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Our Orthodontic Team
The past year has seen some changes in our orthodontic team. First, we have grown from what was once a team of four, just three years ago, to a team of eight.

In 2011 two of our staff members had some new exciting life changes! Sara got married last summer and has moved to the inland empire. Due to the commute, her last official day was July 31st. But, after several months away, Sara has returned to the office on a part-time basis. 

Also this past summer, Patty gave birth to a healthy baby boy! After returning to work from maternity leave, Patty decided that she wanted to be home with her son and they are both doing fantastic!

We have added 4 new team members this year; Aileen, Dora, Claire, and Christi. They all have extensive experience in orthodontics and are proving to be a great asset to our offices. You can read more about them here. Finally, you may notice that the back office is a little quieter in January. Dina is on medical leave and will not be back until February. All went well with her surgery and she is doing well! Luckily, Sara has offered to fill in, and she will be with us full time until Dina returns.  
 
Items of Importance
Updated Medical Dental History

Starting January 1st, 2012 we will be asking all patients (or patient’s parents) to fill out an updated medical dental history form. We will have the forms at the reception desk. If there have been any changes please check “Yes" and explain in the space provided. If not please check “No”. After checking the appropriate box, sign and date the form and that is it! We would like to thank all of our patients ahead of time for helping us with this matter.

Quarterly Counting Contests

We have gotten a little bit behind with our quarterly counting contests. Starting January 1st, expect a new counting contest each and every quarter of the year! The winners will be announced in our next quarterly email newsletter.
 
 
Our Phone System

There have been a couple of times over the past year that we have had problems with our phone system. Normally, during business hours, the phones will forward between the Artesia and Orange offices (except for Fridays). After hours (lunch, evenings, and weekends) the phone forwards to an emergency answering service. For some unidentifiable reason, this system will occasionally break down.  So, if for any reason you are not able to get through to the office, please call the other office. There is somebody in one of the offices every weekday of the year except for major holidays. 

Another thing that we would like to bring to our patients’ attention is that when we make confirmation calls the outgoing number is always one of our many secondary phone numbers. We have noticed that some patients store these number in their mobile phones. Please be aware that these numbers do not ever forward to the other office or to our emergency answering service. 

It is worth noting that our staff check the office email (info@humphriesortho.com) throughout every day (even the weekends). If it is more convenient, and it is not an urgent matter, you may always contact us through email. Ultimately, we want to make sure that our patients can always get ahold of us. So, if for some reason you call the office and you not are greeted by a friendly voice, please give the other office a try. 
 
Ortho TidBits
MacGyver for your Braces

Did you know that you can use sugarless bubblegum as a substitute for wax if you have a poking wire or broken bracket. Obviously wax is a better solution but, if you find yourself in a bind, sugarless gum works quite well. Just be sure not to use gum with sugar, as this is not good for your teeth.

Did you know...

If left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease or bone destruction.

A child should first visit an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. Early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time-consuming.

There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States.

The first recorded orthodontic-like method of treatment was performed by the Roman writer Celsus (25 B.C.-A.D. 50).
 
 
Patient Spotlight
We will be adding a patient spotlight in our upcoming newsletter. Please feel free to share whatever is new and exciting in your lives so that we can put you in the spotlight! 
(Below - Tom Cruise in clear braces)
 
Wooden Nickels
We get a lot of questions about the wooden nickel program. The goal of the program is to encourage compliance throughout orthodontic treatment and to celebrate patient achievements and accomplishments. It is our effort to make each and every visit as fun as possible. Click on the wooden nickel below for a full explanation and a summary of the prizes. You can also click here.
 
 
Sage M. Humphries, D.D.S., M.S., Inc.
725 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 120 • Orange, CA 92868 • 714-997-5961
18000 Pioneer Blvd. Suite 207 • Artesia, CA 90701 • 562-860-1333