New Daytona Dental Practice Offers Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

Dr. Tejal Jamidar—the general dentist at the recently opened holistic family dentistry practice Oceanside Dental Daytona—is certified in the safe mercury amalgam removal technique (SMART), which is a set of safety measures to reduce mercury exposure during dental amalgam filling removal.

These safety measures were developed as a result of scientific research collected by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). All dental amalgams, as referred to as silver fillings, contain 50 percent mercury (a neurotoxin), which is constantly released in the form of an invisible vapor. The process of drilling out amalgam fillings releases even higher quantities of mercury vapor and fine particles that can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. This is potentially harmful to patients, dentists, other dental workers, and the fetuses of patients and all patient personnel.

Dentists that have obtained SMART Certification from the IAOMT have completed coursework related to mercury and the safe removal of amalgam fillings. The educational programming includes learning about the application of the rigorous safety measures, including the utilization of specific equipment. Jamidar was born in Daytona Beach and graduated from Spruce Creek High School. She received her bachelor’s in ecology and evolutionary biology in 2014 from Princeton University. She received her doctorate of dental medicine in 2018 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her general practice residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, in Brooklyn, in 2019. In 2021, she became a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She is currently working on her fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. In her spare time, she enjoys running on the beach, surfing, improving her Spanish, volunteering in her community and spending time with her family.

Location: 912 S. Ridgewood Ave., Ste. A. For more information, call 386-317-0000, email OceansideDentalDaytona@gmail.com or visit OceansideDentalDaytona.com. See ad, page 11.

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Begins in March Flagler County University of Florida

IFAS Extension will be holding training for new Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteers beginning March 7. Florida Master Gardener volunteers help people find practical gardening and landscape solutions to problems specific to living in Flagler County.

“Master gardener training includes classroom time, field trips and hands-on opportunities. At the end of the class, students will qualify to become Certified Master Gardener volunteers and will have various opportunities to educate community members and work in the demonstration gardens,” says Judy Jean, horticultural extension agent. “I encourage people from all walks of life and areas of the county to consider becoming certified. It is a very rewarding experience.”

The training consists of a series of classes held about twice a week from March 7 to May 18. Topics covered span plant propagation, hydroponics, soil science, fruit crops and many more. Field trips are planned for Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, University of Florida facilities and a sod farm.

Location: Flagler County extension office at 150 Sawgrass Rd., in Bunnell. For more information or to apply, contact Jean at Jean.CJudy@ufl.edu or visit bttr.im/g2mop.

Fermenting 101 Make & Take Class

Natural Concepts Revisited, in Daytona Beach, invites everyone to their Fermenting 101 Make & Take Class on February 25, from 3 until 5 p.m. The focus of this class will be on making kimchi and sauerkraut. Participants will get to take home kimchi and sauerkraut with a quartsize jar and siphon lid for each.

Fermentation is a food preservation technique that provides beneficial probiotics to the gut microbiome. The acids produced during fermentation make food more digestible, nutritious and delicious. The techniques are surprisingly simple and easy to learn.

In addition to locally sourced organic produce, fresh nut milks, local honey and natural grocery items for specialty diets, Natural Concepts Revisited has a café; juice bar; and educational center dedicated to health, wellness and sustainable practices. Organic gardening supplies, including locally made compost and organic fertilizer, are also available.

Cost: $35 (includes all materials); returning attendees receive a 20 percent discount. Location: 142 W. International Speedway Blvd. To reserve a spot, call Jo Anne Staley at 386-341-5068. For more information about Natural Concepts Revisited, visit Facebook. com/NaturalConceptsRevisitedLlc. See ad, page 20.