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We have made improvements to our office this year that you will notice on your next visit. First of all, we have added electronic openers to our entry doors to assist those with mobility issues. I hope you will find this to be a welcoming addition that will improve access for many of our patients. We also have improved the way patients can enjoy customized music, relaxation t.v.. regular t.v., and movies while in our office. Computers, digital x-rays, and monitors in all of our treatment rooms will also allow us to more easily communicate with you regarding your dental needs. We want to ensure that you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible while receiving care in our office!
Retired Teachers in Michigan have unfortunately been pushed into a PPO dental plan. A plan in which, if they receive services in my office, they will have a higher copay than if done in a PPO office. I am sorry this has happened to you, given what was promised during your working career. I cannot participate in the PPO plan and provide the level of service you have been accustomed to receiving in our office. Recently, a retired teacher returned to our office after trying a PPO participating office. He said that only 20 minutes was spent on his dental cleaning and his teeth did not even feel clean. Additionally, he felt that he was rushed through the office, like an assembly line, with no concern for getting to know him beyond his oral cavity. I will not put myself in the position where I am forced to treat my patients in this manner, because the insurance company is paying me 35-40% less. My patients deserve the best I can offer and that's what I intend to deliver. If you are a retired teacher consider the importance of familiarity in diagnosing medical and dental problems. Most of the medical problems I have identified on my patients came from the fact that I knew them well enough to recognize something was different. That can't happen with production line dentistry. So, weigh out the actual costs that you may incur, by going to a non PPO dentist, against the value of your health and well being. You will most likely find that the difference in cost is no more then a Burger King coffee once a day. I have been trying to connect with the retired teachers negotiating team, so that I can offer to present to them regarding these concerns I just expressed. I have a power point presentation ready to go, all I need is an invitation for them to listen. If you are a retired teacher please call your representatives and ask them to invite me to present the other side, and more important side, of the managed care issue. Dr. Cantwil
Our office and the Genesee District Dental Society has joined the Diaper Drive of Flint to help provide diapers and funding to help over 3,500 children in Genesee County that live in poverty. Some of these children are only receiving one diaper change a day. Imagine the misery they must endure. The Diaper Drive uses every penny of every dollar to provide diapers for children. If you would like to help, you can make diaper donations or cash donations at our office. For every dollar, the Diaper Drive can purchase 9 diapers. The Dental society is including a free toothbrush and oral health information for parents, with every package of diapers.
Several employers are offering managed care or PPO dental options to their employees. Please talk to our office before changing your benefit option. There are several things you should know in order to make an informed decision and we are here to help you.
Most dental insurance plans have annual maximums that limit how much insurance reimbursement you can receive each year. Several plans do not use the calendar year in calculating the plan usage. We are noticing that an increasing number of patients are delaying needed treatment and allowing their benefit year to expire with little or no usage. The delay in treatment then allows the dental condition to worsen and by the time it becomes painful, and they seek treatment, they are surprised to find that there are not enough insurance dollars available to cover the high expenses of the more complicated treatment. We encourage all of our patients to practice a preventative philosophy and to take care of small problems when they arise, in order to keep their out-of-pocket costs low.
Dr. Cantwil attended the American Association of Implant Dentistry Conference in Washington D.C.. Taking over 20 hours of continuing education and hands on sessions helped to update Dr. Cantwil with newer techniques involved with implant surgery. Dr. Cantwil says, "It is a vital responsibility for me to continually update and learn new techniques. Dentistry is constantly evolving and I must earn the trust placed in me, by my patients, by doing my best to further enhance my knowledge and skills." In addition to a busy work schedule, Dr. Cantwil spends usually over 60 hours per year outside of his office taking continuing education courses. This last Spring, Dr. Cantwil completed a Masters Level college course in Medical Ethics from Creighton University, a subject he hopes to lecture on in the future.
Dr. Cantwil was elected to represent Genesee County as a Trustee to the Board of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA). In this capacity he will be able to influence MDA policy that enhances the well being for patients, dentists, and dental students. He will also serve as a leison at the national level and represent Genesee County and Michigan within the American Dental Association.
We have added a link to our website for the Genesee County Humane Society. I have been a supporter of the Humane Society for many years. We have adopted two pets from there and I can't say enough about the dedication they have to our speechless furry friends.
During the last year Dr. Cantwil detected thyroid disease on three paitents that has now been confirmed with their physicians. Some of these patients are currently being tested to see if the nodules that were detected are cancerous. We have identified several cases of oral squamous cell cancer recently and multiple skin cancers in the head and neck region as well. We have also referred several patients for irregular heart rythyms and congestive heart failure. We are dedicated to the overall well being of our patients by screening for many medical conditions but we can only help you if we see you. As we always say, "There is more to a dental checkup than saving your teeth, it may save your life!"
Our patients will be excited to see that we have added many "cozy comfort" features to our office. In our patient reception area we now have a free coffee bar with flavored coffees, tea and hot cocoa. Patients can enjoy their drinks while they wait for their children or loved one at our small Bistro tables while they do paperwork, read, or cruise the internet on our free Wifi service. As always we continue to pamper our patients during treatment with neck pillows, blankets, headphones, and movies. We realize that a dental office will never be your favorite place to be but we will do all we can to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Our office has just completed the fifty thousand dollar conversion to digital x-rays by recently installing our newest Panoramic X-ray machine. Digital x-rays offer patients a very significant reduction in radiation exposure and this was the primary reason for us making the conversion. Our office has recognized the importance of reinvesting our success for the welfare of our patients.
In October of 2010 Dr. Cantwil was inducted into the American College of Dentists at their annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. Only 3.6% of dentists in the country are invited to be Fellows of the College. Fellows are nominated in recognition for their ongoing contributions to the profession of dentistry in the areas of ethics, service within the professional dental oragnaizations, patient care, and dental education. Regarding his induction, Dr. Cantwil says " This is one of the most memorable moments of my career as a dentist because it recognizes all that I am passionate about in my profession. To be recognized and nominated by the same peers that I so greatly respect and admire is the greatest professional honor I can think of. "
Dr Cantwil presented to over 250 dentists and their staff members at the Michigan Dental Association meeting. In the presentation, Dr. Cantwil offered suggestions on how to effectively communicate the importance of dental health with your patients.
Dr. Cantwil completed a patient and public presentation titled "Navigating a Steady Course Toward Dental Health." Nearly 200 people attended the seminars at the Flushing High School Auditorium and those that attended received a $30 voucher for dental services in our office. Our patients should now have the highest dental IQ in Genesee County!
THANK YOU GENESEE COUNTY! Thank you for voting us to be in the top five favorite offices in Genesee County every year since 2009. Being chosen further energizes our commitment to the quality of our services.
Dental Implant Surgeries: Dr. Cantwil and his assistants completed comprehensive training on dental implant surgery at the Zimmer Institute in California and at the University of Detroit/Mercy School of Dentistry. This training is part of our commitment to provide our patients with comprehensive restorative care. Many of our patients have already received dental implant treatment and are doing great! We are now working with several different types of implant systems to fit the individual needs of our patients. Please let us know if you would like to have a consultation regarding your dental implant options.
GM SALARIED RETIREES AGE 65 and OVER: We understand that the stress caused by your benefits change can be overwhelming and the choices are confusing. If you need our help in determining what options are best for you, please feel free to contact our office. Dr. Cantwil has prepared a seminar for his patients and their friends titled "Maintaining Dental Health Without Dental Benefits." If you would like to schedule to view this presentation please call our office at 733-6677.
Porcelain Veneers: We have been Lumineers provider for many years. These are ultra thin porcelain veneers that can correct color, tooth shape, and overall aesthetics with minimal if any change to the existing tooth structure. That means that Lumineers can often be placed without injections! So, if you've been looking to transform your smile in just three easy appointments, call us for a smile evaluation.
Tooth bleaching: Several new options are now available to our patients who are interested in tooth bleaching. You may be surprised how affordable bleaching can be. Dental bleaching is a great gift for yourself or someone you care about. Professionally applied and dispensed products assure safety and long term results!