As another year comes to a close, and another year begins, I always take time to step back, review and assess the previous year, as well as plan for the upcoming year.

Fresh Technology and Atmosphere

The past year of 2008 brought a lot of change to our office. As the year began, we made plans for new computer hardware, intra-oral cameras, and upgrades to our digital x-ray system – including a new digital panoramic x-ray machine. We also planned some upgrades to our facility, which included painting the building and adding an awning. As these projects got underway, new projects became required, including the replacement of some of the wood and walls.

As the year progressed, other challenges presented themselves that resulted in new flooring and carpeting! We’re confident that these improvements to our office enhance our practice atmosphere for our visitors. More importantly, our patients can feel safe in this healthy environment, when it comes to their care. 

 
Team Growth

On the flip side, 2008 also brought reason for celebration. We added a new member to our team that many of you have met. Jane Ann, our financial coordinator, is doing a wonderful job with financial arrangements, making it possible for patients to follow through with the care they need.

Our team as a whole also attended the Indiana Dental Association annual meeting in May. At that meeting, each team member attended a course to enhance their specific area of expertise in the office. We also attended a meeting in Louisville in the fall. Sponsored by the Hornbrook Group, one of the nation’s leading dental educators, we learned ways to make your experience at our office even more memorable. Our hygiene team, Jill and Barb attended a course that discussed new instrumentation in hygiene.  These new instruments will allow the hygienists to better access certain areas of your teeth, and make your appointments more comfortable as well!

 
Lastly, I attended a meeting in Milwaukee that centered on TMJ treatment and Headache management. I also attended another meeting in the fall focused on the same subject. Both of these courses were held by Dr. Barry Glassman, one of dentistry’s leaders in Chronic Pain Management and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). I found Dr. Glassman’s courses, as well as his style really matches up to my treatment processes.

 We ended the year on a high note, having our annual holiday party hosted at our home. We had a wonderful dinner, (catered by some of our patients at Buffin Catering), followed by a fun evening of board games and great conversation. I feel very fortunate to have surrounded myself with such a wonderful team!

 
On to 2009

We have a lot in store for the New Year! First of all, we are very much ‘in tune’ to the struggling economy. Therefore, we are committed to keeping our fees for continuing care the same as they were in 2008. These include hygiene appointments, periodical exams, and x-rays, as we mentioned in the letter sent to our patients. We are also looking for many ways to make financial arrangements a bit more flexible, therefore allowing patients more options so they don’t have to postpone needed and wanted dental care!

I’m also looking forward to taking another course by Dr. Glassman, which will concentrate on treating sleep apnea and snoring. As research shows, lack of quality sleep effects every facet of people’s lives – from serious health problems to productivity and safety. Expanding our services will allow us to give you better care in one setting.

So, all in all, 2009 promises to be another exciting and fulfilling year. As we’ve done in the past, we will continue to improve ourselves in ways that benefit your experience here at our office, voted by you as 2008’s “Muncie’s Finest”!