Welcoming our newest team member, Kala!

Greetings!

Please join us in welcoming our newest team member, Kala! 

We are marching into April with Kala Brown,  our newest team member here at Herald Square Dental.  Kala's strong knowledge base, optimism, critical thinking and pleasant demeanor have enhanced the care we administer since her arrival.  This "southern belle", has 10 years of prior dental office experience and has stepped into her role as Patient care Coordinator with great ease, as well as having been warmly received by our entire team and all of you,  our valued patients.    Kala looks forward to meeting you soon! 

Please enjoy the flash interview below to find out more about Kala.

HSD: Kala, where are you from?

Kala: I am originally from Houston, TX, but have also lived in Arkansas, and Florida for a while, before making the move to NYC a couple of years ago.

HSD: Tell us about your education!

Kala:  I have an Associate Degree in Science from Arkansas.

HSD: Do you have any hobbies?

Kala: Yes, I do. I love cooking and watching various investigation series! Snapped is my favorite lately. (Giggles)

HSD: What interests you most?

Kala: I have to say that traveling is the one thing that really intrigues me. 

HSD: What is the most exotic destination you have visited?

Kala: That would be Phuket, Thailand.

HSD: Do you have any pets?

Kala: No. But I would love a dog! (Laughing)

HSD: Who is your favorite singer/artist?

Kala: Beyonce!

HSD: What is the one thing we don't know about you?

Kala: I am the youngest of five children. I have three sisters and a brother.

Kala is readily available to answer any questions pertaining to your care and experience at our practice.  You will find her in our reception area, welcoming  you for your appointment or explaining your treatment plan and insurance related questions in detail.
We are  very thankful to have found this "gem" and to have made her a part of our family. We look  forward to what's ahead  of us!

Until the next time,

Keep Smiling!

Team Talk With Our Charming Dental Assistant Mariely Medina

Greetings!
This month we are having a Team Talk with our charming dental assistant Mariely Medina.

Every month we sit down to talk to one of our team members at Herald Square Dental and the Denture Center.  This month we are featuring Mariely, a wonderful  Dental Assistant, who joined us in May of 2016.  Find out more about Mariely here:

Before working at Herald Square Dental, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?  
Mely:  I was new to New York and the United States and I got a job through my High School in Washington Heights.  It was 2006 when my HS introduced me to Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center.  And, they helped me find a job as a receptionist in a dental office at my local middle school that performs preventative dental care as well as fillings and sealants for the students there.  This opened up a door for me to the field of dentistry and I worked there the following summer as well in 2007. 


What is your proudest moment at Herald Square Dental? 
Mely:  When Dr. Pasch told me how much I made his day with the things that I wrote about him in my Christmas card.  I appreciate their having given me an opportunity to be part of our dental care team and I love my co workers as well!   He felt extremely happy for the feedback which he said he doesn’t hear often and, of course that made his day.

What are 3 words to describe Herald Square Dental?
Mely:
Fun
Welcoming
Stimulating

What is your favorite part about working for HSD? 
Mely: I love assisting with all aspects of oral surgery and doing the pre and post op teaching.  I love to see first hand the cases progress and see very very happy people once their smile is enhanced. 

Do you have an office nickname? What is it?
Mely: Yes, I do, it's Mely. Actually they call me that at home too.  My HS friends decided to call me Mely and it kind of stuck from there.

What would people never guess you do in your role?
Mely: I come up with new expressions ie, “If you see something, do something”.  I am a team player for sure.  I am the float assistant and I am adept at assisting each of our four dentists with all of the different procedures as well as helping the front office administrative team.  It’s kind of cool being able to take my knowledge base across the board.  It’s certainly not boring. 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Mely: Cooking  all types of food.   Also, spending time with my dog, Benny.  Benny is my 3 year old poodle mix.  I think he has a human personality. 

Tell us one surprising fact about yourself.
Mely: I was a folklore dancer in the DR from the time I was 11 until I came to the US.

Holiday Spirit

Greetings!

We are organizing a Christmas ornament exchange this season! If you are coming to our office for an appointment any day from now till 12/30/2016, please feel free to bring an old Christmas tree ornament with you and exchange it for a new one from our Christmas Ornament Exchange basket, located in our main reception area.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Herald Square Dental Team

Halloween Greetings

Have you ever wondered which candies are the most popular trick or treat candy?  We did and we looked them up! Did your favorite candy make the list?  Here are the top ten most popular Halloween candies:

1. Reese's
2. M&M's
3. Snicker's
4. Hershey's                                                                                
5. Kit Kat
6. Twix 4 to Go
7. 3 Musketeers
8. Hersey Cookies N Cream
9. Milky Way
10. Almond Joy

Halloween is around the corner and it is important to be safe and have fun.
Here are some healthy Halloween tips for you and your little monsters.

1. Choose your candy carefully, avoid candy with open wrappers. Try snacking on sugar free candy which will lessen the chances of  having unwanted tooth decay . If you're going to indulge in the sugary more tasty candies be sure to have water nearby.
2. Avoid Sticky Situations, such as gummy bears, taffy and other candies that stick to the teeth. These candies take longer to wash away by saliva, putting you more at risk for tooth decay.
3. Drink More Water. Drinking water can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
4. Chew More Gum, chewing gum that is ADA ( American Dental Association) approved 20 minutes after each meal can reduce tooth decay, increase saliva production helps wash out food and sugar and help neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque bacteria.
5. Simple: Brush and Floss Daily. It is very important after enjoying your favorite candy please be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal. Also remember to replace tooth brushes every three to four months. Yearly visits to our dental office is ideal, to prevent problems from occurring and to catch the ones that are forming at an early stage so it can be easy to treat.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween from your Friends at Herald Square Dental!

Herald Square Dental Team Talk: September Highlight

Team Member: Crystal  Ward

 

This month we sat down with Crystal, who has been an integral part of our HSD family since May of 2004 and asked her some questions about her proudest moment and her interests.  Crystal originally came to us to complete her clinical hours for her certificated program at New York School of Medical and Dental Assisting.   As one of the team members who has been with us the longest she has always aspired to be an asset to the team.   She returned to school and has now completed her Bachelors in Health Care Sciences.  We are very proud of her accomplishments.  Today she is a Sr. Patient Care Coordinator in our front office and is known to be kind hearted and loved by everyone for her cheerful attitude and caring disposition.  She is also a tireless mom to 4 terrific very young men.    We hope you enjoy reading about Crystal!

HSD:  Before working at HSD what was the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
Crystal:   When I was 18 years old, I worked at Big R Supermarkets in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn as a cashier.  Two years in, I was promoted to the position of head cashier, a position of authority and much more responsibility.  That is where I learned that I wanted some kind of career dealing with customer service and satisfaction.
HSD:  What is your proudest moment @ HSD?
Crystal:  In 2005, one year into my work here, I realized that my input into patient care and service was valued by the doctors  and the patients themselves and not just my coworkers.    A patient that had just undergone a procedure was feeling vulnerable and I quickly assessed the situation and prompted the responsible dentist to return to her side to alleviate her concerns and reassure her.  This lovely woman, is currently in her upper 90’s and still depends on us for her Dental care.  I am certain that she knows that her comfort and her concerns are a first priority to us.  This is still a major point of pride for me! 
HSD:  What are 3 words to describe the environment at HSD? 
Crystal:  Friendly, Nurturing and, efficient
HSD:  What is your favorite part about working for HSD? 
Crystal:  The team members have become like family.
HSD:  Do you have a nick name?
Crystal:   Chris
HSD:  What would people never guess you do in your role here?
Crystal:  That I can pop into an assistant role in a pinch when needed.  I still take a great set of digital X Rays and I love administering patient  care.
HSD:  What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Crystal:  Reading Sci Fi books by Clive Barker and doing jigsaw puzzles. 
HSD:  Tell us one surprising fact about yourself.
Crystal:  13 years ago I gave birth to my twin sons several weeks early and they were full term size, 7lbs & 3oz and 7 lbs. 12 oz.   Good Times....