straight talk about orthodontics

STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT
ORTHODONTICS
SPRING/SUMMER
2012
Orthodontic Associates Semi-Annual Newsletter
James O’Leary, DMD • Gregory Hack, DDS • Dave Daniels, DMD
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Clinical Assistant, Ann Marie, taking initial records with the Cadent iOC digital impression system
Orthodontic Associates is proud to offer our patients the Cadent iOC digital impression system in our Waterford
and Norwich locations - it’s orthodontics gone 3-D! This innovative new technology digitally captures the surface
and contours of the teeth, exactly replicating the patient’s oral anatomy, providing us with an accurate, 360o
digital impression in just minutes. It is an amazing new tool!
An image wand is used to gently scan inside the patient’s mouth as the scanner issues voice commands to
prompt our clinical assistant to capture a specific tooth and instruct the angle at which to scan. The system
features a split screen, showing the 3-D model building on one side while the other simultaneously reflects realtime video of the patient’s mouth to help guide the scan. The scanner uses visible light, so there’s no exposure
to radiation. Once completed, the digital file is instantly uploaded to the appropriate lab which means a faster
turnaround. When used in conjunction with Invisalign treatment, the scan creates better fitting trays and results
in a much faster start to the patient’s treatment.
This high-tech system has revolutionized our records process, eliminating the need for taking traditional impressions.
What’s more, our patients experience less anxiety and are more comfortable during their records appointment
because there’s no gagging or discomfort often associated with the traditional impression method. Patients feel
engaged in the process as they see the anatomy of their mouth in full detail on-screen. This provides our clinical
assistants with a wonderful educational tool that improves the patient’s acceptance of treatment.
If you haven’t already experienced the Cadent iOC digital impression system, we’re sure you will appreciate the
comfort and efficiency this new technology affords.
DOCTOR UPDATE
A FOND FAREWELL
Congratulations to Dr. John Kozlowski as he begins his much deserved retirement! Following an illustrious career in dentistry that spanned over 40 years,
Dr. K has at last decided that the time has come to spend more time with
family, friends, and leisure pursuits.
Dr. Kozlowski began his journey at SUNY-Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He later earned his D.D.S. from SUNY-Buffalo
School of Dentistry in 1970 and obtained his certificate in pedodontics from
Children’s Hospital two years later. From there, he became the Chief of
Pedodontics and Captain in the United States Army until 1974. He attended
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and earned his certificate in orthodontics in 1982.
Dr. K began his career as a pediatric dentist and was the founder of the
practice that is now known as Children’s Dental Associates. He joined Orthodontic Associates in 1982 and has been creating beautiful smiles with us
ever since.
Those of you who know Dr. K well are aware that he is a soft-spoken and generous man. He is not the
type of person who likes to draw attention to himself or to his accomplishments. He has been a loyal
partner, employer, and friend to all of us at Orthodontic Associates and to the larger dental community
in New London County. Dr. K has made a positive impact on many people in our community, both inside
and outside of our practice, over his long career. He is a true professional and mentor to all. We would
like to thank Dr. Kozlowski for all his years of dedication to our practice and to our community.
...AND A WARM WELCOME
It is with great pleasure that we introduce the newest addition to the
Orthodontic Associates team, Dr. Dave Daniels!
Dr. Daniels attended Vanderbilt University, where he graduated cum laude
with a degree in Honors History. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from dental school,
he received both a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial
Orthopedics and a Master’s Degree in Dental Research from Tufts University in
Boston, Massachusetts.
Orthodontics is the second career for Dr. Daniels. After graduating from
Vandy, he spent six years as a professional baseball player in the Pittsburgh
Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres organizations. As a sidearmpitching reliever, he was called upon usually to “save” victories for his teams!
Dr. Daniels is extremely passionate about working with children. “Helping a
young person smile is a wonderful gift, and I am truly fortunate to have this opportunity,” he says. During
his free time, he enjoys hosting free baseball clinics and speaking to youth groups on the importance of
balancing sports with education.
A very special congratulations to Dr. Daniels and his wife, Pam, who just welcomed their first child, Henry,
on March 6th!
NEWS
A SMILE CAN CHANGE A LIFE
INVISALIGN PROMOTION
Many people
take their smile for
granted. But can
you imagine holding back a smile
because of fear of
rejection? Some
children hide their
smile in order to
avoid social
bullying while others
may experience health problems due to
orthodontic issues.
Orthodontic Associates is happy to announce that
we are now an Invisalign Elite Provider! The Elite
designation is awarded only to those practices
with the most experience with Invisalign treatment.
Smile for A Lifetime Foundation is a national charitable, non-profit organization that provides free
orthodontic care and treatment to individuals
who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Its
mission is to create self-confidence, inspire hope
and change the lives of children in a dramatic
way. Benefits for scholarship recipients may include
improved self-esteem, increased emotional wellbeing, and prevention of physical health problems
including tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Local applicants must be a resident of New London,
Middlesex or Windham counties, must be under
the age of 18, must have income limitations or
demonstrate financial need and have a significant
aesthetic need for braces.
Orthodontic Associates is proud to be the only
Smile For A Lifetime Foundation chapter in
Connecticut. We feel privileged to be a part of this
group of orthodontists who provide a life-changing
service to those who so need and deserve it.
Surely, the words of our scholarship recipient,
Monique, echos the sentiments of the 10 patients
we have helped since our chapter’s inception in
the spring of 2009: “Smile for A Lifetime made
everything possible. I don’t have to be selfconscious of my smile!”
If you know someone who could benefit from orthodontic treatment, but finances have prevented
them, the Smile for A Lifetime Foundation can help.
For more information, or to apply, please contact
Shannon at 860.443.1827 or email:
[email protected]
In honor of Mothers Day and Fathers Day, we are
offering $500 off Invisalign treatment. This special
offer is available from May 1 - June 30. We invite
you to schedule a complimentary consultation
where our Doctors can determine if Invisailgn is
right for you. Please stop by one of our offices or
call 860.443.1827 to schedule an appointment.
WHO DO YOU LOVE TO HUG?
This February,
to celebrate
the month of
love, we asked
our patients
and Facebook
fans to submit
their favorite
“hug” picture
via Facebook,
email, or Twitter.
We received
over 50 entries,
and photos
were voted on
through our
Facebook page
over a week
long period. The participants competed for the
grand prize - a Kindle Fire. Second place received
a $50 gift card, and Third place a $25 gift card.
It was an exciting contest, with two photos neck
and neck throughout the entire voting period. Our
First place winner (pictured on top) garnered over
200 votes during the last few hours of the contest
alone! Congratulations to Diane Shonebarger, who
won with just over 800 votes! Second place (bottom left) went to Payton Edwards with over 730
votes, and Third place (bottom right) went to Nick
Carson who finished up with over 300 votes.
Congratulations to all!
CONTACT US!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
196 Parkway South
Suite 305
Waterford, CT
860.443.1827
SHERRY, SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
I live in Ledyard with my
husband, Kale, our two boys,
Curtis, 14, and Connor, 12,
and our Golden Retriever,
Colby. I was a stay at home
mom for ten years and then
decided to join the team at
OASECT in 2008. I enjoy the
beach, watching my boys
play sports, and most of all,
our “Family Time”!
96 Salem Turnpike
Norwich, CT
860.886.7777
495 Route 184
Suite 311
Groton, CT
860.445.2747
20 South Anguilla Road
Pawcatuck, CT
860.599.8293
HOBBIES: Scrapbooking, cooking and
photography
FAVORITE FOOD: Steak and corn on the cob
VISIT US ONLINE:
www.oasect.com
MUSIC PREFERENCE: I enjoy all types of music,
from country to Top 40
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME BEST:
Organized, thoughtful, efficient
GUARD IN,
GAME ON!
Come get fitted for a
custom mouth guard!
Contact us for more
information or to make
an appointment.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB: I love the
relationships that I have built with my co-workers and the patients I’ve met in the office.
Most of all, I love seeing the confidence that
our patients gain from having orthodontic
treatment and seeing the beautiful smiles that
they leave with on their band removal day!
Make sure to say hi to Sherry at our front desk!
TEAM OASECT