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 Landry.
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 Libby’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 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.
May 18, 2026
When it comes to your dental health, some decisions are simple. A routine cleaning? Easy. Swapping out your toothbrush? Done.
But when you’re faced with a major treatment plan like a crown, dental implant, root canal, or full smile makeover, it’s completely normal to pause and wonder: Is this the best option for me?
That’s where a second opinion can make all the difference.
Why Consider a Second Opinion?
Dentistry isn’t always one-size-fits-all. In fact, modern dental care often offers multiple solutions to the same problem. According to the team at Falmouth Dental Arts, treatment planning should be a collaborative process, one that considers your health, comfort, and budget.
A second opinion helps you:
- Explore all your options – There may be more than one way to treat your issue.
- Confirm a diagnosis – Especially important for complex or costly procedures.
- Feel confident in your decision – Because “I think this would help” is good… but “I know this will help” is better.
When Should You Get a Second Opinion?
Not every dental visit requires a second opinion—but certain situations are worth a closer look:
- Major or Expensive Procedures
If you’ve been told you need dental implants, multiple crowns, or oral surgery, it’s smart to double-check your options.
- Unexpected Diagnoses
Went in for a cleaning and left with a long list of recommended treatments? It’s okay to ask questions or get another perspective.
- You’re Unsure or Uncomfortable
Your gut feeling matters. If something doesn’t sit right, trust that instinct.
- You Want a More Conservative Approach
Some dentists prioritize minimally invasive care. A second opinion may reveal alternatives that preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
What Happens During a Second Opinion?
Spoiler: no one is judging your first dentist.
A second opinion appointment is simply a fresh set of trained eyes reviewing your dental health. At a practice like Falmouth Dental Arts, this often includes:
- Reviewing X-rays or taking new ones (hello, 3D imaging 👋)
- A comprehensive exam
- A conversation about your goals, concerns, and comfort level
- A clear breakdown of your options
The goal isn’t to contradict. It’s to educate and empower you to make the best decision for your health.
Does a Second Opinion Mean Starting Over?
Not at all.
Think of it like getting a second quote before a big home project. You’re gathering information, not restarting the process. In many cases, patients return to their original dentist feeling more confident. In others, they discover a better-fitting treatment plan.
Either outcome is a win.
The Maine Perspective: Why This Matters Locally
Here in Southern Maine, from Falmouth to Portland and beyond, patients are increasingly taking an active role in their healthcare decisions. And rightly so.
With advances in dental technology (like same-day crowns and 3D X-rays), there are more treatment paths available than ever before.
That means more opportunity (yay!) but also more decisions.
Working with a trusted Falmouth, Maine dentist who values patient education can make navigating those choices much easier.
The Bottom Line
Big dental decisions shouldn’t feel rushed or uncertain.
Getting a second opinion isn’t about distrust or “wrongdoing,” it’s about clarity. It’s about making sure you fully understand your options and feel confident moving forward.
At the end of the day, the best dental care is the kind that puts you in control.
Looking for a Second Opinion in Southern Maine?
If you’ve recently been recommended for a major dental procedure and want a second opinion, the team at Falmouth Dental Arts is here to help.
With a patient-first approach, advanced technology, and a focus on comfort, they’ll walk you through your options without pressure, without confusion, and without judgment.
Because confident decisions start with clear information.
Jan 19, 2015
It’s true. January is National Soup Month and National Tea Month. And it is also true that we think that is no coincidence.
You’re always looking for easy ways to improve your health, right? And oral health is a significant factor in overall health. So here are two extremely simple ways for you to strengthen your teeth and gums and improve your overall health.
- Drink more tea
- Eat more soup
Here is why…
Tea
Many people think that chewy candies and foods with high sugar content are what really harm teeth. Although those people are correct, what you choose to drink also has a significant impact on oral health. When deciding between the many drink options available, one of the best drinks for your oral health is brewed tea. Tea has anti-bacterial properties and fluoride content which may help protect against cavities and gum disease and may also strengthen tooth enamel [insert a picture of tea with this sentence as the caption].
There have been a number of studies done recently that highlight the positive effects of tea on oral health. Research shows that tea has almost no erosive effect on tooth enamel. In fact, depending on the amount of fluoride in the water that you brew your tea with, it can even strengthen your enamel. A study done specifically on green tea has indicated that it has some added oral health benefits due to the natural antioxidant compounds called catechins that are in it. The researchers suggested that green tea is particularly effective in fighting and preventing gum disease because the catechins in the green tea interfere with the inflammation that results from bacteria in the mouth. Lastly, a recent study conducted by New York University Dental Center suggests that black tea may be linked to reduction in likelihood of developing dental caries (or cavities).
So in other words…have a cup of tea a day! But before you do, here are a few important words of advice…
- Don’t add sugar to your tea. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that eat away at the enamel of your teeth and irritate your gums.
- Avoid prepackaged, bottled iced teas because they contain citric acid (which can wear away tooth enamel) and high amounts of sugars.
Sources:
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/tea.html
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/healthyfoods.html
http://www.teausa.com/teausa/images/TeaCouncil-ResearchDocR5_-_FINAL.pdf – visit this link for an extremely informational document that breaks down how tea benefits the rest of your body’s health (including cardiovascular health, cancer risk reduction for a number of cancers, neurological health, metabolism/obesity/body composition, diabetes/blood sugar control, immune function, kidney function, and reduced risk of osteoporosis).
Soup
Since the first day we were served solid food as children, we have been told to eat our veggies. “You want to grow up to be big and strong, don’t you?” As a kid, that never really crossed our minds…we’d rather have chips and soda and candy.
But what if we were to give you new incentive to eat your veggies… What if we showed you just how beneficial vegetables can be to your oral hygiene.
Vegetables are of course jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients – these are the key.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has a plethora of benefits for your gums. It helps produce collagen which helps form body tissue, and it also repairs damaged gums and helps the them become more resistant to oral bacteria. Folic acid helps your mouth’s cells stay healthy, and calcium helps with strong teeth, bones, and gums. All these nutrients together help keep gums strong and healthy and control or even prevent gum disease.
In addition to the vast nutrients in vegetables that your mouth benefits from, there are other positive effects to eating your veggies as well. The chewing action alone involved in eating raw veggies strengthens your gums, encourages blood circulation and builds strong teeth. Additionally, vegetables are a key source of fiber, which builds a strong immune system.
So now you may be asking, “how do I know which vegetables to eat to get these nutrients?” Allow us to help:
- Vitamin C: red and green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and tomatoes
- Vitamin E: Spinach, turnip greens, collards, along with oils (vegetable, seed and nut)
- Folic Acid: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, and spinach
One of the best ways to get tons of veggies at once (especially in the winter) is in a hearty soup! So here are three delicious soup recipes that are packed with vegetables to benefit your overall health, as well as you oral health! We all know homemade soup is no match for that canned stuff in terms of taste and nutritional value.
Green Pea and Chickpea Soup: This soup is exceptionally nutrient-dense and calls for highly affordable ingredients. To experience optimal health, including flexible and healthy bones and teeth, it’s vital that you eat plenty of green plant foods on a regular basis. Green peas are naturally abundant in folate, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, carotenoids, tryptophan, vitamin K, manganese, healthy protein, and a number of other health-promoting nutrients. Get this recipe
Vegetable Soup: Here is an extremely quick, easy and delicious recipe that is packed full of veggies. Modify this with your favorite veggies too – its easy to substitute ingredients with this simple recipe! Get the recipe
Chicken Noodle Soup: Chicken noodle soup can be tricky, because it is not always particularly healthy for you – it really depends on what ingredients you use. May sound obvious, but sometimes people struggle maximizing the health factor. Here are three tips for you that will help give any chicken noodle soup recipe a health kick…
- Use boneless, skinless chicken
- Use fat-free and/or low-sodium chicken broth
- Look for your favorite noodle in high-fiber, whole wheat variety fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Click here to get the chicken noodle soup recipe we love
Happy National Soup and Tea Month! Get out there and strengthen those teeth and gums.
