Always striving to stay on the cutting edge of the latest technical advances, high-quality continuing education plays an important role for all of us a Door Creek Dental. Our own Daniel Tataje, BDS, recently had the privilege of attending a week-long program at the University of Kentucky studying temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain with doctors from around the world. Presenting the program was Dr Jeffrey P Okeson, a highly sought after lecturer on the subject of TMD and orofacial pain. His textbook Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion is used in most of the US dental schools as well as in many other countries and has been translated into 11 different foreign languages. Among his many accolades, Dr Okeson has received “The International Dentist of the Year Award” from the Academy of Dentistry International. This is the highest award recognized by this Academy and was given to him in recognition of his worldwide efforts in providing education in the area of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.                     

 Dr Okeson and Daniel at the University of Kentucky 2010

During this intensive program Daniel studied, in-depth, how to effectively manage TMD and orofacial pain disorders and how to recognize these disorders from other orofacial pain disorders so correct treatment can be selected. A comprehensive review of the multiple factors that relate to TMD and orofacial pain disorders was also covered. Treatments based on sound scientific principles were presented, with the emphasis on diagnosis. In addition, an introduction to the management of patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea by the use of oral appliances was provided.

“I’m honored to have met and learned from the most prestigious TMD & orofacial pain specialist in the world.” remarked Tataje.

With the cold and flu season upon us and heightened awareness due to the H1N1 virus we thought this would be a great time to inform you of our sterilization procedures.

We have very stringent procedures for sterilization to protect both our patients and our staff. Everything that is touched is sterilized in between patients. This even includes things such as pens, drawer handles, the overhead light, the computer keyboard and mouse. Our keyboards have a protective covering that makes them much easier to sterilize between patients. All of our sterilization procedures, from wipe down medical grade disinfectant to steamed autoclave for our instruments are approved and recommended by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are compliant with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

Rest assured that at Door Creek Dental we are taking all the necessary steps to make sure that your health is protected when you are in our office.

Door Creek Dental has enhanced its standard of care by integrating ViziLite technology into its oral cancer screening protocol. ViziLite is a 2-3 minute painless, non-invasive early detection exam. ViziLite is an adjunct to the conventional head and neck exam utilizing chemiluminescent technology that allows dental professionals to visualize and identify oral abnormalities that may not be evident to the unaided eye.

Our practice is committed to joining the fight against oral cancer and recognizes that the key to reducing the mortality rate associated with oral cancer is through early detection. The ViziLite technology, in conjunction with the standard oral cancer examination, has been proven clinically superior to the standard oral cancer examination alone in clinical trials evaluating 13,000 patients and four FDA studies.

For more information please feel free to contact us.