We will always be independent

A few weeks ago, I was at a meeting of dentist from the tristate area. We usually meet quarterly, but this was the first meeting since 2019.

I was horrified. Many of my colleagues had sold to corporate entities. Usually at this meeting, we discuss improving clinical outcomes and how to better serve our patients. These guys spoke only about how to meet the production goals that the company had set for them. Most disturbing, many of the dentists did not change the name of the practice and gave their patients no indication that anything had changed. They gave their patients no indication that they are being controlled by a corporation.

Their patients were no longer the focus of their attention, but a means to an end. Their professional lives were now focused on meeting corporate goals and filling their contractual obligations. I am both incensed and disappointed in my colleagues.

We will always be independent. We don’t work towards financial goals, corporate minimums or any other objective. We only work to provide great dentistry for our community and keep the dental health of our community at a high standard. If my name is on the door, I am doing the dentistry and working toward that goal. If my name is on the door, we will never be corporate owned and ALWAYS focused on improving the dental health of our patients.

Highly recommend Dr. Spina & his team!

Highly recommend Dr. Spina & his team! The office is well kept & organized, Dr. Spina & his staff are very personable, and he does exceptional work. I moved out of the state for several years and recently moved back, and I was thrilled to be able to return to his practice. I have recommended Dr. Spina to several others because he truly is top notch and the practice provides great service.

— Ashley Bonanno Stavish
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Spina and his staff are outstanding!

Dr. Spina and his staff are outstanding! Dr. Spina’s unique combination of experience and skill make his practice the best on the mainline. It also helps that he and his team are extremely genuine and never rush a patient to get to someone else. I actually look forward to going. It’s always a great experience. Highly recommend!!

— Nick Alfier
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Spina did a great job on a more complicated tooth

Dr. Spina did a great job on a more complicated tooth. I had a back tooth that had an issue as a kid. Resulted in a cap in my 20’s. The cap recently came off. I was sent to the nice root canal doctor. Dr. Spina built my original tooth back up for a better fit. Dr. Spina has a kind and relaxed atmosphere and his work is impeccable. He is the second main line dentist I tried after my dentist growing up retired. I have been a patient for about 5 years.

— Chrissy Madden
5 out of 5 stars

Tee-shirts

We have been asked many times about our tee-shirts. We use them to convey information, tell stories, and have some fun. Here are a few of our current favorites from over the last few years.
#vaccinated
#essential
#itwasalladream

Our next tee-shirts are up for some debate. #Waynesmile? #Bikesandteeth?

Our Care Team Vaccinated

I’m very excited to share that myself and my entire team have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Over the last week, we all rolled up our sleeves and got the shot! By the end of the month, we will all have the 2nd shot and be fully vaccinated.

The vaccine, like the HEPA filters, N-95 masks, and extended appointment times, is another tool we can use to keep our patients and our team safe.

I am extremely proud of how safe we have made our office, I am grateful for all our patients who have helped keep us safe, and am looking forward to a glorious 2021!

Our infection control procedures have always been robust, but now they are on steroids.

Our infection control procedures have always been robust. You are safe here and will always be safe here.

We use the same Universal Precaution procedures used by hospitals to treat patients with active Covid-19. Universal precautions protects both the patient and the doctor from transferring anything infections in either direction. This requires we wear face-shields, N-95 masks, level 2 masks, Hepa filters and advanced room asepsis. This system was designed to keep people safe in hospital ICU settings and is considered to be overkill in a dental office, but we are following it to the letter to ensure everyone is safe.

In addition, we have 3 levels of hepa filters. One is in the HVAC system, one in-room hepa filter in each room, and an over-the-patient hepa filter to collect any aerosols.

Dentists by nature are type-A, germaphobe, gadget enthusiasts. As a profession, we are hard-wired to work in this new environment. Please feel free to email the office if you have any questions about our procedures.

UPDATE: Care Team Vaccinated!

Welcome back message from Dr. Spina

Please watch this 30 second video of Dr. Spina modeling his PPE and welcoming everyone back to the office!

We are excited to welcome everyone back to the office. You will notice a lot of new changes (equipment, PPE, etc.) but it is the same practice and we will take the same great care of you!

We can’t wait to see everyone back at the office.

Smile

I was out on my bike on Thursday afternoon and a biker came up behind me who was an old friend of my father. Even at 82 years old, he was clearly the better rider.

We spoke for a while about Covid, the challenges of home school, the practice, and the state of the world. He brushed off all of my concerns and said simply ,“You are bigger than Covid. We are bigger than Covid and the world is bigger than Covid.”

As he pulled away because I could not keep up his strong pace, I smiled knowing once again that we would conquer this challenge like all others in the past.

Live strong Marco. May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back. Can’t wait for you to kick my ass on a bike again.

Exceed CDC/OSHA Guidelines

We have always exceeded CDC and OSHA guidelines for staff and patient safety. We have always been safe and will always be safe in my office.

Since new CDC and OSHA guidelines have been released, we have again increased all of our protocols and systems to exceed those standards once again.

There are some things you will notice. We are all wearing N-95 masks, gowns, face shields, and head covers. We have increased appointment times and, hopefully, reduced wait times to zero in the waiting room. We have converted to “no touch” protocols for payments and records.

There are some things you may not notice. We have HEPA filters to clean room air in every room as well as HEPA/UV filters in the HVAC system. We also have installed specialty over-the-patient air suction HEPA filters to eliminate any aerosols generated.

We are always safe here and will always exceed local, state, and national standards for infection control.