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COVID-19 rate among dentists less than 1 percent, UAB co-written report finds

by Savannah Koplon | UAB.EDU | October 19, 2020

Data published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that less than 1 percent of dentists in the United States were found to be COVID-19-positive. The data was collected in June 2020 during the height of COVID-19 infection spread in the United States. The study also found that 99.7 percent of dentists were utilizing enhanced infection control and prevention measures.

During the initial pandemic period, dentists were thought to be among one of the highest-risk professionals due to proximity with patients and aerosol-generating dental procedures. The reported data may indicate that dentists’ baseline infection control, prevention measures and personal protective equipment — as well as the enhanced measures — may have minimized risk and created safe treatment environments for dentists, dental staff and patients alike.

“The extremely low infection rate supports the effectiveness of the recommendations from the American Dental Association, CDC and other agencies in helping to keep the dental team and their patients as safe as possible,” said Mia Geisinger, DDS, M.S., professor of periodontology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and a co-author of the report. “The bottom line is that the dental profession has taken this issue extremely seriously, and it shows. This means that what dentists are doing — heightened infection control and increased attention to patient and dental team safety — is working.”

Read more here… UAB Covid-19 Rate Among Dentists Less than 1%

Thank you to all dentists, orthodontists, specialists & dental professionals for keeping us safe!

 Why You Should Get Orthodontic Treatment

 Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and create healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process. It involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. Your care often starts with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos and models of the teeth. From this, your orthodontist can develop a custom treatment plan.

Working together with your orthodontist, orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking). Our advice: keep your scheduled appointments, advise your orthodontist of problems that may popup between appointments, watch what you eat and drink, avoid sugary drinks and brush and floss as instructed by your orthodontist. It’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your orthodontist share – giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

AAO INFO WHY YOU SHOULD GET ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Time Is Running Out to Use Your FSA Flex Spending for Orthodontics

During the final portion of the year many patients choose orthodontic treatment with their FSA, HSA or Health Savings Accounts. It is important to know that orthodontia is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Orthodontia is not eligible for reimbursement with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Do you have a question on treatment? Contact our office to discuss your treatment needs and eligibility for health savings account eligibility.  The internet has great resources to describe further at Investopedia FSA Dental Expenses

Invisalign Orthodontics: Are Eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

 Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile.  Please reach out to schedule a consultation so you maximize your health savings account features.  Now is the time to start treatment if you want to use funds for a 2020 ‘use it or lose it’ budget.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Best wishes,

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

Email Martin Family Orthodontics

#PleasantHill #MartinFamilySmiles #DrJenniferMartin #Invisalign #FSA #Orthodontist #JenniferMartinOrthodontics

Moving your teeth into proper alignment through orthodontics not only gives you a beautiful smile but also aligns your teeth so your teeth and jaw joints can work more effectively and there is minimal wear and tear on your teeth, jaw bones and joints. The proper spacing of your teeth also results in your ability to brush and floss all surfaces of your teeth more easily and thoroughly, reducing harmful bacteria that cause dental caries and gum disease. This means you will have fewer oral health problems, need less restorative dentistry over your lifetime, and should have comfortable jaw joints and muscles.

Why You Should Get Orthodontic Treatment

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and create healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process. It involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. Your care often starts with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos and models of the teeth. From this, your orthodontist can develop a custom treatment plan.

Working together with your orthodontist, orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking). Our advice: keep your scheduled appointments, advise your orthodontist of problems that may popup between appointments, watch what you eat and drink, avoid sugary drinks and brush and floss as instructed by your orthodontist. It’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your orthodontist share – giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

AAO INFO WHY YOU SHOULD GET ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

End-of-Year Reminder To Use Your FSA Flex Spending for Orthodontics

During the final portion of the year many patients choose orthodontic treatment with their FSA, HSA or Health Savings Accounts. It is important to know that orthodontia is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Orthodontia is not eligible for reimbursement with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Do you have a question on treatment? Contact our office to discuss your treatment needs and eligibility for health savings account eligibility.  The internet has great resources to describe further at Investopedia FSA Dental Expenses

Invisalign Orthodontics: Are Eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile.  Please reach out to schedule a consultation so you maximize your health savings account features.  Now is the time to start treatment if you want to use funds for a 2020 ‘use it or lose it’ budget.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Warm wishes,

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

Email Martin Family Orthodontics

Use Your FSA Flex Spending for Orthodontics with Jennifer L. Martin, DDS | Pleasant Hill CA

During the final portion of the year many patients choose orthodontic treatment with their FSA, HSA or Health Savings Accounts. It is important to know that orthodontia is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Orthodontia is not eligible for reimbursement with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Do you have a question on treatment? Contact our office to discuss your treatment needs and eligibility for health savings account eligibility.  The internet has great resources to describe further at Investopedia FSA Dental Expenses

Invisalign Orthodontics: Are Eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Dental Expenses That Can Be Paid with FSAs

When it comes to using an FSA for dental expenses, reimbursement rules generally follow the deduction rules as spelled out in IRS Publication 502. The basic guideline is that anything that treats or prevents a dental disease is eligible for FSA coverage:

• Teeth cleaning
• Fillings and sealants
• Crowns
• Bonding
• Dentures
• Tooth extraction
• Inlays and onlays
• All diagnostic and preventative services
• Treatments for gingivitis, temporomandibular joint syndrome and disorder, gum recession, and oral surgery

Expenses That Are Excluded

• Unfortunately, cosmetic procedures—such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic orthodontics—are not covered by FSA plans. If you want to get your teeth bright and white, you will have to pay out of pocket, as cosmetic dentistry is simply not on the list. In fact, you cannot even buy toothpaste of any kind or dental floss using FSA funds, as they are not eligible expenses. Oral pain remedies, however, are typically covered by plans.
• There is an obvious discrepancy with orthodontia. While the IRS says that some procedures treat disease and some are cosmetic, there is no specific set of rules that defines the specifics regarding which procedures qualify for coverage under an FSA. Your orthodontist should be able to help you determine what your plan may cover.

·        Know Your Plan: Flexible Spending Plans Vary

• The IRS provides general rules for FSA plans, but each individual FSA provider interprets those rules differently. Talk to your employer and your plan provider before you start any course of treatment. Your dental office should be willing to coordinate with your insurance provider to make sure the services you are receiving

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile.  Please reach out to schedule a consultation so you maximize your health savings account features.  Now is the time to start treatment if you want to use funds for a 2020 ‘use it or lose it’ budget.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Best wishes,

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

Email Martin Family Orthodontics

Many of us remember in years past it was typical for pre-teens to start seeing the orthodontist and get wire braces during their early teenage years. Times have changed.  Today it is important to know that orthodontic treatment is an important part of your oral health care at any age. When jaws and teeth line up correctly, they are able to function as nature intended. This promotes oral health and general physical health.  Teenagers and 20-somethings are great candidates for correcting alignment issues in their teeth & bite.  The most notable change over the past couple decades are that middle-aged and seniors are seeing the orthodontist more than ever.

When Did Adults Start Seeing the Orthodontist?

Invisalign^® clear aligner orthodontic treatment was introduced in the 2000’s and revolutionized the way adults thought of straightening teeth.  Traditional wire & bracket braces were replaced with removable clear aligners.  No longer would adults ‘look like a teenager’ with a mouth full of braces.  Orthodontists found that more and more adults were requesting Invisalign by name and the results were incredible. Invisalign became an overnight sensation and has continued to revolutionize adult orthodontic treatment. Many adult patients wore traditional braces as a teen, but have seen their teeth crowd or move in the following decades. Invisalign can be an excellent option for these types of people, and treatment can be much quicker than their first experience with braces.

These days working professionals are using video & virtual calls to conduct business.  Our smiles are now on display more than ever to our colleagues & clients.  Working professionals understand how important it is to have an attractive & confident smile. When your teeth function properly the achieve a strong, balanced appearance. An attractive smile is a result of orthodontic treatment, and can do wonders for confidence.

Orthodontics for Total Body Health

Maintaining total body health is especially important as we get older.  Dental and oral health is a critical part of total body health.  Orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. Straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury.

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are “acquired,” developing over time by sucking the thumb or fingers, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents and poor nutrition. Sometimes an inherited orthodontic problem is complicated by an acquired problem. Whatever the cause, orthodontists are usually able to treat most conditions successfully no matter your age.

Are You A Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

What will determine if you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, then, will not be your age; it will be your current state of periodontal health (“peri” – around; “odont” – tooth), your general health, and what type of problem you are trying to fix. Periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to the loss of tooth-supporting bone, is more prevalent in adults than in adolescents. This is an important consideration because orthodontic treatment works by gently moving teeth within the bone that supports them. And orthodontic treatment in the presence of periodontal disease can aggravate the disease and make it worse. While bone loss does not preclude successful orthodontic treatment, it is essential that any existing periodontal disease be brought under control before treatment begins.

All Kids Should Get A Checkup with an Orthodontist No Later than Age Seven

To have a healthy smile that's good for life®, your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a checkup with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age seven. By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Putting off a checkup with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they're found early. A checkup no later than age seven gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. If early treatment is in order, the orthodontist may be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout your treatment or in the future, please consult your orthodontist or visit mylifemysmile.org.

Have You Missed Appointments?

If you have missed appointments during the past couple of months, we are here for you & want to get your caught up. We are contacting patients about re-scheduling. You can also take the proactive step to contact us to schedule at your convenience. We make every effort to move your appointment in a timely manner, but you should expect a slightly longer appointment than before due to safety protocols.

We are incredibly happy to be open to serve the oral care & orthodontic needs of our patients from the greater East Bay Area. Our updated safety protocols, disinfecting procedures & personal protective equipment ensure visits to our office are safe.  We are following the ADA.org Guidance, CDC.gov & CDA.org COVID-19 Updates. When you & your children return to our office you will see our enhanced safety features & personal protective equipment is action.

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

Email Martin Family Orthodontics