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.

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.

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.

Fully Reopen

Dear Friends,

The Deans of the three Pennsylvania dental schools have urged that dental offices immediately reopen to prevent the continued decline in dental health in our state and issued guidance on doing so safely. The Pennsylvania DOH and Governor have heeded their guidance and are encouraging dental offices to fully open safely.

We are excited that we will be reopening for preventive and restorative care the week of 5/11.

I have three thoughts I would like share with you:

First, you have always been safe in my office and you will always be safe in my office. We have always exceeded recommendations for infection control and now is no different. There are some changes you will notice and a lot of changes that you will not notice. I would be happy to talk to anyone who wants to know more specifics. Early in my career, I trained and taught the treatment of dental patients with communicable diseases and I know what is needed.

Second, we are here for you now and we will be here for you in the future.

Third, as a small office, we have a lot of advantages. We are extending hours and shifting appointment times to allow for this as well as increasing evening hours to accommodate virtual learning of children and work from home commitments.

If you have specific concerns or requests, please do not hesitate to email or call me. As an eternal optimist, I always believe better days are ahead. Today is always better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today.

I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Joseph Spina

One of the best experiences of my life is when I became a dental patient of Dr. Joseph Spina

One of the best experiences of my life is when I became a dental patient of Dr. Joseph Spina. He has a warm and welcoming personality that can calm even the most extreme “dentalphobe”

I was impressed by the time he spends doing am examination, explaining procedures and answering questions. The patient’s comfort and confidence are his utmost priorities. This was especially evident to me but the way he treated my particular dental problems.

I was very unhappy with my teeth. I had a bridge and crowns that were mismatched and looked terrible. I was pleased to learn that along with being extremely skilled technically, Dr. Spina is also an experienced cosmetic dentist. He began by performing a complete analysis of my mouth and made a plaster model so he could better explain the problem areas that needed to be addressed before he could begin. I appreciated the planning, expertise and artistry Dr. Spina employed to accomplish the vision I had for my new smile. This was a real commitment and collaboration and I am thankful to Dr. Spina for taking on the challenge. When all the work was finished I could not believe how very beautiful and natural my teeth looked and felt.

Katie and Kathy of Dr. Spina’s technical staff also ensures that any problems they notice during routine x-rays and cleanings are immediately brought to his attention. They are his “private eyes” and do an exceptional job of noting any adverse conditions. Madison and Donna, his dental assistants, are his “secret weapon” in delivery exceptional care.

The care and attention I received always make a visit very pleasant and I look forward to having a long association with Dr. Spina’s office.

-Lana Marcinek
5 out of 5 stars

What to Do the Next Time You Hear the Word “Gingivitis”

You might recall hearing the word a time or two. It’s likely you’ve heard it during a TV commercial or an infomercial.

Gingivitis gets a fair share of media attention. And there’s a basic reason.

Gingivitis is the earliest condition and most common form of periodontal (gum) disease. It can impact your oral health, as it does millions, when it attacks your teeth and gum tissue.

The top of the downward spiral

Good dental health relies on maintaining the health of your teeth. It also depends on keeping your gums healthy.

Gingivitis begins the downward trend associated with gum disease. Untreated gum issues can have a long-term and irreversible affect on your oral health.

The bacteria that multiply within the plaque and tartar build up on your teeth can progress into your gum tissue. More specifically, it deep dives into those hard to reach pockets between your teeth and gums.

If the hardened tartar isn’t removed bacteria can begin to cause tooth decay and gum tissue damage. Once the infection sets in and gum disease starts you can ultimately experience tooth loss.

What it helps to notice and what to do

Gingivitis can be treated. The earlier the better.

Color changes in your gum tissue and gums that are swollen, inflamed, and bleeding should be examined. It’s vital to schedule a dental examination when you notice any of these symptoms.

Prioritize your at-home dental care. Routine brushing and flossing can remove and dislodge plaque from building up and hardening into tartar.

Schedule teeth cleanings two times per year to keep your tooth surfaces free from plaque, tartar, and bacteria growth. Once gingivitis has begun a deep cleaning can help eliminate the risk of gum disease progressing.

Ask us about laser dentistry for periodontal treatment. And contact your Wayne dentist to schedule your next dental examination and with your questions about gingivitis.

Best Dentist 2015

I’m so humbled and excited to be named “Best Dentist on the Main Line” by Main Line Magazine. I’m so grateful to have so many patients who have supported me over the years! Thank you! I love you all.