Thank you from DOVE

At the Toothboss, we like to put smiles on our patients' faces. Yet sometimes, it's nice when somebody returns the favor. DOVE, a non-profit that provides shelter to victims of domestic violence, recently did that with a very kind thank you note (below). The Toothboss had donated 150 toothbrush kits to the drive put on by Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, LLC.

So, thank you, DOVE, for your kind note. We are happy to help!

Dental hygienist Michaella Rosher joins the Toothboss

Michaella Rosher, the newest hygienist at
The Toothboss

The Toothboss, the South Weymouth dental practice of Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, recently added Bridgewater resident Michaella Rosher to its staff as a dental hygienist.

Michaella graduated from Bristol Community College in 2013 with an associate’s degree in Science in Dental Hygiene. She has previously worked as a hygienist at a pediatric dental practice.

“We’re thrilled to have Michaella as the newest member of our team of hygienists,” said Dr. Wolfert. “Michaella has a natural rapport with our patients and has already become a favorite of several of our regulars.”

“I love working for Dr. Wolfert  because I see how much he truly cares for his patients, which is rare,” said Rosher. “I also love that he is willing to teach me things I may not be familiar with and allows me to ask as many questions as I need to as I am still fairly new in the dental world.”.

A lifelong resident of Bridgewater, Ms. Rosher recently became engaged to Derek Slicis.  A 2015 wedding is planned.

Toothboss shares a smile, donates toothbrushes to DOVE drive

Dr. Richard Wolfert “The Toothboss” donates 144 toothbrush kits to Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.’s drive to benefit DOVE, a non-profit that supports victims of domestic violence. (l-r) Dr. Wolfert, Jonathan Braverman, Lisa Kenepp and Theresa Barbadoro

Many women stay in bad situations for fear of not having anywhere else to go. DOVE,a domestic violence assistance organization based in Quincy, Massachusetts, provides options for those women. The law firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. in Quincy is trying to help.

The Firm is conducting a personal and household drive to help out the families that utilize DOVE's services. The Toothboss recently donated 144 toothbrush/toothpaste kits to this drive. I encourage everybody to help out this very worthy cause by contributing simple household items.

Items being accepted by Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. at their offices on the fifth floor at 300 Crown Colony Drive and in the building’s lobby include:

• Personal hygiene - toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, nail clippers
• Bed and bath - shampoo, conditioner, bath towels, washcloths, pillows
• Kitchen - paper towels, Kleenex, disposable utensils/plates, silverware, pots/pans
• Cleaning Supplies - floor cleaner, disinfecting wipes, mops, brooms, Windex
• Feminine hygiene products - sanitary napkins, shaving cream

The general public and fellow tenants of 300 Crown Colony Drive are encouraged to contribute. The drive began on April 14 and will continue through May 30. 

 “We would like to thank Dr. Wolfert for his generous donation of the toothbrushes and kits,” said Paul N. Barbadoro, a partner at The Firm. “This is the second drive we have conducted for DOVE. The response was to our drive for coats and canned goods last November was tremendous. We hope that with the good weather now here, more people, like Dr. Wolfert just did, will come out and help this very worthy cause.”

The Toothboss’ New New Patient Special

New patients are special at the Toothboss. That’s why we provide a thorough, comprehensive exam during your first visit. That includes:

• X-Rays
• Blood Pressure Screening
• Oral Cancer Screen
• A complete evaluations and written report of findings and options for treatment

A follow up cleaning appointment will be made on completion of the exam. New patients will receive a complimentary Sonicare toothbrush, a $25 value, at the conclusion of your follow-up appointment.

Now isn’t that special?

And if you were referred by a current Toothboss patient, just mention them when you check in and they will receive a $50 gift card to Stockholders in Weymouth.

To schedule your initial visit, call 781-335-0604.

Have a heart, keep brushing your teeth!

Parents have been telling their children to brush their teeth since the beginning of time (perhaps a slight exaggeration). Based on recent evidence linking excellent gum tissue health to a reduction in atherosclerosis—a major contributor to coronary disease--a new trend may be children reminding their parents to brush better and more frequently.

Artherosclerosis is the thickening of arteries through the accretion of calcium, cholesterol and other substances found in the bloodstream. This condition has been linked to fatal cardiovascular complications like coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. According to the findings from researchers from the Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, flossing, brushing and regular trips to the dentist can slow the rate of atherosclerosis.

When people are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, the first things they talk about are eating right and exercise. This report makes a strong case that improving your oral hygiene should be part of the healthier living package. Considering what’s a stake, you can’t argue.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 600,000 people each year. That accounts for one-fourth of all recorded fatalities. On average, deaths and illnesses associated with coronary heart disease cost the U.S $109 billion annually.

Part of what makes the results of this study so important is that it shows people a way to improve their heart health that’s really affordable. For merely the cost of brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist at his recommended interval (which can vary depending on each patient needs) can protect you from the devastating results of heart disease.

For complete results of the survey, you can see the entire report on the American Heart Association’s website at http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/2/6/e000254.abstract

To take your first step to better oral hygiene and a healthier heart, call  781-335-0604 to schedule an appointment. 

December is oral cancer screening month

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 42,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013. To raise awareness among current patients and new patients, we have has declared December "Oral Cancer Awareness Month".

Sure, the national Oral Cancer Foundation has an awareness month that takes place in April but heading into the holidays where people partake in many of the habits that can lead to oral cancers-smoking and drinking-we thought it important to create some additional awareness.

As part of Oral Cancer Awareness month, we will be speaking to patients about the behaviors that can lead to oral cancers, which includes, tongue, tonsillar, and throat cancer. Oral cancers can be genetic, but primarily people who smoke or use other tobacco products, drink alcohol or are exposed to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), are at increased risk for developing the disease.

Just as we have done for the past 25 years, we will continue to provide an oral cancer screening exams as part of each comprehensive exam that includes examination of the inside part of the cheeks, roof of the mouth the back side and underneath the tongue. As part of their exam, our hygienists, as a result of current research findings, will palpate the lymph nodes located in your neck and underneath your jaw to make sure the usually soft nodes are not hard which can be sign of a problem.

As it is with any cancer, the earlier you detect it the faster you can treat it. And as the numbers indicate, oral cancers are treatable if detected soon enough and that's why we are taking these extra steps to make our patients aware of this risk and be proactive by checking our patients annually.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation website, "When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Unfortunately, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 43% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors."

For more information, you can visit the Oral Cancer Foundation's website at http://oralcancerfoundation.org/.  you due for your next check-up? Please call 781-335-0604 to schedule an appointment.

The Toothboss: A Veteran’s Story

Colonel Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss

Like a lot of veterans, I don’t often talk about my experience in the military. Yet for those who ask where did you come up with a name like “The Toothboss”, you have heard the story about some of my military service. Specifically, the Commander who gave everybody a title and if you were in charge of something, you were the boss. If you ran the mess or cafeteria, you were the mess boss. I took care of teeth, so I was the Toothboss.

What can I say, the name stuck.

For this Veteran’s Day, I thought I would share my story of military service.

I joined the military since 1981 and have served 32 years total. I took a one-year sabbatical in 1988 when I made the transition from the Active Navy and Reserves to the Army National Guard Reserve.

I guess the main reason I joined was I come from a military family. My Dad was involved with making munitions at National Fireworks in Hanover. My two older brothers are Vietnam vets (Marines and Army). Coming from a patriotic family, I felt I should serve.

I think my most significant achievement (other than coming home from Iraq in one piece, physically and mentally) was achieving the rank of a full-bird Colonel about 15 years ago.

I suspected that was going to be my pinnacle and that I'd get out when I got my "20 year letter". When I got to the 20-year point, I realized that duty was somewhat easier at this rank and time in life. With the kids being older (no more missed soccer games, etc. with weekend duty and summer camp) and me enjoying the break it gave me from a solo private practice, remaining in the service enabled me to continue the camaraderie, the testosterone, and the general feeling that I was providing a service to our soldiers with my special training. It gives me a good feeling. 

I can't say the military has made me a better dentist, but it certainly made me realize how important a pain-free mouth was for soldiers to be better decision makers. You don't want the guy with his fingers on an M-16 or a nuclear weapon having a toothache!

The military certainly gave me confidence in myself and in my craft--enough to begin and maintain a private practice for 25 years. It's a good training ground for learning to be a leader and a manager of people. Although I have to admit, managing soldiers (mostly men) is a lot easier than managing a bunch of woman in private practice!

When I go to Veterans Day services, I mostly think about my brothers and those whom served in the Vietnam War. I came home to a United States that was positive about what we were doing in Iraq. I can't imagine what it must have been like for those poor guys getting off the plane from their tour in Vietnam and being lambasted for missions that were not so popular and a military that was not held in the highest esteem. When I came off the plane we were met with people holding flags and handing out paid phone cards so we could immediately call our loved ones. And when I got home the Veteran Service Agent handed me a check for a thousand bucks for duty served.

I’m proud to be a veteran and proud of my family’s history of service. I guess what I think about most on Veteran’s Day is how lucky we are to live in a country where so many of its citizens have been willing and are still willing to serve.