Dr. Kotre's 2017 Dental eNewsletters
Happy (Almost) New Year!
12.28.17
Dear Patient Family:
We hope everyone is having a wonderful December full of friends and family as the year comes to a close.
We have a few reminders to share as we head into 2018, as well as an update on our WILDLY successful (!!) Nardin Park UMC clothing and toy drive. Please read on, and best wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous new year to you all!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman Kotre + Staff
Only a few hygiene appointments are still available for January! Hurry and:
Dr. Kotre Out of Office Reminder
Dr. Kotre will be out of the office the first week of January and will return on Monday, January 8th. Dr. Nader will be seeing patients in her place. Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Winter Clothing & Toy Drive for Nardin Park Community Church
Thank you to everyone who donated to our clothing and toy drive for Nardin Park UMC. This year's event was even more amazing than last year! How amazing, you ask? Dr. Kotre had two entire SUVs full of items to deliver, PLUS some very generous gifts of cash. Our patient family truly made the holidays much brighter for many Detroit families.
For those who don't know, Nardin Park assists some of the very poorest residents of the City of Detroit all year long, but with a special emphasis on the holiday season. We are so very grateful to our patient family for making this drive a huge success!
January Special
Does your list of New Year's Resolutions include a brighter, whiter smile? Kickstart your teeth-whitening wish with a 4-pack of Go! Whitening for just $30! Give us a call at 734-677-2156 to reserve yours or pick one up at the front desk through 1/31.
Holiday Office Hours
The office is currently closed and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2nd, with our regular office hours.
Happy New Year!
Reminder: Schedule Change for Dr. Diaz
Beginning in January, Dr. Diaz's schedule will change to Wednesdays from 7 am to 5 pm every week. We are thrilled that she has offered this additional availability for our patients!
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Diaz, please feel free to give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
Resolve to Floss!
Many people begin making New Year's resolutions around this time. Some of these resolutions can be quite aspirational, and therefore hard to reach. Experts agree that making small, reasonable goals on the way to something potentially larger is the best way to eventually make a big change.
Getting healthier is almost always the number one New Year's resolution in the United States. But did you know that small changes in your dental health can make huge changes to your overall well being, too?
For instance, the majority of Americans don't floss regularly. Even flossing three times a week can result in a big change in your health and your potential to develop certain medical conditions such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
If you're ready to take the step to becoming a regular flosser, check out our blog for facts and tips about flossing that will get you on your way to both better oral health, and better health overall.
New Year, New Insurance
It's the time of year when many of our patients' health insurance plans change. If you've had a change in your insurance, please bring your new card with you and present it at check-in before your next appointment so we can make it part of your patient record.
When your insurance information is up to date, it means that any claims we need to file with your insurance company can be made quickly and easily, ultimately leading to less work and follow up for you. Questions? Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 and we will be happy to assist!
Wishing our entire patient family a safe, happy and fun New Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Happy Holidays!
11.30.17
Dear Patient Family:
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family.
We also wanted to take a moment to let you know how thankful we are for YOU this holiday season -- our practice's success depends on your continued patronage and referrals. Without our fantastic patient family, we wouldn't be where we are today.
It's in that same spirit of thankfulness and gratitude that we announce that our annual clothing and toy drive for Nardin Park Community Church is in full swing! Please read on for more details.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman Kotre + Staff
Winter Clothing & Toy Drive for Nardin Park Community Church
Thank you to everyone who has already donated -- your generosity is so appreciated!
From now through December 15th, we will be collecting new and gently used winter coats, clothing and toys for Detroit families in need in cooperation with Nardin Park Community Church.
Nardin Park helps the very poorest families in the City of Detroit all year long, but with a special emphasis on the holiday season. All donations of cold-weather clothing will be gratefully accepted, so clean out your closets with us for a good cause!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Holiday Office Hours
The office will be closed for our annual winter vacation the week of December 25th and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Schedule Change for Dr. Diaz
Beginning in January, Dr. Diaz's schedule will be changing. She will now be in the office on Wednesdays from 7 am to 5 pm every weekand we are thrilled that she has offered this additional availability for our patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Diaz, please feel free to give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
Holiday Gifts for All
This December, we're offering gift options for everyone on your list! Through the end of the month, choose from any (or all!) of the following specials:
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Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush: $25
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Oral-B kids' package: $35 (See photo on the right for what's included!)
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GO! in-home whitening system 4-pack: $30
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GO! in-home whitening system 10-pack: $50
Gift certificates are also available for purchase for in-office whitening services such as Zoom! Whitespeed and Sinsational Smile, or any other service/product we offer -- all make great last-minute gifts!
Don't wait; supplies are limited to what we have in-stock. Give us a call to reserve yours at 734-677-2156.
Thank You for Your Donations to Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief!
We could not be more thrilled with the response we received to our Puerto Rico fundraising campaign. As the territory continues its recovery, please keep these fellow citizens in your thoughts over the holidays. We appreciate everything our patient family has done to support the recovery efforts!
Lost-and-Found
Did you know we have a lost-and-found in our office? If you leave something behind, never fear! Odds are, we have it here. Please feel free to call us at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website to inquire about any lost items.
Wishing the happiest of holidays to those who celebrate and a wonderful December!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Black Friday All Month Long!
Dear Patient Family:
So much to talk about this month! We're continuing our fundraiser for Puerto Rico through Thanksgiving, and it's been enormously successful so far. Thank you to everyone who has already donated.
We are also starting our annual holiday clothing and toy drive for Nardin Park Community Church at the end of the month -- read on for more details. Don't forget to check out what we have coming up for Black Friday (all month long!), too!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman Kotre + Staff
Winter Clothing & Toy Drive for Nardin Park Community Church
From November 27th through December 15th, we will be collecting new and gently used winter coats, clothing and toys for Detroit families in need in cooperation with Nardin Park Community Church. Nardin Park helps the very poorest families in the City of Detroit all year long, but with a special emphasis on the holiday season. All donations of cold-weather clothing will be gratefully accepted, so clean out your closets with us for a good cause!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Thanksgiving Week Office Hours
This year has flown by at the practice; we can't believe it's already time to announce Thanksgiving office hours!
During Thanksgiving week, the office will be open Monday, November 20th, and Tuesday, November 21st, for appointments. We will have phone coverage on Wednesday, November 22nd for those who need assistance. We will reopen with normal hours on 27th.
We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with family and friends!
Fundraiser for Puerto Rico Continues
While 87 percent of the metro San Juan area and 88 percent of the south have access to running water, only 46 percent of the north, 68 percent of the west and 77 percent of the east had access, according to a government website.
80% of Puerto Rico is still without power.
We have researched the various ways to give, and one of the very best options at this time, in our opinion, is to give to The Hispanic Federation.
100% of donations allocated to Hurricane Maria recovery efforts in Puerto Rico will go directly to help those most in need.
To specify that your donation goes to Puerto Rico, simply choose Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief from the dropdown menu provided before submitting your information.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated to this important cause!
We're Celebrating Black Friday All Month!
The holidays are coming and we've decided to start things off with a bang by celebrating Black Friday for the entire month of November with two amazing deals!
Deal Number One: ZOOM! Whitening
We are thrilled to offer an amazing special this month on the best professional whitening system we've seen yet -- Zoom! WhiteSpeed.
WhiteSpeed is a powerful product that can make teeth up to 8 times whiter in just 75 minutes. WhiteSpeed not only includes in-office treatment, but touch-up trays for at-home use as well.
Zoom!'s retail price is $350, but through the end of November, we are offering it at $50 off with an ADDITIONAL $50 discount via rebate. That's just $250 for professional whitening! Need help with the rebate? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 and we're happy to walk you through it.
Deal Number Two: Oral-B Genius Toothbrush
Oral-B's latest toothbrush is truly "Genius" and for this month only, you can get it for the lowest price we've ever offered. Normally $110, we're selling it for $105 WITH a $30 rebate that you can only get from dental professionals. That's just $75! Not even Amazon comes close to matching this price!
What makes this new brush unique? It is the first to use technology to this extent to help users achieve something closer to a professional-level cleaning when used as directed at home.
Hurry in and grab your brush and/or reserve your appointment or gift certificate for whitening today before they're gone, or call 734-677-2156 to reserve yours over the phone.
Have a noteworthy November and a terrific Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Help for Puerto Rico Fundraising Drive
October 2017
Dear Patient Family:
Hurricane Maria combined the winds of Irma with the floods of Harvey. Imagine that hitting Michigan. Now imagine that our state happened to be full of people who make, on average, half the annual median of our nation's poorest state, Mississippi. That's what those in Puerto Rico are dealing with right now.
Through Thanksgiving, we will be actively involved in raising funds for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico who have been devastated by Hurricane Maria. We believe that this is a great way to give back during a time of year when many of us would like to find a way to give thanks for what we have.
Therefore, in lieu of our regular monthly email, we have decided to dedicate this space to information about how you and your family may be able to help as well.
Please read on for resources; we know that those living in PR will appreciate any donations made, big or small!
With much gratitude,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
Give to the Hispanic Federation and 100% of the funds raised will go directly Hurricane Maria recovery efforts in Puerto Rico:
About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is U.S. territory of 3.4 million people and its residents are American citizens by birth. Its natural environmental features include a landscape of mountains, waterfalls and the El Yunque tropical rainforest. Its Old San Juan neighborhood features colorful Spanish colonial buildings and El Morro and La Fortaleza, massive, centuries-old fortresses.
There are many people of Puerto Rican descent living in the Detroit area and throughout the U.S., and Puerto Rican culture has influenced the mainland significantly in such areas as art, music, food and sports -- baseball in particular.
The Effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico
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Emergency officials declared that the island of Puerto Rico had been "destroyed" after Hurricane Maria made landfall there as a Category 4 storm last Wednesday morning, according to emergency officials.
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Puerto Rico's office of emergency management confirmed that 100 percent of the U.S. territory had lost power, noting that anyone with electricity was using a generator.
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With electricity cut, there is no way to ensure water is sterilized for consumption; it also means that sewer systems are not in working order, which can quickly lead to the spread of disease.
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Multiple transmission lines sustained damage from the storm, said Ricardo Ramos, director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. Ramos said he hopes to begin launching helicopters by this weekends to begin inspecting the transmission lines.
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Telecommunications throughout the island have "collapsed," according to Abner Gomez Cortes, executive director of Puerto Rico's office of emergency management and disaster administration agency.
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The Guajataca Dam in the island's northwest corner is releasing water after suffering a "critical infrastructure failure" following the hurricane."Some of the dam has fallen apart," Rosselló said. "Now we are making sure that we can assess if the other part will fall down as well. It represents a great danger for about an estimated 70,000 people."
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Mudslides and still-flooded areas, combined with a gas shortage and damage to roads, are making it impossible to get from place to place to obtain food or water even when it is available.
How Can We Help Puerto Rico?
What the island needs most right now are financial donations.
We have researched the various ways to give, and one of the very best options at this time, in our opinion, is to give to The Hispanic Federation.
100% of donations allocated to Hurricane Maria recovery efforts in Puerto Rico will go directly to help those most in need.
To specify that your donation go to Puerto Rico, simply choose Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief from the drop-down menu provided before submitting your information.
United for Puerto Rico is another charity that is collecting donations, and is an initiative led by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Areizaga.
We encourage our patient family to help if they are able while our neighbors to the south recover from this unprecedented natural disaster.
And now, back to our regularly-scheduled programming!
Don't Let Zombie Mouth Happen to You!
Halloween is almost here! Looking for some alternatives to sweet and sticky (cavity-causing!) treats? Check out our ghoulishly good list!
1. Stickers - inexpensive, colorful, and fun (there's hardly a kid around who can resist the offer of a special sticker)
2. Halloween pencils or erasers
3. Vampire or monster teeth
4. Temporary tattoos
5. Super-bouncy rubber balls
6. Halloween rings, such as spiders or eyeballs
7. Silly Bandz, one of the biggest kids' trends around right now
8. Glow sticks
9. Sidewalk chalk or crayons
10. Bubbles
And if you absolutely want to give out something edible, but want healthier options, try sugar-free gum, mini-bagged pretzels or pumpkin seeds, raisins, or mini-granola bars.
P.S. -- Does any of this mean you should avoid sugar entirely at Halloween? Of course not! But if and when you choose to indulge your sweet tooth, make sure you do it all in one sitting rather than snacking, and brush your teeth after eating. If a brush isn't available, drink plenty of water to wash away the problem-causing sugar and bacteria. The ADA has some excellent tips available, too.
Have a hauntingly happy Halloween!
October & Winter Break appointments are going fast!
If you need to be seen, hurry and...
National Orthodontic Health Month
October is National Orthodontic Health Month. It's incredibly important that all children are seen by an orthodontist by age seven for an initial evaluation. This consultation establishes a baseline for their orthodontic health, and allows the orthodontist to note whether there are any developmental issues in the child's mouth which should be monitored. The earlier a child is seen, the easier it will be to take care of small problems before they become much more difficult and time consuming to treat. Early treatment is the key to good orthodontic health!
If you or your family member needs a referral to an orthodontist, please give us a call at 734-677-2156. We have close relationships with several wonderful area orthodontists and are happy to refer you to a specialist whenever necessary.
Have an outrageous October (and many thanks to those of you who have chosen to donate to the relief efforts detailed above)!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Autumn is in the Air
09.01.17
Dear Patient Family:
Happy September!
We absolutely must take a moment to recognize our patient, Michael B., the winner of last month's back-to-school supplies contest, who brought in more than 30 items! He will now have the opportunity to donate all of the items collected to the school of his choice, and will receive an awesome string back back filled with goodies including an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush. Thank you so much, Michael! :)
We have other news to share, including a fall mouth guard special and information regarding open enrollment and new benefits. Please keep reading for details...
Have a wonderful month,
Dr. Kotre
Our Newest Doctors
We are thrilled that our patients are loving both Dr. Patricia Diaz and Dr. Nader Tawakkol, and we're grateful to have them both in the office and taking appointments regularly.
Please note that Dr. Diaz specializes in periodontal treatment and is available fewer days per month than Drs. Kotre and Tawakkol. If you know that you require periodontal work, please be sure to contact the office as soon as possible to schedule a full periodontal exam with her so we can get you on the books.
Open Enrollment & Benefits Changes
Fall is the time of year when many benefits open enrollments begin. When you enroll in or renew your dental insurance plan, be sure to take note of the specific coverages offered, as they may differ from what you've been accustomed to in the past. It is not uncommon for co-pays to increase, and for procedures that used to be covered to be no longer available. Carefully read the fine print so you know where you stand.
We are always happy to answer questions about benefits coverage; please feel free to give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.
As a quick reminder, if your benefits do change, please visit the front desk prior to your appointment so we can get a copy of your new card and are therefore able to process your claim as expediently as possible.
Happy 5th Anniversary, Jo!
It's hard to believe she's been with us for five years now, but it's true! We couldn't run the front desk without her and we're so grateful for all of her hard work as well as for her friendship.
Happy Anniversary, Jo! ❤️
Smile Michigan
Although the economy has improved over the last few years, there are still many Michiganders who are in need of financial assistance, especially when it comes to affordable medical and dental care. If you or someone you know does not have dental insurance and would benefit from dental treatment, the Michigan Dental Association's website Smile Michigan is an excellent resource for county and community dental programs and resources that may help those in need get the treatment they need at a cost they can manage.
On a similar topic, there is a non-insurance annual dental savings plan offered via Aetna of which would like to make everyone aware, and that is AVS Dental. It provides discounts at certain providers and is available in three forms: single, couple and family. Savings range from 15% to 50%, depending on the dental services. Additional details are available on the AVS Dental website.
Dental Humor!
Have a Stupendous September!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...Back-to-School Time!
07.27.17
Dear Patient Family:
Please welcome the newest member of our practice, Colleen, who is joining us as a registered dental assistant. We are so pleased to have her on staff; we hope you'll take a moment to say hello next time you're in the office! :)
We have other news to share this month as well, including a back-to-school raffle and an amazing deal on ZOOM! WhiteSpeed. Read on to learn more!
Have a wonderful month,
Dr. Kotre
Back-to-School Supplies Raffle
You can practically smell the scent of school supplies wafting through the air this time of year, which means it's almost time for back-to-school shopping!
This year, we're asking kids to donate one school supply item, such as a package of pencils, pens, markers, etc. For each donation brought into our office, your child will receive one entry into our backpack raffle. This awesome string-style sack will be packed with dental goodies, including an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush.
And to sweeten the deal, all school supplies will be donated to the winner's school!
Want more details? Additional information is available by calling the office at 734-677-2156.
The Cost of Dental Care
With health care dominating news headlines, we thought it would be a good time to remind our patient family about the FAIR Health Consumer website. There, you can check the average cost of any dental procedure (or medical procedure) by zip code. Besides total cost, it also provides the average insurance coverage and average out of pocket cost.
On a similar subject, there is a non-insurance annual dental savings plan offered via Aetna of which would like to make everyone aware, and that is AVS Dental. It provides discounts at certain providers and is available in three forms: single, couple and family. Savings range from 15% to 50%, depending on the dental services. Additional details are available on the AVS Dental website.
Please know that Dr. Kotre and her staff are always happy to answer any questions patients may have about the cost of all procedures offered. Please feel free to call 734-677-2156 for more information.
Excessive Pool Time Can Lead to Yellow Teeth
As we move into June, it's time for our annual warning about what chlorine can do to your teeth. While everyone loves to cool off with a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, don't forget that too much time in the pool can turn teeth yellowish-brown. This discoloration is called "swimmer's calculus" wherein the teeth's enamel becomes discolored by overexposure to chlorine in pool water.
If you are noticing that your or your children's teeth have become excessively yellowed over the summer, be sure to book an appointment for a cleaning to take care of the discoloration.
ZOOM! into Your Best Senior Photo Smile
It's hard to believe that there's only a month of summer left for students, which means senior pictures are on the horizon for many of our patients. Therefore, we are offering a special on our most powerful professional whitening system -- ZOOM! WhiteSpeed -- to help get our rising seniors' pearly whites in tip-top shape for their upcoming photo sessions*.
WhiteSpeed is an incredible product that can make teeth up to 8 times whiter in just 75 minutes. It not only includes in-office treatment, but touch-up trays for at-home use as well.
ZOOM!'s retail price is $350, but through the end of August, we are offering it for $50 off with an ADDITIONAL $50 rebate when you send in the rebate offer available via the Zoom! website.
Simply fill out the form online (available at the link above), and they will send you a promotional code via email. Once your ZOOM! appointment has been completed, be sure to ask for your in-office whitening treatment receipt and proof-of-purchase. Then, visit the ZOOM! rebate page for instructions on how to send in your information in order to receive the $50 rebate.
Give us a call ASAP at 734-677-2156 to schedule your appointment and experience ZOOM! WhiteSpeed results for yourself!
*Not a rising senior? No worries -- this offer is available to our entire patient family! :)
Have an Amazing August!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Happy (Almost) July!
Dear Patient Family:
We have an exciting announcement to make! Dr. Nader Tawakkol, a recent U of M graduate, has joined our practice, and we couldn't be more thrilled. You can learn more about Dr. Tawakkol below, as well as get information about 4th of July office hours, and our latest whitening special.
Have a wonderful month,
Dr. Kotre
July 4th Fun Facts!
Did you Know...
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Congress made Independence Day an official unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870. In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.
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The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.
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Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird but was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who recommended the bald eagle.
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In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. Today the population of the U.S.A. is well over 300 million.
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Approximately 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on this day.
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Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.
Welcome Dr. Tawakkol!
We are thrilled to be joined at our practice by recent U of M grad Dr. Nader Tawakkol. Dr. Tawakkol is excited to have the opportunity to combine the beauty and art of dentistry with available clinical evidence to assist patients in achieving their best oral health.
Dr. Tawakkol enjoys spending time with every patient he sees to answer any question that may arise, and strives to make each visit as comfortable, informative and pleasant as possible. He is committed to providing superior dental care by investing in continuing dental education in order to expand his abilities and knowledge in the oral healthcare field.
Outside the office, Dr. Tawakkol enjoys playing soccer, exploring new foods and restaurants, and traveling the world every chance he gets.
Please join us in giving Dr. Tawakkol a warm welcome the next time you are in the office!
July Office Hours
The office will be closed for our annual summer break on Monday, July 3rd and July 4th. Front office staff will return on July 5th-7th to take calls and respond to email, but the office will remain closed for appointments through our return on July 10th at 10 a.m.
We hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun holiday with family and friends!
Opalescence GO! Whitening Special
Just a single year after debuting GO! at our practice, it has become our most-loved and in-demand whitening product. In honor of our one-year GO! anniversary, we are launching an incredible special, which will allow patients to purchase a 4-pack for just $25 -- that's 30% off the regular price!
What makes GO! unique? The material used in the included trays adapts to your teeth's structure, optimizing the whitening opportunity. This adaptation also ensures that the maximum amount of hydrogen peroxide gel stays in contact with teeth during the 15-20 minutes required for each whitening session.
Give us a call ASAP at 734-677-2156 to reserve your 4-pack, or stop by the office to pick one up today!
Dental Humor!
Have a Jubilant July!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Happy June(ish)!
Dear Patient Family:
So much going on this month! Please see below for a really (REALLY!) incredible deal on Zoom! Whitening AND the new Oral-B Genius electric toothbrush. And don't forget to scroll to the very end -- we had an amazing helper for "Take Your Child to Work Day" and the photos are too cute!
Have a wonderful month,
Dr. Kotre
Unaccompanied Minors Reminder
During the busy summer season, it can be easy to forget that minors cannot be seen at the practice without permission from a parent or guardian; in fact, it's illegal!
We appreciate your understanding!
Dental Anxiety and Aromatherapy
Several studies have found that the use of aromatherapy can assist in managing dental fear. In fact, lavender and orange are two of the essential oils that have shown the most promise. Plus, aromatherapy is all natural, meaning there are no potential drug interactions to be concerned about when used during a dental procedure. At our practice, we use Ascents® Clinical Aromatherapy in the front office for exactly these reasons.
Read more about the use of aromatherapy in dental settings on our blog.
May Office Hours & Contest Winner
Our office will be closed on Monday, May 29th, for the Memorial Day holiday, and will reopen on May 30th at 10 a.m. We hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun long weekend with family and friends!
The winner of our May contest is...*drumroll, please*...Nancy W.! Congratulations, and don't forget to give our office a call so we can get you squared away with your new Vitality electric brush!
Zoom! Whitening Special
We are thrilled to offer an amazing special this month on the best professional whitening system we've seen yet -- Zoom! WhiteSpeed.
WhiteSpeed is a powerful product that can make teeth up to 8 times whiter in just 75 minutes. WhiteSpeed not only includes in-office treatment, but touch-up trays for at-home use as well.
We really cannot fully express how amazing we think this product is. In fact, some of you may remember that Yvonne ("Cha") tested the system for us in the office several years ago, and the results were simply stunning.
Zoom!'s retail price is $357, but through the end of June, we are offering it at $50 off with an ADDITIONAL $50 discount when you bring in the rebate coupon available on the Zoom! website.
Simply fill out the form online (click the link above), and they will send you a coupon via email. Bring it into the office for your appointment, and we will apply it to your total treatment cost -- just $250!
Give us a call ASAP at 734-677-2156 to schedule your appointment and experience Zoom WhiteSpeed results for yourself!
This Just In, and It's Genius!
Oral-B has just launched its latest electric toothbrush -- the Genius!
What makes this new brush unique? It is the first to use technology to this extent to help users achieve something closer to a professional-level clean when used as directed at home.
The MSRP is listed between $199-$249 on the Oral-B website, but even Walmart can't beat OUR incredible price of $110. Have we mentioned there's also a $20 rebate good through the end of June?
Hurry in and grab your brush today before they're gone, or call 734-677-2156 to reserve yours over the phone.
The Best Dental Assistant, Ever!
Many of you know Jo, one of our fantastic front office administrators. For "Take Your Child to Work Day," we were lucky to have the help of her awesome daughter, Sophia! Check out the photos below for a "snapshot" of her time with us. :)
Have an incredible June!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Happy (Almost!) May
04.27.17
Dear Patient Family:
Spring is finally in the air and that means a few things for our practice: that the start of summer vacation is coming soon (our appointments are filling up!) and we have plenty of spring specials to report. Read on for more information, and to find out how you can win a new Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush via our latest contest.
Have a wonderful month!
Dr. Kotre
Summer Appointments are Going Fast
Summer is a very popular time of year for our patients to come in as school is out and college students are home. In fact, our June schedule is already 3/4 full! If you know you need to be seen in June, July or August, please call 734-677-2156 or visit our website to request an appointment so we can make sure to get you in before the school year starts up again.
Spring Mouth Guard Special
Spring sports often require mouth guards. Mouth guards are extremely important to protect teeth from damage that may be incurred as a result of sports injuries. As a former athlete, Dr. Kotre is especially concerned about these types of injuries as she has witnessed the damage that can occur firsthand. Therefore, we offering an incentive to our patients to get them to come in and protect their precious pearly whites: usually $30, you can now purchase a custom sport mouth guard for only $20! Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.
May Office Hours
Our office will be closed on Monday, May 29th, for the Memorial Day holiday, and will reopen on May 30th at 10 a.m. We hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun long weekend with family and friends!
Spring Whitening Special Extended!
It's that time of year again! Prom, graduation and wedding season are all almost upon us. In honor of these very special occasions, we are extending our $25 GO whitening 4-pack offer through the end of May; that's nearly 30% off!
For best results, it is recommended that a cleaning has been completed within the last three months.
We have a limited supply of 4-packs, so please call us at 734-677-2156 or stop by the office before they're gone!
It's Time for a Contest!
Want a chance to win a new Oral-B Vitality Electric Toothbrush? Just answer the following questions in an email to appointment@kotredental.com. Be warned -- you may have to visit our website to find the answers!
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Which two products are on special during the month of May?
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From what country is Dr. Diaz?
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Name three types of cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer
One lucky winner will be drawn from all of the correct entries on May 31st. Have fun!
Have a Marvelous May!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
So Much to Report This Month!
March 2017
Dear Patient Family:
First and foremost, Dr. Kotre would like to thank everyone for all of the wonderful birthday wishes -- they were most appreciated!
We would also like to take a moment to thank Dr. Hord for all of his help while Dr. Kotre was out on medical leave, and for helping us catch up on our backlog of cases. Both patients and staff very much enjoyed having him in the office, and the entire practice wishes him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.
To all of the kids who participated in our February drawing contest for Children's Dental Health month -- we loved every entry and we are so happy to have had such fantastic participation. Our winners are: Vasiliki K., Claire C., and Alex S. Please feel free to stop by to pick up your electric Vitality toothbrush. Congratulations and great work!
And last but not least, we recently found a silver dangle earring, so if you are missing one, we have it! Please contact the office at 734-677-2156 if you think it may belong to you.
Happy Spring!
Dr. Kotre
Get on the List!
The first week of April is spring break for most of Washtenaw County. Although we are currently completely booked, cancellations do happen. If you would like to try and get in to be seen next week, please give us a call at 734-677-2156 and get on our wait list; we will let you know ASAP if we have an appointment open up.
As a quick reminder, summer is also a very popular time of year for our patients to come in for the same reasons as Spring Break -- school is out and college students are home. If you know you need to be seen in June, July or August, please call or visit our website so we can make sure to get you scheduled before the school year starts up again.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Facts About Oral Cancer
Did you know?
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Nearly 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.
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It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day.
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Of those 40,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years (approximately 57%).
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The mortality rate for oral cancer has not significantly improved in decades.
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The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers about which we routinely hear, such as cervical cancer, testicular cancer, and skin cancer.
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Worldwide, oral cancer rates are even higher, with over 640,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
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Historically, the death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because it is difficult to diagnose, but because the cancer is routinely discovered late in its development, when it has already metastasized to other areas of the body, often the lymph nodes.
Early oral cancer diagnosis is the key to positive outcomes. We screen all patients who wish to take advantage of this service during their regularly scheduled check-ups. Call today to make an appointment at 734-677-2156.
April Office Hours & Closures
Our office will be closed on Monday, April 3rd, but a staff member will be in from 9 am to 3 pm to schedule appointments and address any concerns you may have.
Dr. Diaz will be seeing patients on Tuesday, April 4th and Wednesday, April 5th during our regular hours. Dr. Kotre will be seeing patients on Thursday, April 6th. We are not open for appointments on Friday, April 7th, but a staff member will again be in the office to answer the phones.
Additionally, our office will also be closed on Good Friday, April 14th. Happy Easter to all who celebrate!
Spring Whitening Special!
It's that time of year again! Prom, graduation and wedding season are all almost upon us. In honor of these very special occasions, we are offering our GO whitening 4-pack for $25, nearly 30% off through the end of April.
For best results, it is recommended that a cleaning has been completed within the last three months.
We have a limited supply of 4-packs, so please call us at 734-677-2156 or stop by the office before they're gone!
Oral-B 5000 Sale Extended!
Due to its popularity, we are extending our 25% off sale on the Oral-B Pro 5000 Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity. That means it's only $75 after our $5 discount + a $20 rebate! We normally sell this brush for $100 (which is still cheaper than any online retailer, including Amazon), so hurry in and get yours before the sale ends!
A Little Dental Humor
Compliments of our patient, Arnold B.!
Question: What do you call dental x-rays?
Answer: Tooth-pics!
Have an Awesome April!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Free Bleaching Polish + a Very Special Birthday!
02.27.17
Dear patient family:
Happy March! Spring is in the air, and you know what that means: flowers will soon be blooming, the air will start warming and Dr. Kotre will get to celebrate her birthday month! If you will be in the office, please feel free to wish her a Very Happy Birthday!
Besides the very special birthday wishes included in this email, you can also learn how to get a free bleaching polish next time you're in for an appointment. Please read on to learn more...
Spring Break Appointments
The first week of April is spring break for most of Washtenaw County. If you or your children are off during this time and would like to make an appointment, be sure to contact the office soon at 734-677-2156 as slots are filling up fast. You may also send us a message from our website and we will get back to you via email or phone as quickly as possible.
Aging and Dental Health
Interested in the effects of aging on your dental health?
We have written several articles about different topics concerning aging as it relates to oral care. Please check out the links below for more information.
If you have questions about any symptoms or have noticed changes that seem concerning related to your own dental health, never hesitate to call the office at 734-677-2156 and we will do our best to get you the answers you need.
Free Bleaching Polish When You Review Us Online
Love Drs. Kotre, Diaz and Hord + the rest of our fantastic staff? Then let the world know by writing an online review!
Once your review is written, send us an email and you'll receive a free bleaching polish at your next visit -- a $15 value!
Where can you review our practice?
You can also review us on Google but it's a bit more complicated; however, you can check out our website for more information if needed.
Happy Reviewing!
Get 25% off an Oral-B 5000 Electric Toothbrush
Through the end of March, the Oral-B Pro 5000 Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity is only $75 after our $5 discount + a $20 rebate. We normally sell this brush for $100 (which is still cheaper than any online retailer, including Amazon), so hurry in and get yours before they're gone!
Have a Marvelous March!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Children's Dental Health Month Fun!
01.27.17
Dear patient family:
We hope everyone is having a great start to the new year!
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. As such, we have a few fun things in store at the office. Please read on to find out more...
Insurance Info
Thank you to all of our patients who have contacted us with dental insurance changes that have taken effect with the start of 2017.
If you haven't yet submitted a change to us, please bring in your card at your next appointment so we can be sure to expediently process your claim. Don't forget, if you have any questions about your coverage -- old or new -- we are always happy to help. Just give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
Good Luck Ashley! Welcome Back Liz!
It was bittersweet to see our hygienist, Ashley, leave the practice for a full-time position closer to home, but as parents ourselves, we understand the desire to be closer to a beautiful new baby and we wish her all the luck in the world as she starts her new job.
The silver lining to Ashley's departure is that we get to welcome Liz back to our practice. She will available for appointments scheduled on Tuesdays between 3p and 7p, and we are excited to get to see her face around the office again!
February is Children's Dental Health Month
Every February, we put a special focus on children's dental health. If you are visiting the office this month, we have some fun activity packets available for all children who would like one. Even if you or your child doesn't have an appointment, please feel free to come in and pick one up! This year's message encourages children to choose plain or filtered tap water over other beverages and to remember to brush "2min2x!" (two minutes, two times per day).
To celebrate children's dental health month, we're having a contest! Kids in three different ages groups can bring in a drawing of their favorite practice member (dentist, hygienist, front desk, dental assistant -- anyone!) and be entered to win a great prize! The age brackets are 5 and under, 6 to 10, and 11 and up. The prize for youngest age group will be a cool dental mystery bag; the two older age groups will each have the chance to win an Oral-B Vitality toothbrush (valued at $27). We'd like to encourage kids to be as creative as they can with this contest and have as much fun with it as they can!
If you are interested in learning more about children's dental health in general, the ADA has created a great site just for kids, MouthHealthyKids.org. Once there, you can download activity sheets, watch videos and even play online games. Check it out!
Need a Valentine's Gift Idea?
What about giving the gift of whitening?
We offer a range of teeth whitening options to fit almost any budget, and gift certificates are available. Whether your loved one prefers an at-home whitening kit, or the type of professional-level results only available with an in-office treatment like Zoom!, we have something that is sure to make them smile.
Give us a call today at 734-677-2156 for more information, or you can visit our website and get the details on all of the cosmetic dentistry options we offer there as well.
Have a Fabulous February!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Our Toy & Clothing Drive was a Big Success!
12.29.16
Dear patient family:
We hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends over the holiday season. As a reminder, we are closed for our annual holiday break, but will be back in the office beginning on January 3rd at 10 a.m.
We would also like to thank everyone who participated in our very successful pre-owned clothing and toy drive to benefit the Nardin Park Community Church. We greatly appreciate your generous donations!
See you in 2017!
Zoom! into the New Year with a Whiter Smile
The start of a new year is always a great time to discover a "new you"! Therefore we are offering our most popular, most effective whitening product -- Zoom! -- at a $50 discount for the month of January. When combined with the $50 Visa gift card rebate available online on the Zoom! website, that's a saving of $100; almost 30% off the regular price. Zoom! also makes a great gift for Valentine's day or treat just for you!
Questions? Contact us via our website, or call 734-677-2156 for more information.
Welcome Eva!
We are so very pleased to introduce our patient family to our newest staff member, Eva! She is new to the dental field, but is excited at the opportunity to begin working as part of our front desk team, joining Sherry, Yvonne and Jo.
We are asking in advance for a bit of patience as she learns all of the various ins and outs of her new position, and if you are visiting the office over the next few months, please be sure to give her a warm welcome!
Facebook Fun
If you don't already follow us on Facebook (and if not, now is as good a time as any to do so!), you are missing out on all of our interesting posts. Here are some of the most popular ones from the last several months:
Wishing our incredible patient family a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2017!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff