We Love Our Front Desk Team!

We Love Our Front Desk Team!

At FDA, our goal is to provide the best oral care possible and that starts as soon as our patients walk in the door. Our front desk team is there to help our patients immediately feel comfortable and welcome. We are so lucky to have such a great group at the front desk, and we are excited to welcome a new member to the team – Amy! You’ve likely experienced the compassionate care of Sue, Marlene, Lauren, and Amy as they help you get checked in for your appointment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, answer your questions, and make sure you are scheduled for your next check up. They are at the heart of our practice and we are so grateful for their hard work and commitment to patient care. In honor of these wonderful women, let’s hear what they have to say about their work:

Sue

“Over the past 30 years I have seen many changes in dentistry.  I am so happy to work with doctors who keep us current with the latest techniques and technologies.” 

Sue is our office manager as well as a hygienist. Known for her excellent listening and communication skills, Sue is always available to help patients learn about the treatment options that will meet their needs. She has been a part of our team for close to thirty years! 

Marlene

“I love seeing our patients and building a connection with them. I try to help them feel at ease right away, from their very first phone call and when they walk in the door.”

Marlene has been working in the dental field since 1990. She completed business school in New York and brings much experience and knowledge to our caring front desk team!

Lauren

“Our team is what makes FDA feel unique beyond other practices. I have the pleasure to work with people who are good humored, warm hearted, and great educators.”

Before joining FDA, Lauren worked in social services as a supervisor at a homeless shelter and as an administrative specialist at a psychiatrist’s office. Providing patients with support and care fills Lauren with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Amy

“There is an amazing group of people at FDA. Everyone is willing to jump in and help each other out.”

Always interested in the dental field, Amy became a member of the front desk team in 2022. Prior to joining FDA, she worked as a cosmetologist for 17 years, as well as a preschool teacher and certified nursing assistant. 

 

Thank you, Sue, Marlene, Lauren, and Amy! We are appreciative of all you do to help our practice run smoothly and our patients get the best care possible!

If you have questions or need to schedule your next check up, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We look forward to helping you have a healthy, happy smile!

 

Oral Cancer Awareness Month & CBCT 3D X-Rays: An Interview with Dr. Brunacini

Oral Cancer Awareness Month & CBCT 3D X-Rays: An Interview with Dr. Brunacini

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity for dental practices like Falmouth Dental Arts to raise awareness about the importance of oral cancer detection and prevention. When treated early, oral cancer has an estimated 80-90% survival rate. As your dental care partners, we believe strongly that we are an essential part of your healthcare team. As such, we’ve had a long-standing commitment to screening our patients for early signs of oral cancer. We are excited to announce that we now have a new state-of-the-art diagnostic tool to assist us in the oral cancer screening process – a CBCT 3D x-ray machine. 3D imaging allows us to better diagnose a range of dental issues, including oral cancer. Learn more from Dr. Brunacini, as he explains some of the advantages of CBCT 3D x-rays.

1) Why has FDA upgraded to 3D x-rays?

Dr. Brunacini: 3D x-ray or CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) technology allows us to better visualize all of the structures within the head, neck, and mouth so that we can better assess our patients’ oral health.

2) How are 3-D x-rays different from the traditional digital 2D x-rays?

Dr. Brunacini: For years, dentistry has been taking and reviewing x-rays in 2-D, which can sometimes make it difficult to determine a proper diagnosis. Without the 3rd dimension, it can be difficult to see an area of concern, such as a gum or tooth infection. Being able to take 3D images allows us to more thoroughly and completely diagnose our patients prior to performing any dental treatment, especially oral surgery.

3) Will 3D x-rays replace traditional 2D x-rays?

Dr. Brunacini: 3D imaging won’t replace our typical bitewing x-rays, which are used to locate areas of decay. Rather, 3D x-rays can be used as an additional tool when trying to diagnose an area of concern or when planning for dental implants. It can also be helpful for patients with a strong gag response, as 3D x-rays allow us to get the imaging we need without placing anything into their mouth, making the process much easier and more comfortable for them.

4) How can 3D x-rays be helpful in the early detection of oral cancer?

Dr. Brunacini: CBCT technology can be used as an additional screening tool in diagnosing oral cancer. It doesn’t eliminate the need for our other screening methods, such as a visual or physical exam or VELscope screening. VELscope is a non-invasive device that emits a safe blue light to detect abnormal cell growth that could be cancerous or precancerous. If we identify any areas that look suspicious through these methods, 3D imaging can be helpful in determining subsequent steps for the ideal treatment of a lesion. As we see many of our patients twice a year, we now have a wider range of diagnostic tools available to us to screen for oral cancer during routine hygiene appointments, including CBCT x-rays.

Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!

If you have any additional questions about the oral cancer screening process, CBCT 3D x-rays, or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re here to help!