I was six years old when my brother hit me in my toothache. That was my mother’s only clue that I had a toothache. It was also the beginning of a childhood interwoven with countless dental memories. My teeth were decayed, lost, dead, spotted, and generally marching to a different beat. As a result I have a true understanding of what my patients go through and a deep respect when they gather the courage to be here.
After graduating Barnard College (Columbia University) I decided to face my childhood fears by becoming a dentist. I graduated with honors four years later (1982 New York University College of Dentistry) with a heartfelt compassion for my patients and a profound respect for what my doctors had accomplished in my youthful mouth. Since I made the commitment to providing “healthier ” dentistry I needed to make some changes.
I began by taking hundreds of hours of continuing education which lead to investments in specialized equipment including digital radiography to reduce radiation exposure by 90%, air filtration devices that reduce the mercury vapor we are exposed to when changing old silver amalgam restorations to white bonded ones, low level laser cavity detection devices and distilled water throughout the office. In addition I developed an expertise in using the least toxic materials available along with adopting a protocol for safe amalgam (mercury – silver restorations) removal. It meant throwing out many old materials and beliefs. Our office now offers a safe haven for patients who use alternative medicine as their first line of treatment.
The next component of this unique practice is sedation dentistry. It finally allows me to help patients who have been unable to have their dentistry done in the past. Oral conscious sedation in the state of Florida requires special certification. Again I took hours of continuing education, invested in specialized equipment, trained my team, and had an in office inspection in order to receive my certification. Patients are monitored the entire time they are in the office.
In summary my office is a reflection of my beliefs and life. I am committed to providing dentistry of the highest quality using the safest materials available. We provide this with compassion, honesty and respect.
