doyle

Doyle Dental Receives 2023 Best of Carmel Hamlet Award

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:04:34 GMT

Carmel Hamlet Award Program Honors the Achievement

CARMEL HAMLET August 29, 2023 -- Doyle Dental has been selected for the 2023 Best of Carmel Hamlet Award in the Dentist category by the Carmel Hamlet Award Program.

Each year, the Carmel Hamlet Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Carmel Hamlet area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2023 Carmel Hamlet Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Carmel Hamlet Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Carmel Hamlet Award Program

The Carmel Hamlet Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Carmel Hamlet area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Carmel Hamlet Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Carmel Hamlet Award Program

CONTACT:
Carmel Hamlet Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@distinction-cities.com
URL: http://www.distinction-cities.com

The Haitian Health Foundation

Wed, 17 May 2023 14:05:44 GMT

Dr. Dan Doyle, D.M.D., President of the Ninth District Dental Association with the Ninth District Dental Association members had a presentation by Dr. Jeremiah Lowney Jr. D.D.S., MS, MPH President and founder of the Haitian Health Foundation and E. Marilyn Lowney, MS, MPH, Executive Director of the Haitian Health Foundation at their general meeting. They discussed the mission of the HHF to bring healthcare, education and sustainable development for the impoverished people of Haiti.

Luncheon Sponsored by NYSDA and the 9th District

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:11:59 GMT

Dr. Anthony Cuomo, President‐Elect of New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) and Dr. Daniel Doyle, President of the Ninth District Dental Society attended a luncheon sponsored by NYSDA and the 9th District to welcome the 4th year dental students from Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College (TCDM) Hawthorne, New York in Westchester County to the American Dental Association (ADA). The American Dental Association is the nation’s leading dental association, providing support, resources and benefits to dentists in the United States. These students will be graduating May 2023.

What is CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:21:31 GMT

CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is an emergency procedure that is performed when a heart stops beating. The American Heart Association states that performing CPR can double or triple survival after sudden cardiac arrest. Dental professionals (dentists and hygienist) in New York State are required to be certified in CPR and to take certification classes every two years to stay up to date with any new changes and techniques. Marques with Instinct Ready was our instructor this year for Doctors Dan, Dennis and Romina as well as hygienists Tracey and Jen. We refreshed our skills in detecting an emergency, performing the Heimlich maneuver and CPR for

infants, children and adults.

At Doyle Dental, we have an AED or automated external defibrillator, in our office. An AED detects and shocks a heart that is in ventricular fibrillation, the most common irregular heart rhythm that causes sudden cardiac arrest. We were able to practice dealing with all types of emergencies that might require the use of an AED. We strive to provide our patients with the best dental care and with our CPR training we can also provide emergency medical care if ever necessary. We were even able to have a little fun together.

Dr. Dan Becomes President of the New York State Ninth District Dental Society

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:26:38 GMT

The New York State Ninth District Dental Society held their annual meeting for the installation of officers on November 16, 2022. Dr. Dan, who has served on the board of governors was installed as President of the association. At the luncheon, held at Westchester Country Club, Dr. Dan was joined by some of his family members including his wife Karen, his son Matthew and daughter-in-law Melissa, his son and daughter-in-law Drs. Dennis and Romina Doyle as well as possibly the most prominent guest, his granddaughter, Sadie. Dr. Dan willingly shared the special occasion with her. He and his family, as well as those from the Dental Society, joined in wishing her a Happy Fifth Birthday with a cake and singing while she sat with her Uncle Matt.

Everybody Do the Floss

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:46:29 GMT

What’s included in your bedtime routine?

A book? Some journaling? Binge-watching “Murder, She Wrote” until you fall asleep on the couch? Whatever your routine involves, it’s safe to say a toothbrush makes an appearance at some point.

At least, please tell me it does.

Ready for “Confessions of a Dental Assistant”? Until I decided to become a dental assistant, flossing every night was not on my radar. Well, it was, but I ignored it. Brushing seemed sufficient enough. Then, when I was trying to get into the dental world, I realized I needed to practice what I would be preaching. And I haven’t looked back. Yes, there are some nights I forget or am too lazy (or I’ve run out of floss and need to go to the store), but 99 nights out of 100, I’m flossing that food and plaque out from between my teeth. Once you make the time for flossing before bed, your teeth, and whole mouth really, will be cleaner for your eight hours of shut eye.

So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What does flossing do?

It removes the nitty-gritty.

But in all seriousness, brushing your teeth can only do so much. Remember my blog post about X-rays? (If not, stop reading this post and go read that one. It will bring tears to your eyes. Just kidding about the tears, but please, go and read that one.) We discussed how sometimes cavities develop in between teeth. And why do those cavities develop? Because of not flossing… Well, there may be other reasons, but not flossing is a big contributor. When food gets stuck between the teeth and then stays there for a while, or plaque builds up, it facilitates decay, hence the cavities. However, flossing gets that food out of there so that your teeth and mouth remain as clean as possible.

How should I floss? When should I floss?

These are questions we sometimes get at Doyle Dental. To respond to the first question: I can’t embed a YouTube video here for you to watch, but I can suggest asking that question the next time you come to your friendly Carmel neighborhood dentist. Either a hygienist or dentist will be happy to show you the right way to get all that plaque and food out. As for the second question, flossing is most effective at night. When you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva. The less saliva produced, the higher chance bacteria will do its dirty work. Therefore, you want your mouth as clean as possible before bed so that bacteria doesn’t have as fun of a playground to spend time in. The next logical step: before or after you brush? The phrase you often hear is, “make sure you brush and floss!” However… is that the proper order? Well, while the most important thing is that you do it at some point, flossing before you brush is more effective. Think about it this way- you scrub dishes before you rinse them right? That way, the stuck-on food comes off easier. It’s the same concept. If you get all the food and plaque out from between your teeth, and then brush and rinse it away, you’ll be making the most of your brush time.

While this has been a quick discussion of flossing, I hope you feel the motivation to start, or keep up, a flossing routine. And remember, it takes a while for something to become a habit or routine. An average of 66 days in fact. So don’t give up! Your teeth will thank you, your mouth will thank you, your overall health will thank you, and most importantly, we here at Doyle Dental will thank you, and you’ll see us less. (Which, while we hope you like us, is a good thing because who wants to be a regular at the dentist? Unless we’re talking 6 month regular!)

Happy flossing!

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 17:01:04 GMT

Let's talk about something other than COVID-19

Doyle Dental is a very unique dental office.

What is normally the view from the patient’s chair at a dental office? A blank, white wall? A parking lot? Well, here in Carmel New York, you could see a bear!

That’s right. At Doyle Dental in Carmel, the view from the window is a sneak peek into “Wild Kingdom” sometimes. All five operatory rooms boast a view into the backyard of our office. Whether you’re getting your teeth cleaned by the hygienist or filled by the dentist, you can observe the sights of nature in all its glory.

Farthest over, in Drs. Dennis and Romina Doyle’s operatory room, you would have the best view of the calm stream that flows by. Calm until a storm that is, and then it rushes past, over the rocks that sit on the bottom of it.

Dr. Dan Doyle likes to keep the birds well fed. Because of this, any birder would be well entertained by the variety in our back yard. Not only do the typical robins, cardinals, and yellow finches appear. In the fall, turkeys will saunter through the yard. In the winter, ducks will waddle on the frozen stream. You may see a great blue heron standing on the log that bridges that stream, or a hawk swoop down and up.

Of course a regular supply of bird seed means we have some squirrels that are regular customers as well. We watch them scurry around and then hang upside down on the bird feeders to steal bird seed. It’s quite the funny sight, and can relax a nervous patient or two. But, every once in a while, we get a bigger customer. Last year, in the late spring/early summer, a bear appeared. It was small (as small as a bear can be), and adorable (according to us girls in the office). It looked to be about a year old, and loved the bird seed. For about two weeks, it kept coming back, either sitting in the yard, eating the bird seed on the ground, or stealing the bird feeder itself and lumbering into the woods. (Prompting Dr. Dan to run out after it, calling for his bird feeder back.) Needless to say, it was quite the distraction for doctor and patient alike. Work would halt for a few minutes and bibbed patients would stand at the windows with the staff, taking pictures on their phones. Sadly, all exciting things must come to an end. The bear (whom we never named unfortunately), has since moved on and is hopefully lumbering off into the sunset, eating bird seed to his heart’s content.

So if you live in the Carmel area, love nature, and are in need of some great dentistry (and a dentist or two that could “name that bird” for you), you’re in for a treat. Doyle Dental is the place for you! Every day is a guaranteed show of woodland creatures.

They just can’t help you get dressed in the morning.

Covid-19 Protocols at Doyle Dental

Tue, 12 May 2020 13:36:36 GMT

We have made changes to our office to insure your safety. Plexiglas shields have been installed at our front desk. Chairs, magazines and toys have been removed from our waiting area. Our heating/air conditioning professional has installed iWave-C Commercial Air Cleaner to our office climate system. The new system kills mold, bacteria and viruses as well as reducing allergens and airborne particles.

New protocols for your visit will include calling from your vehicle when you arrive at our parking lot. Patients will be instructed on when they can safely enter.

A hand sanitizing station is now located next to our front door to be used prior to entering the office and non-contact infrared temperature screening at the front desk for each patient and employee.

We are asking patients to wear masks into the office and if possible to bring a pen for personal use. We are looking forward to taking care of your dental health in our safe office.

To X-Ray or Not to X-Ray?

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:12:42 GMT

“You’re due for X-rays.”

And with that, a dental hygienist sticks a piece of plastic into your mouth for four or more x-rays. Most people don’t protest, but they may wonder if they’re really necessary. And if they’re safe. The words radiation and x-ray don’t exactly have a good connotation. I’m here to fix that.

X-rays, (or PA’s, or bitewings, or FMX as you might hear a dentist, hygienist, or assistant say) are an important part of dental care. A mirror and explorer can only do so much to diagnose a dental issue. Cavities between teeth (which can be prevented or at least controlled by regular flossing- but that’s another blog), an infection in the root, and numerous other things can be diagnosed or more properly understood if there is an x-ray to examine.

“Ok”, you might say, “a dentist can see if I need a cavity filled because of it. But between the big apron put on me, and the way they run out of the room to take it, I’m a little concerned about radiation and its effects.”

The radiation level used to take dental x-rays is very low. If the x-rays are digital, the level is even lower. (Guess which kind we at Doyle Dental use?) That apron or bib that covers you protects you from the minimal amount that you will be exposed to. Think about how you may wear a kitchen apron to protect yourself while you cook even though only a little spaghetti sauce splashes on you.

And why does the dentist or hygienist leave the room? Well, they aren’t wearing an apron. On top of that, throughout the day, a dentist or hygienist may take dozens of x-rays. Multiply that by 5 or 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year, the risk to them is higher. But you’re sitting underneath a protective cover, and only getting a few every year.

You may ask, “When do I need them taken?” Out of the two cleaning visits per year, x-rays will be taken at one. Every five years, it’s time for an FMX, or Full Mouth Series. This involves taking more x-rays focused on more specific areas in the mouth. The more commonly taken bitewings are just a series of four, two on each side.

But what if you wake up with a toothache? Well, call us at Doyle Dental, and we’ll schedule you for an appointment. At that appointment, expect the dentist to take one or two x-rays. By doing this, they can see if maybe a cavity is causing discomfort, or if there is another, more serious issue, such as an infection.

Here at Doyle Dental in Carmel, we have a professional staff who are experts at taking x-rays. So don’t worry, sit back, relax, and bite. They do all the work. And if you’ve been flossing, you may have nothing to worry about… but we’ll talk about that next month.

Just let them know if you have a bad gag reflex.

Dr. Dan received the Trailblazer award

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 14:01:15 GMT

Dr. Dan Doyle was honored by the Putnam County Business Council today with the Trailblazer Award for excellence in economic development. A luncheon was held today at Villa Barone Mahopac, New York. “The Putnam County Business Council has been recognizing business excellence and non-profit achievement since 2011. Honoring professional achievement and civic contributions in the Putnam County community, the Trailblazer Awards represent the highest acknowledgement from professional peer judges across the county.” Putnam County Business Council. Dr. Dan is thrilled to receive this award from the Council.

Doyle Dental does Trunk or Treat with the whole family

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 14:38:12 GMT

Thanks to everyone who visited with us at the Kent Trunk or Treat. We were invited to join the Trunk or Treat event at the Kent Town Hall, 25 Sybil’s Crossing in Carmel, New York on Friday October 25, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We had a wonderful time and will definitely make this a yearly event for Doyle Dental. This is the second year for this event, last year it was held at the Kent Fire Department. They moved the event to the more spacious Kent Town Center this year and the turnout was great. The event is hosted by The Kent Volunteer Fire Department in conjunction with the Kent Police Department, Lake Carmel Fire Department and the Kent Library. Local businesses and organizations are invited to come together and decorate the trunk of a car with a Halloween theme and pass out treats as children go from car to car to “trick or treat”. This event provides a safe environment for the children in our community to enjoy Halloween. This safe Trick or Treat option for the kids had over 400 children participating. Parents can watch or walk with their children without worry about traffic or crossing streets. Each family is asked to bring 1 non-perishable item to kick off a food drive to help families in the community in need. This was our first time at this event and we loved it. Dr. Romina and our hygienist, Tracey designed the trunk to look like an opened mouth with teeth on the top and a tongue on the bottom. They also decorated with Halloween lights. The entire Doyle family, Dr. Dan, Dr. Dennis, Dr. Romina, Grandma Karen and the children Nolan, Giacomo, and Sadie helped with the Doyle Dental trunk and the passing out of treats. Each of the bags we made contained a bag of chips and an orange and black children’s Halloween toothbrush. Many communities and schools are now setting up similar events for Halloween rather than the traditional door to door trick or treating.

Try to remember that Halloween can be a time when children are overwhelmed and tempted by many sugary snacks. It is okay to let your children enjoy a few treats as long as you have them brush their teeth after each snack and always before bed each night. We go through each of our kids Halloween bags once we get home from trick or treating to be sure the treats are appropriate. We then let them each pick out a few of their favorite sugary snacks and we put the rest away, out of sight. We can then easily control when and how much Halloween candy we let our children eat. After a few days we usually get rid of the uneaten sweet temptations and go back to our normal healthy snack options. By limiting how much sugar we give our children, providing a healthy diet, maintaining a consistent tooth brushing schedule at home with regular six month dental checkup and cleanings, parents can control unwanted and expensive dental appointments.

Dr. Dan Doyle loading supplies for Haiti

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 16:31:23 GMT

Dr. Doyle loading a container with supplies to be sent to Haiti.

Brushing your children's teeth

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:45:36 GMT

From the moment your baby cuts their very first tooth you embrace the task of keeping those precious smiles perfect. We all know that we need to brush those baby teeth at least two times a day, every day to ensure this. Sounds simple enough. Healthy diets and limiting sugary snacks is the easy part. As dentists we recommend parents make brushing their children’s teeth a part of their daily family routine when the child is a baby so that this becomes natural and accepted by the child early on. I often hear from parents, “my child doesn’t like it when I brush their teeth” or worse “my child won’t let me brush their teeth”. This is why starting this routine when that first tooth breaks through is key for success.

As a father to three small children I understand that you must choose your battles with your children. You would probably think being a dentist and being married to a dentist that we would never face these worries with our own kids. Not the case. There are days when it feels like you are trying to brush the teeth of a rabid raccoon. The struggle is real! You may need to be creative or use your best wrestling techniques to get the job done. Many parents shift the brushing responsibility to the child too early. A young child is not going to always do a good job at brushing, removing sticky fruit snacks from the groves of their first molars or spending adequate attention to their dental hygiene. It becomes a frustrating cycle for both the parent and the child when the child keeps getting cavities and the parent has to schedule and pay for dental visits. The best solution is for the parent to assume the role as the primary “Brusher and Flosser” and then let the child finishing up by also brushing. In the end it is definitely worth it. Preventing unhappy and expensive dental visits for your child is essential to guide the child on the road to a lifetime of good dental health.

Dental Health Month At Doyle Dental

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

February was National Children's Dental Health Month. Our dentists at Doyle Dental were busy visiting a local nursery and elementary schools.

Dr. Dan Doyle’s Humanitarian Effort to Haiti Continues

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 17:29:41 GMT

CARMEL – Dr. Dan Doyle has returned from the most gratifying experience in his more than 40 years of practicing dentistry in Putnam County.

The Kent resident spent a week in Haiti–the poorest country in the western hemisphere which also has the dubious distinction of being the least developed and the least stable where risks and danger loom at every corner.

Doyle’s trip to a land where people depend on subsistence farming, charcoal production and other menial jobs for their livelihood and earn anywhere from $90 to $300 American annually, was his seventh dating back to 2013.

During his recent adventure along with fellow dentist Dr. Paul Callahan of Garden City, Long Island, the Putnam physician treated 250-plus men, women and children in need of dental care.

Volunteers including Doyle, participating in the efforts of the Haitian Health Foundation, a not-for-profit founded 35 years ago by Connecticut dentist Dr. Jerry Lowney, pay for their own travel plus room and board.

Lowney worked in orphanages in the Central American country and corresponded with Mother Theresa, who asked that he visit Jeremie, an extremely poor region in the western end of Haiti consisting of 250,000 residents.

Doyle first visited Haiti with his cousin Dr. Phil Doyle, who grew up in Purdys and recently retired from his practice in Connecticut.

Doyle was so moved by the experience that he has returned annually to partake in the week-long journey that was described as an “epiphany.”

After navigating from the airport to the tiny village 140 miles away in a caravan that took more than 10 hours to complete on non-existent narrow, pot holed filled dirt roads, Doyle extracted 60 teeth a day from villagers who had not been treated by a dentist in years. “They were predominantly healthy and nourished people but their teeth were rotted due to constant chewing on sugar cane,” he said.

Dr. Doyle, who also serves on the Putnam County Board of Health, said his recurring trips have been as rewarding as the first journey. “The excursions get even better because I am now better prepared emotionally. Poverty is so overwhelming in Haiti. I recall having emotional problems which I called ‘reverse culture shock’ when I returned to the U.S. following that first trip.”

Doyle described the “opulence found in Putnam as compared to the villages in Haiti as day and night. We have so much to be thankful for while people in Haiti have virtually nothing. New Yorkers take so much for granted.”

Doyle performed extractions in mountain villages. Patients, primarily farmers, residing in shacks, were appreciative because even though he inflicted pain, patients were receiving much needed dental care.

The most recent trip posed danger to the popular Putnam dentist and his entourage due to the civil unrest currently found in Haiti: “We were advised to cut our humanitarian effort short by one day. Armed security protected our sleeping quarters each night.”

Extractions were performed under a large three-sided tent or inside a chapel located on the Haitian Health Foundation property with local anesthesia. “Due to the danger around us, local officials did not deem it safe for us to venture out. Instead patients were brought to us for treatment where we extracted teeth in a church with a cross behind us,” said Doyle who performed the procedures without suction and with rudimentary sterilization and instruments.

Dental chairs and tables were fabricated from folding chairs and tables often found at a Putnam County picnic.

Doyle had praise for the Putnam County Dental Society for its donation that was earmarked for the purchase of modern dental equipment for the impoverished land.

The Lake Carmel dentist plans to return to Haiti again this fall and continue his work and the goals of the health foundation.

Dr. Doyle realizes that his efforts may not change the world but he also understands that he and the other volunteers are changing lives–one person at a time.

Credit goes to MidHudsonNews.com
Original article: http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2019/February/22/Doyle_Haiti-22Feb19.html

Kindness Matters

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 14:53:21 GMT

Children from local elementary school, JFK in Brewster, NY., asked Dr. Doyle’s office to help with their kindness matters project. The children from Ms. Gorey’s second grade class painted rocks and put inspirational messages of kindness on each rock. The basket of rocks have been placed in our office waiting room at Doyle Dental for our patients to share in our community.

Dr. Dan Doyle Goes To Haiti On A Dental Mission For The Seventh Time

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:49:20 GMT

Next month, Dr. Dan Doyle will be going on his seventh dental mission to Haiti. Dr. Paul Callahan, Dr. Phil Doyle and Dr. Dan Doyle will be there for a one week mission with the Haitian Health foundation (HHF).

The HHF improves the health and well-being of women, children, families and communities living in the greater Jérémie region of Haiti through healthcare, education and community development. When the HHF originally was established 37 years ago, Jeremie was the poorest city, in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Dr. Jeremiah Lowney started the foundation and initially extracted teeth on the streets of Port au Prince. Now the HHF serves 250,000 people in the Jeremie area.

In January, Dr. Callahan, Dr. P. Doyle and Dr. D. Doyle will be extracting teeth. Patient will also receive oral hygiene instructions, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Sometimes we are able to provide restorative dentistry, but this is not the norm. Most days are spent extracting teeth. The villagers are very grateful and we are happy to provide them the dental services they desperately need.

Learn More About Dr. Dan Doyle

7 ways to keep your teeth healthy this holiday season

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 15:48:56 GMT

1. Eat the rainbow

Eat plenty of crunchy fruits and veggies. Not only healthy for your teeth but will prevent the post sugar slump you get after eating sweets and highly processed carbs.

2. Drink plenty of water

Instead of grabbing a soda or energy drink, grab a water. Not only is water better for your teeth it will keep you hydrated unlike other sugary alternatives.

3. Chocolate vs. Gummies

Although, avoiding sweets altogether is best for our teeth and gums, if given the choice, choose chocolate. Hard and sticky candies can break your teeth, fillings and get stuck in the grooves of your teeth.

4. Choose light colored beverages

Although tempted by red wine and stouts, lighter colored spirits will be less likely to stain your teeth.

5. Snack on Cheese

During the holidays many of us drink alcohol which is very acidic. While sipping on that beverage, you should snack on a pieces of cheese that is alkaline. This will balance out your mouth and keep you from damaging your teeth.

6. Use the proper tool

Teeth function to help you smile, eat, and speak. They are not meant to open bottles or rip something open. Take the extra minute to find that bottle opener or tool instead of potentially damaging those teeth.

7. Maintain good oral hygiene

Make sure you continue to brush and floss. Maintaining your exam and cleaning appointments is especially important.

Why Do I Need A Night Guard?

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:21:52 GMT

A night guard is a device that is used to protect a patient’s teeth from excess pressure and grinding at night. Bruxism is a condition in which people grind or clench their teeth. It can cause severe damage to the teeth including fracturing teeth, chipping crowns, breaking fillings.

A person who suffers from bruxism may not even be aware that they have this behavior. Common symptoms include pain in the jaw muscles (masseter and temporalis) headaches, as well as severely worn teeth. These symptoms are usually most noticeable in the morning when the patient wakes up. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should notify your dentist because you could benefit from a night guard.

A night guard can be made of hard or soft dental materials and is generally worn on the upper teeth during sleep. It prevents the patient from grinding the upper and lower teeth together to minimize damage. Patients who have multiple crowns/implants should also consider a night guard to protect the investment they have made in their teeth.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 15:59:00 GMT

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits Patients often believe they are saving money by not seeing their dentist regularly. There are several reasons a patient should see their dentists at least every six months (some patients require more frequent recalls). The primary reason that you should see your dentist every six months is to have [...] The post The Importance of Regular Dental Visits appeared first on Doyle Dental.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Patients often believe they are saving money by not seeing their dentist regularly. There are several reasons a patient should see their dentists at least every six months (some patients require more frequent recalls). The primary reason that you should see your dentist every six months is to have your teeth cleaned and checked. The purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove calculus (tartar) from your teeth. Calculus is a hardened form of dental plaque that forms on the crowns and roots of your teeth. It harbors bacteria that are damaging to the gums and bone that surround your teeth. If calculus is not removed it can lead to gingivitis, periodontitis and eventually the loss of teeth.

Dental caries (cavities) are detected by routine exams and x-rays. Patients often say “I can’t believe I have a cavity, it doesn’t even hurt!”. When patients frequently see their dentists, caries can be detected in their early stages before they are painful. This allows the dentist to treat teeth with minimally invasive techniques that save the patient money. Patients who forgo their routine exams can allow a small problem that could be easily fixed with a filling, to become an expensive problem requiring a root canal and crown or an extraction and implant placement. I often tell patients this is like changing your oil every few months as opposed to replacing your engine. Preventative maintenance can save you a lot of money by addressing problems early.

Even patients that have no natural teeth remaining should see their dentist every six months for an exam. Many people do not realize that one of the most important parts of a dental exam does not involve your teeth. An oral cancer screening should be conducted in conjunction with your dental exam. Most patients do not even realize that your dentist is doing an oral cancer screening. During the oral cancer screening, the dentist pulls out your tongue with a piece of gauze and examines it. They will also examine the floor of your mouth, oral mucosa, palate and other structures is to look for signs of oral cancer. If your dentist detects any unusual or suspicious lesions you should be referred for a biopsy. Dental visits are important for keeping your mouth healthy and for your overall health.

Dennis C. Doyle DDS

The post The Importance of Regular Dental Visits appeared first on Doyle Dental .

Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 09:42:00 GMT

Patients should generally see a hygienist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. At this appointment, your gums will be evaluated, x-rays will be taken, and the cleaning will be performed. Lack of brushing and flossing will cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Healthy gums are pink and come to a point in between [...] The post Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis appeared first on Doyle Dental.

Patients should generally see a hygienist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. At this appointment, your gums will be evaluated, x-rays will be taken, and the cleaning will be performed.

Lack of brushing and flossing will cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Healthy gums are pink and come to a point in between teeth. Gums that are inflamed will be red, puffy, and will most likely bleed when brushing and flossing. Swollen gums may be accompanied by bad breath, discharge, and sores on your gums.

If it is left untreated, gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, or bone loss around the teeth. With enough bone loss, the teeth will become mobile and may lead to tooth loss; a patient with periodontitis and loose teeth will often have difficulty chewing. Bone loss around teeth is evaluated via a series of x-rays, mobility (looseness) of teeth, checking pocket depts.

Visiting your general dentist and having cleanings will help to identify problems in their early stages; in some cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, which is a bone and gum specialist. Home care, including brushing and flossing, is very important to help prevent gingivitis.

The post Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis appeared first on Doyle Dental .

Dr. Dan Doyle’s Dental Mission in Haiti

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:40:00 GMT

(Dr. Dan Doyle treating a patient) This spring, Dr. Dan Doyle went on his fourth dental mission to Jeremie, Haiti with the Haitian Health Foundation. Two other dentists and a physician were also on the trip along with supporting staff. The other two dentists were Dr. Phil Doyle (Dan’s cousin), and Dr. Paul [...] The post Dr. Dan Doyle’s Dental Mission in Haiti appeared first on Doyle Dental.

(Dr. Dan Doyle treating a patient)

This spring, Dr. Dan Doyle went on his fourth dental mission to Jeremie, Haiti with the Haitian Health Foundation. Two other dentists and a physician were also on the trip along with supporting staff. The other two dentists were Dr. Phil Doyle (Dan’s cousin), and Dr. Paul Callahan (Dan’s dental school roommate). The medical and dental staff treated over 1000 patients during the week, and Dr. Dan estimates that he removed between 200-250 teeth. The streets of Jeremie, Haiti are definitely cleaner and the air quality is better than his first trip in 2013.

The post Dr. Dan Doyle’s Dental Mission in Haiti appeared first on Doyle Dental .

Dr. Dan Doyle Wins Humanitarian Award

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:12:00 GMT

(Dr. Dan Doyle receiving his award from Dr. Carl Tegtmeier of the Ninth District Dental Association) On March 9th, Dr. Dan Doyle received the 2016 Dr. Richard G. Spolzino Access to Care Humanitarian Award from the Ninth District Dental Society. Here is an article by Dr. Jeff Stein about the award and [...] The post Dr. Dan Doyle Wins Humanitarian Award appeared first on Doyle Dental.

(Dr. Dan Doyle receiving his award from Dr. Carl Tegtmeier of the Ninth District Dental Association)

On March 9th, Dr. Dan Doyle received the 2016 Dr. Richard G. Spolzino Access to Care Humanitarian Award from the Ninth District Dental Society. Here is an article by Dr. Jeff Stein about the award and Dr. Doyle’s local and international volunteer work:

A humanitarian is a person who seeks to promote human welfare. This year’s recipient of the Dr. Richard G. Spolzino Access to Care Humanitarian Award is a shining jewel amongst us, Dr. Dan Doyle. A salt-of-the-earth type that has led a life and a professional career of purpose and meaning. An individual who sees vast needs, knows he can’t fix everything, but by providing over three decades of service in caring locally and abroad, begins the repairs. Dr. Doyle is simply an extraordinary person who feels he’s doing what he is, “supposed to be doing, focusing on action not words. I much rather do than just talk about it.” There is no better example within the Ninth of how one individual can have an impact.

Commitment being an act not a word began for Dan as a teenager volunteering for the Brewster Fire Department and Ambulance Corps, continuing the volunteering legacy of his father and grandfather. Following his graduation as Valedictorian from Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dentistry, he joined Dr. George Dickinson in private practice in Carmel and Patterson in 1980. He immediately connected with the Putnam County Dental Society (PCDS), where he has held all leadership positions including the Presidency multiple times for multiple years. Dr. Doyle has represented Putnam County on the Ninth Board of Governors.

His involvement within the community at large began with coaching soccer, basketball, and baseball teams of his four sons Patrick, Dennis, Ryan and Matthew which continued for twenty years. In 1988, he was appointed to the Putnam County Board of Health where he has served as President since 2003. Under his leadership, Putnam was one of the first counties in New York to invoke smoking ban regulations prior to it becoming state law. A significant public health milestone close to the heart of all in dentistry.

In 2009, Dr. Doyle, in conjunction with Dr. Rick MacRae spearheaded a unique collaboration between the Board of Health, the PCDS, and the school districts to institute a School Dental Screening initiative. Typically six to eight schools are visited annually, with all of the schools having participated since the program’s inception. This initiative heightens oral health awareness and provides a dental home for children in need. Through the PCDS, many clinicians had volunteered either as screeners or provide care on a reduced cost basis. Dr. Doyle has treated a number of these children gratis.

Dr. Doyle has embarked and engaged the children of Putnam on the athletic fields and in the classroom. Since 1988, he annually provided a dental health program to kindergarten classes at three elementary schools and nursery schools throughout the county upon request. The torch was passed for this program to the next generation when his son Dennis and daughter-in-law Romina joined the practice.

Dan has always wanted to pursue other opportunities to serve those in need, but was frustrated by the time limitations balancing his office and other public health commitments. Romina and Dennis joining the practice, along with his wife Karen serving as the “CFO of Doyle Dental,” freed him up to pursue his volunteerism passion.

After several years of prodding from his cousin, Dr. Phil Doyle, a dentist in Norwalk, Dan now for the fourth year will set out from his home harbors to provide care in Haiti. The Haitian Health Foundation, started by Dr. Jerry Lowney, a Norwalk orthodontist, provides basic medical and dental care in Jeremie, Haiti, “the poorest city in the poorest country in our hemisphere.” There is a health center, but Dan and Phil set out in their four-wheel drive into the villages. Under palm trees and thatched roofs with no power, no lights, no x-rays and no hand-pieces just headlights and hand instruments, they perform serial extractions for a week annually. The poverty and gaping holes in care has brought him to tears, as you’d expect from an empathetic man who continues to do what he can confronting such overwhelming challenges.

Dr. Doyle is enormously grateful to the PCDS, “they have been great, wonderfully supportive of all my endeavors. I tell them what I need and they come up with the money, which has included a mobile dental chair, a suction unit and supplies which other Ninth members have also helped with.” Dan is enthusiastic, charismatic, pragmatic and driven. He is a formidable advocate for his most recent cause, Haiti Happy House. Once again the PCDS has answered the call, raising $1,250 for construction of a Happy House.

Housing in Jeremie, Haiti is often primitive. Dirt floors, straw roofs, no windows and a sheet for a door are not uncommon in the rural villages. A Happy House has a cement floor, corrugated steel roof, window cut outs and a real door. The $1,250 buys the building materials from local businesses, and provides for local employment and a new home.

Dan has not forgotten the needs at home volunteering for New York’s Mission of Mercy, Special Olympics–Special Smiles, and as an active participant in Dental Lifeline (formally Donated Dental Services). He continues to be a Eucharistic minister at St. James the Apostle Church as was well as a member of the Putnam County Medical Reserve Corps.

We are all in a helping profession. We make our livelihood by helping others. Dr. Doyle has made it his life. A purposeful life resolved to use his time well doing good deeds. Thank you for your exceptional contribution of service and compassion that inspires us all. Congratulations to our Spolzino Humanitarian Access to Care Award recipient, Dr. Dan Doyle.

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What Type of Gum Should I Chew?

Fri, 11 Mar 2016 18:33:00 GMT

If given the choice between gum sweetened with sugar versus xylitol, choose xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It is used to sweeten sugar-free items such as chewing gum. Although xylitol has been found to be safe for human consumption, [...] The post What Type of Gum Should I Chew? appeared first on Doyle Dental.

Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol is beneficial because it stimulates salivary flow, which will help to cleanse the mouth of bacteria. It may also keep decay at bay and help to remineralize enamel.

Chewing gum should not take the place of proper brushing and flossing. Brushing two times per day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting your dentist is important for a healthy mouth.

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Dental Dilemma: Amalgam or Resin Filling?

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 15:37:00 GMT

If a patient needs a filling, they are generally given two options by their dentist: resin or amalgam. ‪ Both have their applications. Here’s a bit of history about where they came from and how they work.‬ Amalgam is a silver alloy that has its origins in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty [...] The post Dental Dilemma: Amalgam or Resin Filling? appeared first on Doyle Dental.

Amalgam is a silver alloy that has its origins in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in 659 AD . In 1833, an amalgam composed of shaved French silver coins and mercury was introduced to America as the “Royal Mineral Succedaneum.” The material’s introduction caused the “amalgam wars”—the A merican S ociety of D ental S urgeons considered use of amalgam to be malpractice and would kick out any members using it. In 1877, the laboratory research of J. Foster Flagg changed peoples opinions regarding dental amalgam and it became widely accepted, and in 1900, SS W hite created the first true dental alloy.

Amalgam is still used to today, although some of its ingredients have been changed since its introduction in 1900. It has both pros and cons . Amalgam is great because it generally lasts a long time and it seals the teeth well. It is more cost-effective and it isn’t as moisture sensitive as other materials. The downsides are that it isn’t attractive esthetically and it becomes darker with age. In larger restorations, it may cause tooth fracture. Some patients are also concerned by the fact that it contains mercury, but studies of amalgam have shown that it is a safe and reliable option.

Composite resin materials were not used applied to dental uses until the 1960s, when Dr. Ray Bowen was heavily involved in developing composite resin . Today, p atients and dentists alike enjoy using resins because of a esthetics and the fact that the material bond s to teeth. Smaller preparations can also be applied, which does not compromise tooth structure as much. The downfall of resin is that it more expensive and has to be used in completely dry environments, or the restoration will be compromised.

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Dental Mission Trip to Haiti

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:15:00 GMT

Dr. Dan Doyle recently returned from his third dental mission to Jeremie, Haiti, with the Haitian Health Foundation. Jeremie has been described as the poorest city in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Doyle goes on these trips with his cousin, Dr. Philip Doyle, who is a dentist in Norwich, Connecticut. Dr. Dan [...] The post Dental Mission Trip to Haiti appeared first on Doyle Dental.

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Dr. Dan Doyle Honored By Chamber of Commerce

Sat, 07 Mar 2015 19:01:00 GMT

In late February, Dr. Dan Doyle was honored by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce at their 6th Annual Trail Blazer Awards. Dr. Doyle, who has been in practice in Carmel, N.Y. for 35 years, was given a “Pillar of the Community Award.” Congratulations! The post Dr. Dan Doyle Honored By Chamber of Commerce appeared first on Doyle Dental.

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Take Advantage of Your Insurance Benefits and Make End-of-2014 Appointments Now!

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 15:15:00 GMT

The holidays are just around the corner, which means the New Year will soon be upon us. For many, December 31st signals the end of this year’s insurance benefits—which means that if you want to use the money withheld from your paychecks for health/dental care, you need to do so soon! Every December we receive [...] The post Take Advantage of Your Insurance Benefits and Make End-of-2014 Appointments Now! appeared first on Doyle Dental.

The post Take Advantage of Your Insurance Benefits and Make End-of-2014 Appointments Now! appeared first on Doyle Dental .

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:45:00 GMT

What is a dental implant and why do I need one? People frequently visit the dentist with a tooth that is beyond repair and needs to be extracted. The tooth may be fractured badly, or could require extensive, expensive treatment that may end up with a questionable result. Once it has been established that the patient wants the [...] The post Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants appeared first on Doyle Dental.

What is a dental implant and why do I need one?

People frequently visit the dentist with a tooth that is beyond repair and needs to be extracted. The tooth may be fractured badly, or could require extensive, expensive treatment that may end up with a questionable result. Once it has been established that the patient wants the tooth extracted, there are usually a few treatment choices, including: 1. a dental implant; 2. a bridge (crowns connecting three or more teeth to replace a missing tooth); 3. a removable partial denture (an appliance that can be removed by the patient that replaces one or more teeth); or 4. live with the space.

For patients who don’t want a removable denture, the choice comes down to a bridge or an implant. A bridge requires the preparation of teeth on either side of the space for crowns. A bridge can be beneficial if the tooth on either side of the space already has a large filling and is in need of a crown. If the teeth next to the space have no fillings or small fillings, many patients and dentists prefer to do an implant.

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed in the jaw bone which supports a crown. Basically, the implant replaces the root of the tooth and then a crown is placed on top of the implant. The implant/implant crown are fixed in the patients jaw and look and function just like a natural tooth. An implant is a nice option because it requires no preparation of adjacent teeth and the implant can remain independent of other teeth. Implants can also be placed in spots where bridges will not work, and are incapable of getting a cavity. An implant can be placed in the jaw as long as the bone is thick enough and anatomical structures are not interfering. Implants can be used to replace single teeth or several teeth (bridges, implant supported dentures).

Dental implant surgery is most often done as an in-office procedure under local anesthetic. The traditional sequence of an implant is: extract (pull) the tooth, bone graft the area if necessary, wait for healing, place the implant in jaw, wait for the bone to heal around the implant, take impressions place the abutment, and place the implant crown. Note that this implant sequence can vary based on a variety of patient factors including medical history, quality of bone, location of implant and practitioner performing the procedures.

More questions? We’d be happy to address them during your next visit to the office.

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Why a Root Canal is Necessary

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:21:00 GMT

Root canals are often feared and misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, the root canal procedure does not remove the root of the tooth from your mouth. Instead, the treatment is used to save a tooth with a dying nerve. Symptoms frequently include throbbing, constant pain; pain to temperature that lingers for minutes or hours; and [...] The post Why a Root Canal is Necessary appeared first on Doyle Dental.

Symptoms frequently include throbbing, constant pain; pain to temperature that lingers for minutes or hours; and inability to sleep. You might also experience facial swelling or a fistula, which is a pimple on the gum.

There are several reasons that the nerve in the tissue can become infected, including trauma (a hard hit to the tooth), a large cavity to the nerve, or a fractured tooth that exposes the nerve. A root canal should not be a painful procedure if the patient is adequately anesthetized (numb). The procedure for a root canal involves drilling a hole in the top of the tooth, removing the infected nerve with chemicals and files, and filling the root with a rubber like material.

Patients frequently wonder about why they need a root canal, often asking, “Why can’t I just take antibiotics to get rid of the infection?” Root canal treatment is necessary to save a tooth with a damaged or infected nerve—the only other treatment is extraction. Antibiotics are sometimes used in addition to root canal treatment but can’t be used on their own. Using antibiotics without removing the source of the infection (dead blood vessels, tissue and nerve) will only provide temporary relief—and the infection will return. When the infection returns, antibiotics will be less effective.

If you begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above call your dentist immediately. See your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning—don’t wait until something hurts.

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Volunteering with the Mission of Mercy

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 19:41:00 GMT

(Picture: Dr. Doyle, Dr. Bob Doherty, Dr. Paul Kim of the 9th District Dental Association.) In mid-June, I participated in the first Mission of Mercy held in New York State. Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants from all over the state traveled to Troy, NY to provide free dental work for anyone that came to the [...] The post Volunteering with the Mission of Mercy appeared first on Doyle Dental.

(Picture: Dr. Doyle, Dr. Bob Doherty, Dr. Paul Kim of the 9th District Dental Association.)

In mid-June, I participated in the first Mission of Mercy held in New York State. Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants from all over the state traveled to Troy, NY to provide free dental work for anyone that came to the clinic. On the day I volunteered, more than 500 patients were treated at Hudson Valley Community College’s gymnasium. Treatment included cleanings, x-rays, restorations, root canals, and extractions.

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Brighter Teeth for the Summer

Wed, 04 Jun 2014 15:11:00 GMT

The summer season is the perfect time to whiten your teeth. It’s great to show off that brighter smile at those summer events, such as proms and weddings. Bleaching strips also make great gifts for that recent graduate that may be going on job interviews. We now offer three whitening options to fit any budget: [...] The post Brighter Teeth for the Summer appeared first on Doyle Dental.

The summer season is the perfect time to whiten your teeth. It’s great to show off that brighter smile at those summer events, such as proms and weddings. Bleaching strips also make great gifts for that recent graduate that may be going on job interviews. We now offer three whitening options to fit any budget: Zoom Whitening, custom bleaching trays, and bleaching strips. Call our office (845-225-3406 ) to inquire about whitening options and to schedule an appointment, today!

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Why Do You Have Different Types of Dentistry Degrees?

Wed, 21 May 2014 21:49:00 GMT

Observant patients might notice that I, Dr. Dan Doyle, have a different dentistry degree than Dr. Romina Doyle and Dr. Dennis Doyle. Why, you ask? The answer has to do with Harvard in the mid-19th century. The original American dentistry degree is the D.D.S., which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. [...] The post Why Do You Have Different Types of Dentistry Degrees? appeared first on Doyle Dental.

The original American dentistry degree is the D.D.S., which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. It was first awarded by the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery around 1840.

When Harvard University started its own dental school in the mid-1800s, though, they ran into a problem: They awarded all of their degrees in Latin, but they found that the Latin translation of “Doctor of Dental Surgery” was awkward. After consulting a Latin scholar, Harvard changed the degree to “Doctor of Dental Medicine,” or D.M.D.

Some universities followed suit, including my alma mater, Farleigh Dickinson, and began awarding the D.M.D. Others, like the University at Buffalo (the alma mater of Drs. Romina & Dennis) stuck with the D.D.S.

Functionally, though, both degrees are essentially the same, since all dentists are required to pass the same licensing exams.

Dental hygienists also have two types of degrees: individuals finishing a two-year program are awarded a Registered Dental Hygienist degree (R.D.H.), while those finishing a four-year program receive a R.D.H.B.S.

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How to Make Sure Your Child Has Healthy Teeth—and a Bright Smile

Wed, 07 May 2014 18:55:00 GMT

Childhood cavities and tooth decay (also known as “caries”) are a chronic health condition. In order to avoid caries, we recommend healthy snacking—eating fruits and vegetables—and drinking milk and water instead of juice and soda. However, most of us, kids included, want to enjoy a sweet treat now and again. Aim for chocolate over sticky [...] The post How to Make Sure Your Child Has Healthy Teeth—and a Bright Smile appeared first on Doyle Dental.

However, most of us, kids included, want to enjoy a sweet treat now and again. Aim for chocolate over sticky snacks—fruit roll ups, jelly beans, even raisins will get stuck in the grooves of your teeth. It is best eat a snack or dessert immediately after a meal to limit the amount of exposure your child’s teeth to sugars from the snacks.

Some parents don’t worry about childhood cavities, arguing that “they’re only baby teeth, they’re going to fall out anyways.” That’s true, they are only baby teeth, however, those baby teeth act to hold a space for your child’s adult teeth to come into. And if you allow your child’s tooth/teeth to decay, it could affect your child’s adult teeth.

A few other key tips to keep your child’s mouth healthy:
1. Good oral hygiene: Brush 2 times a day (after meals if possible), and floss between teeth that are touching.
2. Visit the dentist every 6 months so that your child’s teeth can be assessed and treated, if necessary.
3. Fluoride supplement (your child’s dentist/pediatrician can write a prescription for it).

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The Importance of an Early Childhood Orthodontic Evaluation

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:26:00 GMT

#171262833 / gettyimages.com Children start to receive their permanent teeth around their sixth or seventh birthdays, which makes it a time when we can start to see how their adult jaw, bite, and even profile will develop. At this point, we may refer the child for a [...] The post The Importance of an Early Childhood Orthodontic Evaluation appeared first on Doyle Dental.

Children start to receive their permanent teeth around their sixth or seventh birthdays, which makes it a time when we can start to see how their adult jaw, bite, and even profile will develop. At this point, we may refer the child for a visit to an orthodontist, which some parents can find confusing. They ask, quite understandably, “Can’t this wait until they are older?” or “Why do we need to worry about this now?”

The reason why we encourage early orthodontic evaluations is because proper tooth positions have a major effect on facial symmetry and profile, as well as chewing function. While a child is developing, an orthodontist can use orthodontic appliances to control development and growth.

The two most common types of appliances are palatal expanders and headgear. Palatal expanders increase the width of the upper jaw to create space for the adult upper teeth that will be growing in as baby teeth are lost. Headgear is usually used to either enhance or restrict the growth of the lower jaw, with the purpose of making sure that the upper and lower jaw are properly aligned, as well as improving facial profile and aesthetics.

Early interventions are important because puberty limits patients’ orthodontic options—by that point, bone growth has ceased and cannot be easily manipulated. After puberty, correcting orthodontic problems often involves surgical intervention as well as orthodontic treatment.

Early diagnosis often involves less invasive treatment, ensuring the child’s growth can be properly manipulated to achieve optimum facial and dental aesthetics. Benefits of proper tooth alignment include improved chewing function, a normal bite (as opposed to an overbite), and ease of future dental treatment. Patients are encouraged to see an orthodontist early so they can achieve optimum dental health.

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Dr. Dan Doyle’s Dental Mission to Haiti

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:08:00 GMT

Last year, I took a trip to Haiti to work on a dental mission with the Haitian Health Foundation (HHF), a charity that was started by Dr. Jerry Lowney in Norwich, Connecticut. This February, I returned for my second trip. The HHF treats patients all over the country, but we spent our time [...] The post Dr. Dan Doyle’s Dental Mission to Haiti appeared first on Doyle Dental.

The HHF treats patients all over the country, but we spent our time in the rural villages of Fond Rouge Rorbek, Castash, Decide, Palmista, and Fond Rouge Dayere. Working conditions are primitive—there is no electricity or running water in the villages, so I usually set up my “office” under the shadiest tree in the village. One of the villages had me set up in the cock-fighting ring next to the church. The furthest village required a two-mile hike: We loaded up a donkey with our dental chairs and surgical instruments, then crossed a river and walked up the hill to the village.

There are few dentists in the rural areas, so people often live for months or even years with extremely painful teeth. Over my week-long visit, I saw about 100 patients and extracted approximately 200 teeth, which is more than I usually remove in a year at our office in Carmel.

Volunteering in Haiti is incredibly satisfying, and each person we treated seemed grateful to have their painful teeth removed. I’m already gathering supplies to return in 2014.

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