Dental Health by Arlington Today

Dental health care

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Dental Health Care

Dr. Moody Alexander

rs. Alexander Orthodontics has long been known as one of Arlington’s more prominent family practices – with the emphasis on “family.” Dr. Moody Alexander, currently at the forefront of the practice, is a second-generation orthodontist. His father Wick opened the Photo: Richard Greene Arlington office in 1964. Moody’s older brother, Chuck, joined his dad in 1990 and worked with Wick until 1996 before he and his family moved to Colorado. By that time, Moody had come on board, as well, and he has been the primary orthodontics provider at the practice for more than 10 years. Over the past five and a half decades, Drs. Alexander Orthodontics has focused on providing orthodontic treatment for children and adults, many of whom have become like – here’s that word again – family to the Alexanders and their staff. One reason for that is the practice’s knack for making the process of getting braces fun. “We work hard to provide a 5-star service experience for our patients, from their initial phone call to the ‘getting braces off’ celebration,” Moody says. “Our practice offers a relaxed, friendly, open environment where patients and their parents are encouraged to get involved in their treatment. People truly experience a family environment where they are known and cared for like a member of our own family.” Each morning, Dr. Alexander and his stellar staff meet as a team to discuss the patients who will be coming to see them that day. “We understand that the orthodontic journey is so much more than just straightening teeth,” he says. “We count it a privilege to get to know our patients and their families and strive to be the best part of our patients’ day.” To that end, the practice uses cutting edge technology, such as the digital intraoral scanner, to make the visit more comfortable. The scanner replaces the uncomfortable process of making impressions. “Instead of impressions, we are able to use a two-minute scan to get an incredibly accurate digital model of patients’ teeth and bite,” Dr. Alexander says. “This improved technique allows us to be more

accurate with our diagnosis and treatment options.” Also, in addition to offering the Alexander Technique system of traditional metal braces (a system developed by Dr. Wick Alexander and used by orthodontists around the world) this office offers a variety of cutting edge esthetic options: clear and iridescent brackets and clear aligner therapy like Invisalign, as well as the completely invisible InBrace – braces that go on the back of teeth. Drs. Alexander is one of only a small group of orthodontists in the country that offer it. Another thing that sets Drs. Alexander Orthodontics apart is its yearning to “give back.” “We realize the incredible blessings that we have in our lives and try to live by the passage from Luke that says ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” Dr. Alexander says. “That’s why we developed our wooden nickel program. Twice a year, we provide an opportunity for patients to be involved with a humanitarian project by donating wooden nickels they earned by being good patients. It is a beautiful thing watching patients give back out of their nickels they have worked hard to earn.” Dr. Alexander and his wife Emily have seven children, including three adopted children from Ethiopia, where he conducted dentalhealth-based mission trips for several years before the politcal climate made it difficult to return. That did not deter him from giving back, however, especially in the local community, where Drs. Alexander Orthodontics partners with like minded organizations in town: Young Life, Arlington Southwest Little League, Gospel City Church, Pantego Christian Academy, Alliance for Children, Mission Arlington, Dental Health of Arlington, “and various organizations that we support through our patients, also.”

drsAorthodontics

840 W. Mitchell St. • 817-275.3233 • drsalexander.com arlingtontoday.com • November 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Dental Health Care

Dr. Nathan J Flesher

hen Nathan J Flesher became the primary dental care provider at his practice, he knew he was being charged with carrying on a revered tradition. Thankfully, he was well prepared for the task. “I graduated in 2014 and took over Dr. David Bridgwater’s 40-yearold practice in January of 2016,” Dr. Flesher says. “Since graduating I’ve Photo: Bruce Maxwell completed 10 times the state required, minimum amount of continuing education. This has resulted in the ability for me to excel at general dentistry very early in my career and offer advanced options in my office such as implant therapy.” Before succeeding Dr. Bridgwater, Dr. Flesher was able to spend two years experiencing the different aspects of modern dentistry, including a one-year rotation exclusively providing emergency dentistry. “The unusually high frequency of complex procedures I performed, such as root canal therapy and wisdom teeth extractions, uniquely accelerated my repertoire of capabilities,” Dr. Flesher says. “ All along the way, I’ve been a commissioned officer in the Army Dental Corp as a reservist. I love the opportunity to serve our nation’s brave soldiers throughout the year, coaching them to great oral health and following the Army Medicine mission to ‘conserve the fighting strength.’” Through it all has been what he calls his “better half” since 2008, wife Becca. “She is a phenomenal wife and encourager, as well as being a Registered Nurse,” Dr. Flesher says. “We welcomed our first child, Gavin James, on Aug. 16th! Becca is loving her new role as mommy.” Dr. Flesher says his professional philosophy can be summarized in a few descriptive words: ethics, integrity, golden rule. “Our practice mission – which my entire team and I recite every morning – is as follows: Providing complete, lifelong dentistry with excellence and integrity. Keeping a focus on the whole person

while honoring God first. Following the golden rule as stated in Matthew 7:12: ‘So whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them. For this is the Law and the Prophets (ESV).’” As might be expected from someone who makes it a priority to be prepared, Dr. Flesher says he spares no expense on advances in technology and clinical excellence if it helps he and his staff better achieve their mission. He recently invested in a 3D cone beam machine and an 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner. “The cone beam allows me to plan implant cases on the computer for targeted delivery, whereas the only alternative is to free-hand,” he says. “The TRIOS allows us to take digital impressions instead of the old goopy ones – our patients love it! Following the golden rule means that I provide what I would want for my own dental care: precisely planned implants (greatly reducing potential operator error) and digital impressions!” The Fleshers are active members of the church body at Gospel City Church in Pantego and sponsors of Pantego Christian Academy. “But, of course, our most valuable asset will always be time,” he says. “I rotate my time giving back by performing volunteer dentistry for those less fortunate at Beautiful Feet Ministries clinic in Fort Worth and Mission Arlington Allan Saxe clinic. My prayer is that these patients see Jesus in me, that they may also believe.”

Nathan J Flesher, DMD

3310 W. Park Row Drive • 817-277-1188 • nathanjflesherdmd.com 28

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Dental Health Care

Drs. James Hyde, Dr. Charles Miller

s principal dental health providers at Hyde, Miller and Associates, Dr. James Hyde and Dr. Charles Miller have experienced many different things over the years. Both men agree that one routine occurrence trumps the rest: the positive outcome they have on a child. “Every day brings a different challenge, whether it is with the child we are treating, the staff, or the politics of dentistry – nothing is ever the same routine,” says Dr. Hyde, who has more than 45 years of pediatric dental experience. “With treating children, we take it day by day, with some ups and some downs, but in the end we know we made the choice of becoming pediatric dentists to embark on these wonderful experiences – we wouldn’t change a thing.” Dr. Miller, who has practiced for more than 35 years, concurs, and that’s why there’s a shared philosophy at the practice’s three Arlington-area offices: To make a positive impact in a child’s life! “You never know what a Photo: Bruce Maxwell child may be going through, whether at home or school, so at our dental offices, we will do everything we possibly can to “Not only is our team fabulous with the children,” adds Dr. make it a place where they will want to return,” Dr. Miller says. Miller, “they are just as great in calming the parents’ anxiety with Drs. Hyde and Miller – and their fellow pediatric dentists, Dr. the thought of their child not being in their presence. We offer Ed Watts, Dr. Steve Tseng, Dr. Khan, Dr. Nejay Ananaba and the tours of our open bay to any parent that may have reservations now retired Dr. Philip M. Bailey – consider the practices special about the visit. In explaining the open bay concept over the in that they have the children experience their dental visits as phone, it can be hard to actually visualize this, so we want to independent people. make sure the parents see and understand the process of their “Mom and/or dad get to relax in our reception area while their child’s experience with us.” child is escorted by our registered dental assistant to the open bay That experience almost always involves the office mascot, Adam area with all the other children,” says Dr. Hyde. “We do not have the Alligator, who, in addition to helping patients enjoy their dental individual closed rooms, like most general dentistry practices, experience, visits local preschools and daycares with a member but rather an open bay where the children can see other children of the team to help promote healthy dental habits. “We present getting their teeth brushed by the registered dental hygienist and healthy dental resources for the children, as well as the teachers, examined by the dentist. Our team is very experienced in calming to help educate on the importance of dental care,” says Dr. Miller. any fears by using the “Tell, Show, Do” technique to demonstrate “Adam brings each child goodie bags with a new toothbrush, floss how easy it is to get their teeth brushed.” and educational flyers for the parents to review.”

Hyde, Miller & Associates

South: 4220 Little Road • 817-478-2300 • Central: 3101 S. Center St., Suite 101 • 817-466-7057 North: New facility coming soon • 817-459-1313 • Mansfield: 2300 Matlock Road, Suite 28 • 817-539-0500 www.fundentist.com arlingtontoday.com • November 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Dental Health Care

Dr. Jackilyn Dang

r. Jackilyn Dang started Great Oak Dental in spring 2013 and added a second practice, Legacy Park Dental, nearly three years ago. Dr. Dang and her staff provide the utmost care in blending compassion and expertise as part of each patient’s treatment plan. During a patient’s first visit to either office, the staff always begins with a comprehensive exam. They will go over current medical history, existing dental restorations and the patient’s current periodontal health. From there, they customize a treatment plan that the patient understands and feels comfortable with. “It’s important for our patients to be fully educated about their dental options, and we never want our patients to feel rushed or to be afraid to ask questions,” Dr. Dang says. Dr. Dang, who has practiced dentistry over the past decade, says she and the entire staff are dedicated to a professional philosophy that puts the patient first. “We take the time to educate and inform our patients about their financial options and procedures so they can make the best decision possible for themselves,” she says. Great Oak Dental and Legacy Park Dental are known for the compassionate care provided by the entire staff, as well as for their use of cutting-edge technology. For example, Dr. Dang offers MTM ® Clear•Aligner, which is a virtually undetectable way to align a smile without traditional braces. The surprisingly affordable Clear Aligner uses clear, removable aligners to correct slight misalignments (such as crowding or gaps). Each aligner is custom fabricated, per the treatment plan arranged between the patient and Dr. Dang, to progressively advance teeth into their ideal position, leaving patients with a beautiful smile. The practices also provide other services, such as implants, braces, veneers and bonding, laser dentistry, crowns and bridges, partials and dentures, and general dentistry. Both practices are taking new patients.

Dental Health Arlington

Great Oak Dental

ental Health Arlington is a non-profit organization that has been serving Southeast Tarrant County since 1992. Its mission is to provide preventive and pain relieving services to low-income residents, as well as to educate children about good oral hygiene habits. The Dental Health Arlington clinic provides dental care to individuals and families to help them avoid future health issues and emergency dental problems. DHA understands that dental care is expensive, but without dental health it is difficult to be employed and to smile. Dental Health Arlington volunteers from around the community are devoted to making a trip to the dentist both affordable and worthwhile for patients. To address children’s dental need, DHA created SMILES, an innovative, school-based program that aims to educate young children on the importance of preventative care and regular visits to their dentist. In addition to educating, SMILES also provides free toothbrushes, sealants and fluoride to children in the community. SMILES annually benefits more than 9,000 children in elementary schools. Each school year more than 4,000 decaypreventing sealants are placed for some 1,400 children, and fluoride is provided to some 3,100 children, for an estimated $407,000 in care to the community. Nancy Manion Blinn, RDH, is executive director of the Dental Health Arlington clinic. A hygienist for 30 years, Blinn says she loves what’s at the heart of her job. “I get to help people in need,” she says. “I hope that in the future DHA is able to expand its services to include pediatrics, special needs, and elderly patients.” DHA holds several fund-raising events annually to support the organization’s efforts. To assist in that cause, call the telephone number listed below.

Legacy Park Dental

Dental Health Arlington

3851 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd., #101 • 817-789-4488 1001 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd., #129 • 817-789-4480 greatoakdental.com • legacyparkdental.com 30

Dr. Amy Schoening is one of the Dental Health Arlington volunteers who help children in need.

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

501 W. Sanford St., Suite 11 • 817-277-1165 dentalhealtharlington.org