL MISSIONS HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AT PUTNAM DENTAL

Putnam Dental Missions Putnam Dental Missions is a registered

501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free dental care to those in need. Everything we do is on a volunteer basis. Thus,

fundraising is critical to the success of the organization and all proceeds go toward equipment and other items needed to be successful in helping as many people as we possibly can. Toni Viau, one of our amazing hygienists, has created amazing pieces of wearable art out of recycled and discarded jewelry. Stay tuned for next month’s edition of our newsletter for more details! In the interim,

if you or someone you know has broken or unwanted jewelry, or would like to donate to Putnam Dental Missions, please contact Toni at putnamdentalmissions@ gmail.com.

PATIENT APPRECIATION RAFFLE WINNER! Kane Gonzalez KANEWON A SHOPPING SPREE VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $500!

We understand that life is hectic. That’s why we made it easy for you to access our front desk anytime, anywhere. Patient Portal can help you confirm and schedule appointments, send secure messages, pay bills online, and download patient forms. Patient Portal is even available as a downloadable app! Call our office at 1-855-347-7476 to receive temporary login information, and then register at smiledash.com/ setupview.action. INTRODUCING PATIENT PORTAL Access Our Office Anytime!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Connect with us! @ PutnamDental

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

SEDATION DENTISTRY COSMETIC DENTISTRY IMPLANT DENTISTRY

INVISALIGN PREFERRED PROVIDER RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY SAME-DAY CROWNS

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY FAMILY DENTISTRY TEETH TOMORROW

Hours

Dental problems today, end with Teeth Tomorrow TM

Mon/Tues – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wed – 7 a.m. to 7 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.

Exclusively at Putnam Dental Associates in Brewster

845-582-0903 FREE SEMINAR THURSDAY, JULY 13 6:00PM - 8:00PM LEXINGTON SQUARE CAFE - 510 LEXINGTON AVE - MT. KISCO Call today to reserve your spot!

Contact Us :

Tel: 855-347-7476 Fax: 845-279-8144 [email protected] www.putnamdental.com

Destination: Happy People

Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local population that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals. The Happiest States in the U.S. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny beaches, rich culture, and perfect weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long. Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay,

and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature. The Happiest Country in the World Denmark has long been the standard-bearer in this category. This year, it relinquished the title to its Scandinavian sister. Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on earth, most notably its western fjords like the world-famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th-century waterfront. Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and daydream-worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation.

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