Aug 6, 2026
When patients walk through the doors at Falmouth Dental Arts, they’re greeted by a friendly face, a welcoming smile, and a team that genuinely cares about getting to know them.
Helping make all of that happen is our new Office Manager, Ashley.
If Ashley looks familiar, it’s because she’s been part of the Falmouth Dental Arts family for nearly two decades.
After joining the practice in 2008 as a dental hygienist, Ashley became Clinical Director in 2021 and transitioned away from seeing patients. She recently stepped into the role of Office Manager following Sue’s well-earned retirement. While her responsibilities have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t: her commitment to making every patient feel welcomed, cared for, and valued.
Nearly 20 Years of Caring for Patients
Ashley originally joined the practice after working in pediatric dentistry. She was excited about the opportunity to care for patients of all ages and build lasting relationships with families, and that’s exactly what she’s done.
Over the past 18 years, she’s had the privilege of watching children grow into adults, welcoming new generations of families, and celebrating life’s milestones alongside many of the patients she sees every day.
“It’s about so much more than teeth,” Ashley says. “Getting to know our patients and being part of their lives is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
More Than a Desk Job
Many people think an office manager spends the day behind a desk, but Ashley’s role touches just about every part of the practice.
On any given day, she’s:
- Helping keep the daily schedule running smoothly
- Supporting both the front office and clinical team
- Assisting with scheduling and insurance questions
- Troubleshooting challenges as they arise
- Supporting staff training and onboarding
- Looking for ways to improve the patient experience
Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but it all has one goal: making every visit as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Leading with Relationships
Ask Ashley what she’s most excited about in her new role, and the answer is easy: it’s people!
After spending nearly two decades building relationships with patients and coworkers, she’s excited to continue supporting both in a new way. She believes that great dental care starts with teamwork, open communication, and making sure every patient feels like more than just another appointment on the schedule.
That philosophy carries throughout our office. It’s not unusual to hear laughter in the hallway, see team members greeting patients by name, or watch conversations pick up right where they left off six months earlier. Those relationships are part of what makes Falmouth Dental Arts feel different.
Continuing a Strong Legacy
Ashley is quick to recognize the example set by Sue, whose leadership helped shape the welcoming culture patients have come to know over the years.
As she steps into this new role, Ashley hopes to build on that strong foundation while continuing to improve the patient experience, support the team, and help the practice grow, all while staying true to the values that have always made Falmouth Dental Arts special.
A Little More About Ashley
When she’s not at the office, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and three active boys, usually at a baseball field cheering them on! She also enjoys golfing with her family, exploring Maine, and visiting one of her favorite places: Popham Beach. At home, she’s kept company by Lucky, her Goldendoodle, and Clover, her cat.
Welcome from Our Team
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’ve always believed that great dentistry is built on trust, compassion, and lasting relationships.
Ashley has been part of that mission for 18 years, and we’re excited to see her continue making a difference as our Office Manager. Whether you’ve been a patient for decades or you’re visiting us for the first time, she’ll be there to help ensure you have the best possible experience.
We hope you’ll say hello the next time you’re in the office!
Aug 5, 2026
Back-to-school season comes with plenty of to-do lists—shopping for school supplies, organizing backpacks, and getting everyone back into a routine. One thing that’s easy to overlook is your child’s dental health.
A quick checkup before school starts can help catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones. It’s also a great time to refresh healthy habits that may have slipped a little over the summer (we’re not judging).
Here’s a simple checklist to help your child head into the new school year with a healthy smile.
Schedule a Dental Checkup
If it’s been six months since your child’s last visit, now is a great time to get them on the schedule. Routine exams help keep teeth healthy and give us the chance to spot issues early – which is often before your child even notices something is wrong!
During a preventive visit, we’ll:
- Check for cavities and other signs of tooth decay
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Make sure teeth are developing properly
- Answer any questions about brushing, flossing, or oral habits
- Help your child feel comfortable and confident at the dentist
Preventive care is always easier, and often less expensive, than treating a problem after it develops.
Replace Their Toothbrush
Take a look at your child’s toothbrush before school starts.
If the bristles are bent or frayed, it’s time for a new one. Most toothbrushes should be replaced about every three months, or sooner if your child has been sick.
Choose a soft-bristled brush that’s the right size for your child’s mouth. If getting them to brush is a daily struggle, an electric toothbrush can make the job a little easier and sometimes a little more fun.
Get Back Into a Brushing Routine
Summer schedules tend to be a little more relaxed. Late nights, vacations, and busy days can throw off even the best routines (still not judging).
As school starts back up, try to get everyone back into the habit of:
- Brushing twice a day for two minutes
- Flossing once a day
- Using a fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age
Younger children still need a little help, even if they want to do it themselves. Most kids aren’t able to brush thoroughly on their own until they’re around 7 or 8 years old.
Pack Tooth-Friendly Snacks
Lunches and after-school snacks play a bigger role in oral health than many parents realize.
Foods that are lower in sugar and higher in calcium or fiber help keep teeth healthier throughout the day. Some easy choices include:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Apples
- Carrot sticks
- Celery
- Nuts (when school policies allow)
- Water instead of juice or sports drinks
A few simple swaps can make a big difference over the course of the school year.
A Positive Dental Experience Matters
For some kids, visiting the dentist is no big deal. For others, it can be a little stressful.
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we know every child is different. That’s why we take the time to get to know each patient, explain what’s happening in a way they can understand, and move at a pace that helps them feel comfortable.
We believe great dental care starts with trust. When kids have positive experiences at the dentist, they’re much more likely to carry those healthy habits into adulthood.
Start the School Year with a Healthy Smile
Adding a dental appointment to your back-to-school checklist is one of the easiest ways to set your child up for a healthy year.
Whether it’s time for a routine cleaning or your family is looking for a new dental home, the team at Falmouth Dental Arts is here to help. We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients, providing honest recommendations, and making every visit as comfortable as possible.
We hope to see your family soon and wish everyone a happy, healthy school year!
Jul 9, 2026
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh fruits, grilled favorites, and backyard barbecues. The good news? Many of your favorite seasonal foods can also help keep your smile healthy and strong.
Eat Your Vegetables!
Looking for foods that can help you beat the summer heat while supporting a healthy smile? These light, refreshing favorites contain nutrients that help keep your teeth and gums healthy, so your mouth feels its best all summer long.
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Sweet Potatoes
- Broccoli
Cool Foods for a Comfortable Smile
Looking for foods that can beat the summer heat and prevent discomfort in your teeth and gums? Here are five light, refreshing summertime eats that level out the feeling in your teeth and gums. These foods contain nutrients that support healthy teeth and may help keep your mouth feeling its best.
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Avocados
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
Fire Up the Grill for a Healthier Smile
Nothing says summer like firing up the grill with family and friends. As you plan your menu, consider adding a few foods that can help keep your gums healthy and your smile strong for years to come. Delicious and smile-friendly? That’s a win-win!
- Fortified Tofu
- Salmon
- Mushrooms
- Tuna
Keep Your Breath Fresh
While no food can magically eliminate plaque, crunchy fruits and vegetables and cheese can help stimulate saliva, rinse away food particles, and support a cleaner, fresher mouth.
- Raw vegetables
- Cheddar cheese
- Crunchy apples
Get in Touch With Us
Eating smile-friendly foods is a great way to support your oral health, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy year-round. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re here to help you enjoy a healthy, confident smile every season.
Schedule an appointment with Falmouth Dental Arts today, or get in touch with our team at (207) 781-5900.
Jul 9, 2026
Summer is filled with backyard barbecues, family gatherings, fireworks, and time spent with the people you love. With so many reasons to smile, it’s the perfect season to give your smile a little extra attention.
Healthy Habits for a Confident Smile
Celebrate your independence by taking charge of your oral health with simple daily habits.
Making a habit of at-home dental care makes taking care of your teeth easy. Taking time to brush and floss your teeth twice a day goes a long way in maintaining your dental health.
To make the habit a little more fun, consider adding to your mouth care routine with a new mouthwash or tongue scrapers. Spruce up your routine with a new toothbrush and flavored toothpaste!
Tips for Fresh Breath
We all know that with all the chatting, eating, and sampling at holiday parties comes a need for fresh breath. You can avoid the worry of bad breath and food in your teeth with these tips:
- Carry a pack of sugar-free gum with you.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Keep breath mints on hand!
- Stick some travel floss in your pocket for after-dining emergencies.
Natural Teeth Whitening
Having pearly white teeth is a sure confidence booster. In fact, teeth whitening is already a part of many people’s self-care routine!
We want you to know that whitening your teeth doesn’t have to be a long process or costly investment. Some fruits can help remove surface stains and support a brighter-looking smile over time:
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
- Green apples
- Watermelon
- Grapes
Braces Care
Confidence and care go hand in hand. When you wear braces, it can be hard to care for your teeth when you have so much to do over the summer. Still, healthy habits that maintain your progress can be done on the go. Keep these tips in mind for easy braces care this summer that leads to confident smiles:
- Keep up with fluoride rinses to prevent cavities.
- Use an interdental brush to get rid of food particles and plaque between teeth.
- Use a water flosser to floss quickly on the go!
- Keep orthodontic wax with you in case brackets or wires irritate the inside of your mouth.
Confidence in Every Step
Whatever your summer plans include, our team is here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we provide personalized care designed around your unique needs. So you can enjoy every celebration with confidence.
Jun 17, 2026
If you’re visiting a new dentist, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. At Falmouth Dental Arts, our comprehensive exam is designed to help us get to know you, understand your oral health needs, and create a personalized plan for your smile.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through your first visit so you know exactly what to expect.
What Do I Need to Know Before I Go?
Before you head to Falmouth Dental Arts, it’s a good idea to plan on arriving ten to fifteen minutes early. This gives you time to finish any paperwork before your appointment begins. Initial exam appointments can be made via the New Patient Appointments webpage or by phone. Our practice gives patients the option to complete necessary forms on paper or digitally.
What Should I Expect When I Arrive?
When you arrive at Falmouth Dental Arts, you’ll be greeted by our friendly front office team and guided through each step of your visit. After checking in, the wait is typically minimal before your clinician brings you to the treatment room.
What Happens at the Start of a Comprehensive Exam?
The first part of your visit helps us learn more about you and your oral health. Your dental hygienist will introduce themselves, learn about you, take your blood pressure, and review your medical history. They will then gather important information about your oral health.
This process includes:
- Taking any necessary X-rays
- Creating your digital dental chart, curating the “map to the mouth” that tracks your dental history and current conditions
- Performing oral cancer screenings
- Assessing your gum health
- Photographing your teeth and smile
Gathering all of this information helps us to provide the most complete picture of your oral health and allows us to make the best recommendations for your care. Our team is committed to providing thorough, high-quality dental care.
What Happens Towards the End of My Appointment?
A comprehensive exam at Falmouth Dental Arts typically takes about two hours. This allows our team to gather a complete picture of your oral health, discuss your concerns, and develop personalized recommendations for your care. Depending on your individual needs, some portions of the initial appointment may be completed over multiple visits to accommodate scheduling preferences or treatment priorities.
As your appointment progresses, your dental hygienist and the doctor will review the information gathered during the exam, assess your oral health needs, and discuss any concerns you may have. Based on their findings, treatment may include:
- A preventive dental cleaning
- Gingival therapy
- Supportive periodontal therapy
- Recommendations for future periodontal treatment with our hygiene team or dental treatment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos
You’ll also spend time with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos during your visit. They will review your records, discuss your oral health goals, answer your questions, and get to know you. This time helps us answer your questions, learn more about your goals and concerns, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Now That the Appointment Is Over, What Do I Do?
After your appointment, you will be escorted back to the waiting room. There, one of our friendly front office team members will take over and assist you with checking out.
While Falmouth Dental Arts is out of network with all insurance companies, we work with most plans. If you do have insurance, Falmouth Dental Arts will bill your insurance company on your behalf and send a bill for the remainder, if any. Patients can pay balances via the Falmouth Dental Arts website, mail, phone call, or text-to-pay technology. For those without insurance, payment is asked for at time of service.
Future appointment scheduling is based on individual dental health needs. Most patients come in every six months for their recare appointment, but recommended frequency is determined by your individual needs. FDA prioritizes convenience by sending out automated text reminders for appointments two weeks, forty-eight hours and the day of your visit. Patients can make their next appointment at their initial comprehensive exam checkout for seamless scheduling.
Initial Comprehensive Exams With FDA
Everyone’s teeth and needs are different, so while FDA’s personalized care plans aim to address the specific dental health concerns patients may have, we also seek to educate patients about our in-office procedures.
FDA’s initial exam process maps the past and present of your oral health to ensure a bright future for you and your teeth. Between in-office treatments and at-home care, FDA works with you to create and maintain a healthy smile you’re happy to show off.
Whether you’re looking to schedule an initial comprehensive exam or have questions about what Falmouth Dental Arts can do for you, we’re always here to help.
